The Mahindra XUV 3XO is a surprisingly easy expertise, providing just a little little bit of every part: city-friendly dimension, a rugged construct for when the street will get tough and a few nifty options that elevate the general drive.
Throughout the six days that the Mail & Guardian had the automobile, the XUV 3XO confirmed itself to be responsive, with acceleration that feels simple and managed. It’s not going to provide the thrill of a sports activities automobile nevertheless it’s no slouch both.
The acceleration picks up easily, providing sufficient velocity for fast overtakes and freeway stretches.
The XUV 3XO has a 1.2 litre turbocharged engine that outputs 82 kilowatts of energy and 200Nm of torque and it’s completely matched to the 6-speed, computerized, Aisin-sourced gearbox, which could be very highly effective and economical.
The gasoline consumption was round 6.2 litres per 100km, even throughout city driving.
What stood out most, although, was how properly it dealt with within the rain. The brakes felt sharp and dependable, including a way of safety when driving on slick roads which was backed up by the insane quantity of security options.
The highest-spec mannequin has lane-keep help, blind-spot displays, entrance and rear parking sensors and adaptive cruise management.
Whereas all of this provides a contact of additional security, the lane-keep help function may be bullying. Generally, when you’re throughout the traces of the lane, the steering wheel nonetheless turns into stiff and pulls the automobile, which doesn’t simply make you nervous, however uncomfortable.
Nevertheless, the automobile did rating a 5-star EuroNCAP ranking for its security.
Two of the largest pluses of this automobile are its dimension and flexibility. As a mini-SUV, it looks like the most effective of each worlds. It’s compact sufficient to navigate metropolis visitors and discover parking with out drama, nevertheless it additionally has sufficient peak and sturdiness for a little bit of bundu-bashing, if the temper strikes. You could possibly simply take it from the suburbs to the bush with out feeling as should you’re compromising on consolation or management.
Talking of consolation, the inside feels stable. The structure is clear and practical and there’s sufficient legroom and headspace to maintain longer drives snug.
It’s not a luxurious cabin nevertheless it doesn’t really feel low-cost both.
The standout function for the Mail & Guardian was the digicam system. Positive, most vehicles have a reverse digicam nowadays, however the XUV 3XO takes it a step additional. When making a proper or left flip, the automobile prompts facet cameras that pop up over the steering wheel show subsequent to the speedometer. It’s a small contact however one which makes metropolis driving and tight cornering a lot smoother.
The M&G additionally discovered the digital cluster to be one of the crucial very good and sensible we’ve ever used. It actually was a central management system and allowed the opposite display screen to simply be a radio, which was refreshing.
Too lots of the newer vehicles need you to manage every part from the infotainment system. With the Mahindra, the infotainment system may very well be used solely to blast your music with no worries.
This top-spec mannequin comes geared up with a Harman Kardon sound system, which places out nice, clear sound. This was simply the cherry on prime of what was already a surprisingly good automobile.
The outside design is daring. There’s a form of understated confidence to it, with clear traces and a robust grille that give it a stable street presence with out being too flashy. It looks like a automobile that’s constructed to deal with totally different terrains and driving circumstances whereas nonetheless wanting sharp sufficient for the town.
The infinity LED tail lamp is an actual standout function on the outside because it provides the automobile a way of individuality. Whereas most automobiles nowadays have a lightbar straight throughout the again, the XUV 3XO’s one joins the taillights, which supplies the again a really imply look.
Mahindra has improved on this automobile from the earlier technology to make it a succesful compact SUV that’s adequate to compete on this section. What makes it even higher is that the entry mannequin of this automobile (which clearly received’t have that cool facet digicam) is round VW Polo cash.
The Mahindra XUV 3XO left a great impression on us on the M&G. It’s a dependable, versatile choice that fits each city and off-road adventures. It may not be the flashiest SUV available on the market nevertheless it’s sensible, easy and full of considerate options that make the drive simpler and extra gratifying.
For those who’re searching for a automobile that may deal with the hustle of the town and the decision of the wild, however can be reasonably priced, the XUV 3XO is price contemplating.
Pricing:
- 1.2T MX2 MT – R254 999
- 1.2T MX2 AT – R274 999
- 1.2T MX3 MT – R274 999
- 1.2T MX3 AT – R294 999
- 1.2T AX5 MT – R319 999
- 1.2T AX5 AT – R344 999
- 1.2T AX5L AT – R374 999
- 1.2T AX7L AT – R404 999 (examined)