Mahindra XUV 3XO: Pros and Cons

The XUV 3XO is not a new-gen model but an extensive facelift. And it’s just not on the design front, but also the offerings. Mahindra received more than 50,000 bookings within an hour, so things have started on a positive note. So should you ride the wave and buy it? Well, we tell you both sides of the story.

Pro - Powertrain Options

Carried over from the XUV300, the XUV 3XO comes with a variety of powertrain options. You have a choice of a turbo-petrol engine in two states of tune and a diesel engine as well. You also get the option of a 6-speed manual, a 6-speed AMT and the new Aisin-sourced 6-speed torque converter automatic.

Surprisingly, the 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine with the higher state of tune is more frugal. But the diesel is unbeatable in terms of fuel efficiency as with the AMT it returns 21.2 kmpl.

Pro - Ride Quality

Mahindra has improved the already fantastic suspension from the XUV 300 with this facelift. The result is a steady ride. On big bumps, it is very poised and even smaller bumps are dealt with ease.

Pro - Safety Features

There’s a plethora of safety features on offer with the XUV 3XO. It gets 6 airbags, ESC, 3-point seatbelts with reminders for all seats and so many more safety features as standard. And then, the icing on the cake is that it's the first subcompact SUV with level 2 ADAS. Let’s wait and watch how it performs at the Global NCAP crash tests.

Pro - Prices

Mahindra knocked it out of the park with the XUV 3XO. Only the Renault Kiger and Nissan Magnite have a lower starting price than the Mahindra. The top-end price of the XUV 3XO may be higher than its rivals but there is so much on offer here.

Pro - Features

The XUV 3XO is packed to the brim with features. A 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity is available on all but the base trim, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a Harman Kardon audio system, a panoramic sunroof, ADAS and so much more.

Now let’s have a look at where the XUV 3XO lacks.

Cons - Waiting Period

A long waiting period is a problem not just with the XUV 3XO but with most of Mahindra’s lineup in India. Mahindra currently has an order backlog of around 2 lakh 20 thousand units, which includes 50,000 units of the XUV 3XO. While deliveries begin on May 26 it may be time before you get your hands on one if you’re not one of those 50,000 people.

Cons - Lack of AT with Diesel

Adding the new 6-speed automatic gearbox in the mix was a good move by Mahindra. But not giving it with the diesel engine may not have been the best move.

Cons - White Interior

India is a dusty country so a white interior is prone to get dirty very soon, even in dry weather conditions and it will just get dirtier in monsoon. A darker upholstery option would have been nice though.

Cons – Boot

While it may not have the smallest boot in the subcompact SUV segment, it does have a problem and that is the high point of loading and the low floor.

Now that you have seen what is great about the XUV 3XO and what is not. Let us know if you’ll buy it.