By Malusi Msomi

We recently travelled to Sun City—specifically to the Palace of The Lost City—to sample the new Mahindra XUV 3XO. Replacing the beloved XUV 300, the 3XO brings a fresh design, a refined interior with premium features, advanced technology, enhanced safety, and new powertrain options. And yes, it’s pronounced “three-ex-oh,” not “3XO,” like your favorite boy band.

Design

When it comes to design, the 3XO scores points, especially in the top-spec A7XL guise. Other models in the range include the MX2, MX3, and AX5. Standard features include LED headlights, C-shaped DRLs, and fog lamps. The A7XL also comes standard with 17-inch wheels and a panoramic “skyroof”—perfect for spotting giraffes on the way to the Pilanesberg. Compared to the sharper and slightly more aggressive-looking XUV 300, the 3XO’s design feels more refined and polished. It’s like the XUV 300 went for a makeover and came out looking ready for the red carpet.

Interior

Inside, the 3XO is a big step up from the outgoing XUV 300. The cabin has an upmarket feel, which is impressive for this price range. The 10.25-inch infotainment system and the matching 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster—borrowed from the XUV700—are big highlights for us. However, the use of piano black might have you reaching for a duster more often than you’d like, thanks to its love for fingerprints and dust. Overall, though, it’s a classy and comfortable interior that wouldn’t feel out of place in pricier models.

Performance

Under the bonnet, the Mahindra XUV 3XO range is powered by a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 82 kW and 200 Nm. It’s paired with either a 6-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual gearbox (the former in the case of the top-spec A7XL). On our trip from Johannesburg to Sun City, the engine pulled smoothly, with the revs sitting comfortably at 2500 rpm while cruising at 120 km/h. The ride quality deserves a nod, too—it soaked up most bumps and uneven surfaces without fuss.

Safety

The XUV 3XO offers an impressive suite of safety features, including a 360-degree surround view system with Blind View Monitor, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), hill hold and hill descent control, six airbags, four disc brakes, and ISOFIX child seat anchors with top-tether—just in case your little ones feel the need for speed.

Final words

The new Mahindra XUV 3XO is a well-rounded package that’s set to shake things up in the compact SUV market. It’s got the features, the looks, and the price point to steal sales from rivals like the Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger, and Hyundai Venue. It might not have the badge prestige of its more well-known competitors, but with this kind of value for money, it’s like finding a braai pack on special—hard to resist!

Pricing

XUV 3XO MX2 MT – R254,999
XUV 3XO MX2 AT – R274,999
XUV 3XO MX3 MT – R274,999
XUV 3XO MX3 AT – R294,999
XUV 3XO AX5 MT – R319,999
XUV 3XO AX5 AT – R344,999
XUV 3XO AX5L AT – R374,999