Mahindra XUV 3XO launched at Rs 7.49 lakh, gets new AISIN torque-convertor AT option for petrol trims

Homegrown automaker Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) has introduced the facelifted version of its compact SUV - XUV300 - now rechristened as the Mahindra XUV 3XO - at prices starting at Rs 7.49 lakh for the entry-level XUV 3XO MX1 trim. The prices for the refreshed compact SUV go all the way up to Rs 15.49 lakh for the top-spec AX7L variant. Along with a design that’s inspired by Mahindra’s upcoming 'BE' family of electric SUVs, the XUV 3XO gets a major update to its features list, and gets a new automatic option for one of the petrol engines as well.

Compared to the outgoing XUV300, the XUV 3XO has less than half the amount of variants – the total number of trims is down from 25 to 18 – and entry prices have been lowered by Rs 50,000. There are nine trim lines on offer – MX1, MX2, MX2 PRO, MX3, MX3 PRO, AX5, AX5 L, AX7 and AX7 L. It is interesting to note that the XUV 3XO automatic range starts as low as Rs 9.99 lakh, while the first XUV variant with a sunroof, the MX2 PRO, starts at Rs 8.99 lakh.

The updates to the SUV include a more angular nose, new LED DRLs, and a revised front bumper and headlamp assembly. The compact SUV also sports a new two-part grille with a larger central air intake on the bumper. The rear has a redesigned and smoother-looking tailgate with a full-width LED light bar, and sleeker, C-shaped tail-lamps; the registration plate is now mounted on the rear bumper instead of on the tailgate. The XUV 3XO also gets a new set of alloy wheels finished in dark chrome, at least on the higher-spec trims.

Mahindra will offer the XUV 3XO in seven exterior colours including Citrine Yellow, Dune Dust, Nebula Blue, Deep Forest, Stealth Black and Everest White. Higher-spec PRO variants also get dual-tone colour options. Mahindra claims that the XUV 3XO has approach, and departure angles of 23.6 dgrees and 39.6 degrees, respectively, and a water wading depth of 350mm. 

Revamped cabin, high-on-safety

While the XUV 3XO’s cabin is quite similar to its EV version - XUV400 - right from the dashboard design to the features list, the compact SUV gets even more safety kit and crature comforts. Other than the previously confirmed 10.25-inch infotainment screen and driver display, panoramic sunroof (940mm long and 870mm wide) and dual-zone climate control, the top-spec XUV 3XO AX7L Pro trim gets all-LED lighting, a seven-speaker Harman Kardon audio system with a 380W amplifier, the Adrenox Connect in-car connectivity suite, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 65W Type C charging port in the front, a wireless charger, rear AC vents, and a rear Type-C charger. 

Soft-touch materials have also been used on the dash for a more premium feel. Mahindra claims that boot space has also increased compared to the XUV300; it's up from 257 litres to 295 litres. 60:40 split-folding seats are standard. All variants get safety features like 6 airbags, rear disc brakes, ESP , and ISOFIX anchors.

Higher-spec versions also get an electronic parking brake with auto-hold, hill-start and hill descent assist, a 360-degree camera, blind spot monitor and Level 2 ADAS technology.

For entry-level MX1, MX2 PRO, MX3 and AX5 variants, Mahindra offers the 111hp, 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine with a 6-speed manual (ARAI-rated 18.89kpl fuel economy) and a 6-speed torque convertor (17.96kpl) option. Nearly all variants of the XUV 3XO get a 117hp, 1.5-litre diesel with 6-speed manual (20.6kpl) and 6-speed AMT (21.2kpl) options (priced about Rs 80,000 higher than the manual). Meanwhile, AX5L variants and higher are powered by the 131hp, 1.2-litre direct injection turbo-petrol unit, which is available with an Aisin-sourced 6-speed torque convertor automatic option (18.2kpl) and costs Rs 1.5 lakh more than its 6-speed manual counterpart (20.1kpl).