Complete Guide to Buying a Mahindra XUV 3XO

The Mahindra XUV300 was an underrated compact SUV and one of the least popular models in that space. Although it had the firepower, a below average boot-space, dated cabin and some features omissions pushed it to the back of the busy lot. The segment continues to be dominated by established players such as the Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue and the Maruti Brezza. In an attempt to make its mark, Mahindra has heavily updated the XUV300 to transform it into the XUV 3X0 – a fresh take on the idea rather than a brand new car from the ground up. The XUV300 had the potential from the start but has Mahindra tapped into it, ironed out the issues, and made it work this time around? On paper, it looks promising, but to make your buying decision easy, here’s a complete guide on the new Mahindra SUV, what’s to love and what’s not to love about it.

Mahindra XUV 3XO Specifications

Why you should consider the Mahindra XUV400

There are many reasons why you should pick the Mahindra XUV 3XO over its rivals. But to make this guide more definitive, here are the three main reasons why the XUV 3XO deserves a hard look: 

Turbo Petrol Performance

If you are looking for numbers and performance, the XUV 3XO seems to have delivered. The base variants get a 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine that develops 110 PS / 200 Nm which is much better in contrast to its rivals, some of which only offer naturally aspirated petrol engines. Moving up, you also get the same engine in a fiercer 130 PS / 230 Nm tune offering more than enough performance making the XUV 3XO a rapid SUV. These engines combined with the 6-speed manual and automatic transmission delivers on paper and makes a strong case for the new Mahindra if numbers influence your buying decision. 

Diesel Power

Diesel engines are on the verge of extinction and this is a fact. These oil burners are rapidly being replaced by strong and mild hybrid options with good fuel economy. However, a frugal and punchy diesel is still one of the most economical options without sacrificing on performance. Furthermore, diesel engines make for great road trip cars that can effortlessly cruise interstate with plenty of tank-to-tank range. For the diesel buyers out there, the XUV 3XO is a terrific choice as it offers one of the best, if not the best,diesel engines in this space. The 1.5-litre CRDe diesel develops 117PS and an impressive 300 Nm of torque mated to a 6-speed manual or an AMT. Considering Mahindra’s diesel engines on offer now, this unit will be refined and smooth making it an even sensible choice. 

Features

A long and effective list of features are crucial for a car today. With the XUV 3XO Mahindra has done its best with some great features on board. Some of the highlights include a panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, Harman Kardon 9-speaker sound system, 10.25-inch driver’s display, 10.25-inch central infotainment system, dual-zone air conditioning system, a whole host of connected car features, 4-wheel disc brakes as standard, and the Level 2 ADAS suite. Except for seat ventilation and a full size spare, the XUV 3XO has no major feature misses, be it safety or convenience. Some of the ADAS features are adaptive cruise control, lane keep and lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and auto emergency brake. 

Why you should not consider the Mahindra XUV400

The XUV 3XO might look like the perfect sub-4m SUV, but it isn’t and there are some qualities that make it less desirable.

Boot Space

Mahindra claims a boot-space of 364 litres according to ISO V215, but the actual usable boot space on offer is 295 litres. It is also true that some hatchbacks have better boot space than the XUV 3XO. There is no workaround to this downside as well. However, if this is something you can live with, the XUV 3XO should never be ignored. If you want to carry around more luggage with you, some of the competition might be a better option. 

Polarising Design

The biggest talking point of the XUV 3XO is its design. The fact that it is the point of conversation is a win for Mahindra. The initial reception to the design has not been the most positive. However, the design has the potential to grow over time. But as it stands now, the design is splitting opinions and some find the design is trying too hard to be an SUV.

Mahindra XUV 3XO Variants

Just like every other compact SUV, there’s a variety of variants to choose from with the three engine and three gearbox options: 

Best Mahindra XUV 3XO Variant to buy

This is a tricky question to answer. If you prefer a diesel version that could do long distance runs, the AX5 manual variants would be more suitable than the AMT version. This version is fairly loaded and offers good value for Rs 12.09 lakh (ex-showroom). If you want the version which offers the most value, it has to be the MX2 variants with the base 1.2-litre MPI petrol engine. It misses out on a lot of kit but you get a turbo petrol engine, a good gearbox, and a price around the Rs 10.00 lakh mark that won’t hurt you much. However, if you want a fairly loaded version with the more powerful T-GDI engine, the AX5 Luxury variants are the best option as you get the Level 2 ADAS with these versions.

Mahindra XUV400 Warranty & Service Cost

Mahindra is offering a 3-year standard warranty (unlimited kms) for the XUV 3XO while also offering 2 years of free road-side assistance. This can be availed even during less important mishaps such as running out of fuel or losing your key. As usual, there’s also an option to opt for extended warranty for that added peace of mind and ownership experience. 

Final Thoughts 

The Mahindra XUV 3XO is hard to fault. What Mahindra did was improve a good base (XUV 300) and make it more relevant for the market and the busy competition. The potent petrol engine options and the punchy diesel engine are its USPs, along with good ride, handling and a commendable list of features. The SUV does not miss out on many features and offers crowd favourites such as connected features, ADAS and the panoramic sunroof. The low boot space is the only deterrent in an otherwise well-rounded package. The outlandish design can be subjective and something that may or may not appeal to some. In brief, and on paper, the XUV 3XO is near perfect with performance, features and qualities to make it a winner. The cut-throat sub-4m space can be ruthless at times and the XUV 300 was a victim of that. Mahindra seems to have done its homework so they don’t replay that story again.