Mahindra launches affordable, feature-packed light SUV
Indian car maker Mahindra enters the light SUV segment with its keenly priced but confusingly named XUV 3XO.
XUV 3XO might sound like the name of Elon Musk’s latest offspring but in fact it’s the title of Mahindra’s newest offering on the Australian market.
A compact or ‘light’ SUV that is priced from an attractive $23,490 driveaway, the XUV 3XO is the Indian car maker’s most compelling SUV offering yet, and follows in the tracks of the Mahindra Scorpio large SUV and the XUV700 medium-SUV.
Unlike these larger turbo four-cylinder-powered models, the new XUV 3XO is powered by a three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine which musters 82kW/200Nm and drives the front wheels via a six-speed Aisin torque converter automatic transmission.
While that’s not the sort of power output to get a hot hatch enthusiast excited, the compact SUV weighs just 1,392kg, enabling respectable 0-60km/h acceleration of 4.6 seconds, although no figures were provided for the 0-100km/h dash.
Combined cycle fuel consumption is a reasonably thrifty 6.5L/100km, which is more than the front-wheel drive Yaris Cross Hybrid’s 3.8L/100km, but comparable to the 6.3L/100km used by the Mazda CX-3’s larger and more powerful 2.0-litre engine, which musters a more assertive 110kW/195Nm.
Another rival, the Suzuki Ignis, is powered by a similar capacity 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine and manages a superior 4.9L/100km but boast less power and torque (66kW/120Nm).
While many category rivals will better the Mahindra’s performance, only the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro ($23,990 driveaway), Hyundai Venue (from $22,750) and Suzuki Ignis (from $21,490) can best Mahindra’s sharp launch ricing.
The XUV 3XO is offered in two variants the AX5L, priced from $23,490 driveaway, and the AX7L, priced from $26,490 driveaway, with the driveaway pricing being an introductory offer for July and August, after which each model will be $500 more expensive plus on-road costs.
Standard feature of both models includes dual 10.25-inch infotainment screen and digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 360-degree surround-view system with blind-spot monitor, tyre position display, electric parking brake, keyless entry and push-button start.
Over and above this the premium AX7L adds a panoramic sunroof, soft touch leatherette dash and door trims, 17-inch alloy wheels, LED front fog lights, front parking sensors, and a Harman Kardon audio system with even speakers.
Standard safety features on both models include six airbags and electronic stability program, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist and smart pilot assist, traffic sign recognition and high beam assist.
Despite this the new model has not undergone ANCAP safety testing, with a spokesperson for Mahindra saying the company preferred to wait until the introduction of new ANCAP standards in 2026 before testing the vehicle.
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