Mahindra recently announced prices for the heavily updated XUV300, which is now christened the Mahindra XUV 3XO. While much is already known about the updated Tata Nexon rival, we take a closer look at the most significant changes in an interview with R Velusamy, president of automotive technology and product development at Mahindra.
Mahindra XUV 3XO: styling updates add practicality
While the XUV 3XO got a major design overhaul, most of it has been cleverly confined to plastic bits and there aren’t many sheet metal changes. “We have carried over the existing bonnet. Grille, bumper and headlamps are new,” said Velusamy. At the back, the tailgate is the major sheet metal change.
“The previous tailgate was not looking attractive. The new-look tailgate has a flatter design with connected tail lamps, which look better. Also, the new tailgate is more vertically positioned; this along with a slightly deeper area in the boot and slight repositioning of the panels [means] there is 40 litres of more boot space.” Mahindra has also reprofiled the XUV 3X0’s rear bumper to give it a fresher look.
Mahindra XUV 3XO now has a lot in common with XUV700
The XUV 3X0 has a lot more tech than the discontinued XUV300 and quite a bit has been carried over from the brand’s flagship, the XUV700. This not only creates greater economies of scale but also helps the brand avoid niggles later by choosing tried and tested components.
“The XUV 3X0 gets two infotainment head units; the one used in the AX line-up is from the XUV700,” explained Velusamy. “The ADAS modules, the SVS setup with four cameras, and also the CDC (continuous damping control) system, except the display, are carried over.”
Additionally, the XUV 3XO’s audio system components, including the amplifier, are actually the ones that will feature in the brand’s upcoming born-electric SUV line-up.
Mahindra XUV 3XO powertrains get tweaks; new Aisin auto gearbox
The XUV 3XO gets two 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine options, with the lower variants equipped with a non-direct injection motor that churns out 111hp and 200Nm. This engine is mated to a 6-speed manual as standard. The 1.2-litre TGDI petrol engine, which features direct injection, is good for 131hp and up to 250Nm of peak torque. While the 6-speed manual is also standard here, gearbox choices for both turbo-petrol engines include an Aisin-sourced 6-speed torque converter automatic, which has been updated, too.
“This gearbox is the Gen 3 version from Aisin, which is more refined. It has better drivability thanthe Gen 2 variant and a higher oscillation, along with a wider angle and super-long damper, which works well with the three-cylinder engine; this means the torque-convertor effect is less and the fuel consumption is lower, too,” explained Velusamy.
The diesel engine is now more refined as well, “The 1.5-litre diesel engine has been recalibrated and it works even smother now with the AMT gearbox.” Engine refinement is now said to be on par with rival vehicles. The diesel engine has an ‘AdBlue’ system, which helps it clear the stringent BS6.2 emission norms by keeping the motor cleaner, thus adding to its reliability and reducing emissions.
“By using this system, you absolutely reduce the soot inside the combustion system, which then increases the NOx. With AdBlue, you kill the NOx. So, the engine is clean, the exhaust system is clean. Therefore, the air is clean,” Velusamy stated.
Mahindra XUV 3XO also gets a recalibrated suspension
The suspension setup has been redone after customer feedback, the head of product development said. “The ride was firmer on the XUV300 and this was the feedback from the market. We reduced the damper forces, but thanks to MTVCL tech from XUV700 and the Scorpio N, which is now added to the XUV 3XO, the body roll is controlled. This technology bumps up the damper forces at low speeds and reduces them drastically at higher speeds. This helps minimise body roll and head toss.”
The ESP tech is also new. It has been completely recalibrated and gets a 9.3 system from Bosch, which now can do multiple calculations. The system, along with the inertial sensor, calculates drift, lateral acceleration, forward acceleration, the roll and the pitch, and the yaw. So, once it senses [the change] and sends [the info] to the computer, then it’s able to brake. The ESP is able to act and give the very best experience. The XUV 3XO’s higher variants also get an electric parking brake.
Mahindra XUV 3X0 pricing and rivals
| Mahindra XUV 3XO vs rivals: price | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mahindra XUV 3XO | Hyundai Venue | Kia Sonet | Tata Nexon | Maruti Brezza | Nissan Magnite | Renault Kiger | Maruti Fronx | Toyota Taisor | |
| Petrol MT | Rs 7.49-13.99 lakh | Rs 7.94-12.80 lakh | Rs 7.99-10 lakh | Rs 8.15-13.80 lakh | Rs 8.34-12.74 lakh | Rs 6-10.16 lakh | Rs 6-10.23 lakh | Rs 7.51-11.63 lakh | Rs 7.74-11.63 lakh |
| Petrol AT | Rs 9.99-15.49 lakh | Rs 11.86-13.48 lakh | Rs 10.56-14.75 lakh | Rs 10-15 lakh | Rs 11.10-14.14 lakh | Rs 6.60-11.27 lakh | Rs 7.10-11.23 lakh | Rs 8.88-13.04 lakh | Rs 9.12-13.04 lakh |
| Diesel MT | Rs 9.99-14.99 lakh | Rs 10.71-13.44 lakh | Rs 9.80-13.80 lakh | Rs 11.10-15.20 lakh | - | - | - | - | - |
| Diesel AT | Rs 11.69-14.49 lakh | - | Rs 12.70-15.75 lakh | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Also see: Mahindra XUV 3XO price, variants, features explained
Other than the Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger, Mahindra’s compact SUV has the lowest starting price in the segment, undercutting the Kia Sonet, Hyundai Venue, Maruti Brezza, Tata Nexon, Maruti Fronx and Toyota Taisor.
On the other hand, the top-spec XUV 3XO AX7 L costs quite a bit more than the equivalent range-topping versions of its rivals. However, you seem to get more tech in this variant with segment-leading features such as a panoramic sunroof, Level 2 ADAS tech and dual-zone climate control.
Also see:
Mahindra product head R Velusamy speaks in-depth on the XUV 3XO
Mahindra XUV 3XO vs rivals: specifications compared
Mahindra XUV 3XO vs rivals: Fuel efficiency comparison
Mahindra XUV 3XO review - Feature and power packed compact SUV
