Mahindra specifically mentioned that they had worked on improving the damping characteristics to soak up undulations and rough bits—of which we have plenty to go around—and there is noticeably less judder and unnecessary thuds. It soaks up all irregularities well while keeping the wheels where they belong—pointed in the right direction. It still uses a trusted strut front and twist beam rear, but the spring rates, compression and rebound have been tuned exceptionally well, making the Mahindra XUV 3XO a joy to drive. The steering feel is still a little on the lighter side but, overall, as a package, it inspires driving confidence with the refinement to belie its actual speed. Yes, road and wind noise are kept out well and the cabin stays quiet—even nicer with the “Horn Not Ok Please” painted on the rear ends of almost all yellow-reg transport vehicles in and around Nashik.
Once outside, the high single-figure economy figure (nine km/l) from the city went up—eventually—to 13 km/l on the open highway. Yes, there are drive modes, three of them, Zip, Zap and Zoom. “Zip” is the economy mode with a chloroformed throttle response under pressure. “Zap” is the more normal mode where everything is adequately responsive and the most usable. “Zoom” is like a sport mode with more immediate responses and a chunkier fuel map for a greater surge of power. I found myself moving between Zip and Zap depending on the sort of stretches on the way, and volume of traffic.
We even headed off the highway and into the dirt. The Mahindra XUV 3XO can handle more than its fair share of the rough stuff when faced with it. With an approach angle of 23.6° and a departure angle of 39.6°, with generous ground clearance in between, there is added confidence when tackling some rather daunting obstacles. It even has a wading depth of 350 mm, making it okay when dealing with shin-deep water levels. The chassis is constructed with a mix of steel, including the ultra-high-strength variety, for maximum stiffness and rigidity, making it adept at handling some bone-breaking section off-road. The suspension does a fantastic job of making things easier even here in the untamed wilderness.
To summarise, the new Mahindra XUV 3XO is a significant step forward with a fantastic ride quality and a potent selection of powertrains, all packaged in a stunning-looking form with a long list of modern kit including premium Harman/Kardon audio with a digital amplifier, radar-camera-sensor active advanced driver assistance with adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist with some degree of steering assist, plus autonomous braking with a suitable collision warning. In the higher AX trims, the AdrenoX software suite, with the accompanying smartphone app, takes things further.
The Mahindra XUV 3XO is available with a choice of three engines. Two turbo-petrol three-pots, one port-injected and one direct-injected, each available with a six-speed automatic, are offered alongside a turbo-diesel with their “autoSHIFT” automated transmission option. A six-speed manual is the standard transmission. Prices start from Rs 7.49 lakh for the 110-hp 1.2 Turbo-MPI and Rs 11.99 lakh for the 130-hp TGDI petrols. The diesel line starts from Rs 9.99 lakh, all ex-showroom.
Mahindra have created a compelling package in the XUV 3XO. However, I can’t help but notice that they have set their sights on being better while keeping prices in check. The atmosphere seemed to be how they can give buyers an option in the segment that has the kit they expect and then some, while keeping costs competitive. Then again, there’s the old saying, “To be the man, you gotta beat the man!” From where I am sitting, Mahindra are only hoping to be a better option for buyers in the compact SUV segment. Their competition assessment for the features says it all. Their “Competitor A” is among the bestselling compact SUVs for a while because of its safety rating and features on paper; but I wouldn’t touch it with a 20-foot pole. Their “Competitor B” is a less-equipped but capable all-rounder which is a decent package overall and feels nice to be in as well. However, in my opinion, both of these are at best middle-of-the-segment products that work because of their brand value, whereas the best of the compact SUV segment was not even considered—and it’s got ADAS and a diesel option with a proper torque-converter automatic. “Aim for the stars”, they say, “and you may hit the moon.” I think Mahindra have aimed for the moon. Will it be the best in the segment? No, it probably will not, considering the company’s own aspirations. Will it be the segment-disruptor as they are confident it will be? That looks very likely indeed.
Need to Know – Mahindra XUV 3XO 1.2 TGDI AX7L AT
Price: Rs 15.49 lakh (ex-showroom)
Engine: 1.2-litre, three-cylinder, turbo-petrol, direct-injection
Max Power: 130 hp @ 5000 rpm
Max Torque 230 Nm (+20 Nm) @ 1500-3750 rpm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic, front-wheel drive
Suspension: MacPherson strut front, twist beam rear
Weight: 1250-1300 kg (estimated)
