Mahindra XUV3XO debuts as thoroughly updated XUV300
Meet the Mahindra XUV3XO, a thoroughly updated version of the XUV300. Here’s what we know about this facelifted small crossover, which will surely come to SA…
Rather than simply call it the “facelifted XUV300”, Mahindra has rolled out an entirely new badge for this thoroughly refreshed version of its small crossover. So, meet the new Mahindra XUV3XO.
Unwrapped in its domestic market of India, the Nashik-built XUV3XO looks poised to come to South Africa to replace the XUV300 at some point. While the company’s local division has yet to make an official announcement on the topic, we’ve asked the question and are awaiting feedback.
The Indian press material, however, states that the newcomer has been “designed, developed and engineered to meet rigorous global standards” and as such will be introduced to various “global markets” in due course.
So, what’s new? Well, the significant styling updates are perhaps most immediately obvious change, led by a distinctive new front end featuring a piano-black grille and LED treatment for the headlamps, daytime running lights and foglamps. Round back, the XUV3XO’s defining feature is clearly its new full-width LED bar.
Inside, the changes are perhaps not quite as radical, though Mahindra claims to have added more soft-touch materials to “elevate the sense of sophistication”. Indeed, certain Indian-spec derivatives feature leather accents on the steering wheel, gear knob and front armrest, as well as leatherette upholstery and dashboard trim. There are also new 10.25-inch versions of the infotainment screen and driver display.
Interestingly, at 3 990 mm long, the XUV3XO is slightly shorter from nose to tail than the XUV300 (3 995 mm) it replaces, though its width remains 1 821 mm and its wheelbase 2 600 mm. Mahindra claims the updated model’s luggage compartment is able to swallow 364 litres, a figure expandable by dropping the 60:40-split rear seats.
Claimed ground clearance comes in at a (much-improved) 201 mm, while the XUV3XO’s wading depth is listed as 350 mm. Though it’s unlikely such a vehicle would ever be tasked with surmounting any serious off-road obstacles, Mahindra nevertheless lists approach and departure angles of 23.4 and 39.6 degrees, respectively.
In India, the Mahindra XUV3XO will be available with a 360-degree surround-view camera system, a “new-generation” electronic stability control system, hill-hold control, hill-descent control, 6 airbags (down one compared with top-spec versions of the SA-specific XUV300), disc brakes all round, 3-point seat belts and ISOfix child-seat anchors. The automaker says it expects the updated model to set “new standards in vehicle safety” thanks to the “extensive use of high-strength steel and 35 standard safety features”.
The Indian range includes a trio of turbocharged engine options, including the 82 kW/200 Nm 1.2-litre petrol motor and 86 kW/300 Nm 1.5-litre turbodiesel unit already doing duty in the outgoing 9-strong XUV300 line-up in Mzansi. However, there’s also a version of the 1.2-litre mill that generates a healthier 96 kW and 230 Nm. In addition, the petrol engines are available in India with a 6-speed Aisin-sourced torque-converter automatic transmission (as opposed to the standard 6-speed manual cog-swapper).
Other new features include user-selectable steering modes (comfort, normal and sport) as well as a trio of drive modes (Zip, Zap and Zoom) for the 2-pedal, petrol-powered derivatives. Some Indian-spec variants are additionally available with a high-end Harman Kardon sound system as well as the “largest-in-class” panoramic sunroof (measuring 940 mm by 870 mm).
We’ll update this story once we’ve heard back from Mahindra South Africa…
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