From humble beginnings, the Mahindra Group has grown into one of the largest companies in India. Together with a first drive of its latest product, we explore the ambitions of the automotive division of this powerful brand.
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Mahindra XUV 3XO 1.2T AX7L OP Quick Facts
- Price R404 999
- Engine 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol
- Current 82 kW @ 5,000 rpm
- Couple 200 Nm at 1,500 – 3,500 rpm
- Transfer 6-speed automatic
- Fuel consumption 6.5 l/100 km
- Emissions 137 g/km
Although Mahindra & Mahindra was founded in 1945, it was a partnership agreement three years later to assemble the Willys CJ-3B Jeep in Mumbai that marked a turning point in the fortunes of the family business. By all accounts, another partnership, this time in 1963, with American agricultural powerhouse International Harvester, still using the Jeep formula with its modern Thar products, proved to be the catalyst for Mahindra becoming today the best-selling tractor by volume produces in the world.
This spirit of thoughtful collaboration has been led by Anand Mahindra – the grandson of one of the founding brothers – since 2012 and continues to serve one of India’s largest companies well. Widely recognized as a crowning achievement in Mahindra’s shift into the SUV market – starting with India – it was then new for the automotive division Anand’s courageous decision to seek expertise from around the world. Using what it had learned in quality and manufacturing processes working closely with Ford, Mahindra would introduce the first Scorpio in 2002. Well priced, especially in the domestic market, and with an accompanying marketing campaign that emphasized the lifestyle qualities of this product. To date, the Scorpio badge – including the second-generation Scorpio-N that impressed us during our July 2024 SUV Shootout – is responsible for over 1 million sales on Mahindra’s books.
In 2019, another major moment in Mahindra’s automotive ambitions arrived in South Africa in the form of the XUV300. Another product born from a globally connected collaboration, this time with Korean brand SsangYong, yet significantly redesigned to suit the Indian market (including a sub-four meter profile and revised suspension), our August test 2019 flagship W8 model described its arrival as Mahindra’s ‘Getz moment’, referring to the model that similarly changed local perceptions of Hyundai’s new quality and ambitions.
Introducing significantly redesigned styling that includes a new front fascia with Mahindra’s latest brand identity, and C-shaped LED daytime running lights similar to those of the since-launched XUV700 (tested in the September 2023 issue), as well as a more resolved three-quarter rear end a midlife update for the XUV300 brings a new name; XUV3XO.
Retaining a footprint of less than four meters and a wheelbase of 2,600 mm, the 3XO looks to build on the promise of its predecessor through contemporary styling, increased ground clearance and – significantly – luggage space, as well as a refocused value proposition.
Available in five grades, an entry-level MX2 derivative comes with a healthy standard specification. This includes stability control, electric windows, parking sensors, keyless entry, a multifunction steering wheel, a 9-inch infotainment system, air conditioning with dedicated rear-seat passenger vents, a 60:40 split rear seat and a total of six airbags. While additional trims add nice features such as a sunroof, wireless charging and mobile phone connectivity, alloy wheels, climate control and automatic wipers and lights, the flagship AX7L is further differentiated by a Harmon Kardon audio system, leatherette upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, a USB -65W C port, 17-inch alloy wheels and a 360-degree surround-view camera system.
Related: Mahindra XUV 3XO lands in SA – Prices and specifications
Included in all but the MX2 derivative is Mahindra’s new 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It is paired with the mid-range model (AX5) with the 10.25-inch digital instruments introduced in the XUV700.
The new 3XO is exclusively available with a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, paired with a choice of a six-speed manual or Aisin-sourced six-speed automatic transmission. The qualities AX5L and AX7L are only available with automatic transmission.
During our exclusive pre-launch drive in Gauteng, and again closer to our Cape Town office, the punchy running of the 3XO’s 82kW/200Nm three-cylinder impressed – in both cases in combination with the automatic transmission. While we wait to get the car to our test strip to confirm how lively this combination is, it’s interesting to note that Mahindra claims a 0-60km/h sprint time of 4.6 seconds. By comparison, in the same exercise carried out during the Opel Corsa 1.2T GS Line performance tests in our October 2023 issue, the 96kW/230Nm 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol hot hatchback recorded a time of 4.22 seconds .
Related: Mahindra’s 20 years in SA, just the beginning
Interestingly, a new 1.2-litre three-cylinder direct injection turbocharged petrol engine, producing 96 kW of power and 230 Nm of torque, is available in the Indian market, but Mahindra is currently evaluating its suitability for South Africa.
With its suspension tuned for the subcontinent’s generally poor road surfaces, the 3XO is another Indian-built product that handles particularly well in South African conditions. While you may be tempted to cycle through Mahindra’s somewhat gimmicky Zip, Zap and Zoom drive modes (available only with the automatic transmission) as advertised, we found the standard experience (Zap) to be the best balance of performance and efficiency offered.
Impressively spacious considering its city-oriented exterior dimensions. If we had one complaint about the time we spent with the top derivative, it’s that certain modules of the ADAS level 2 active safety systems (automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control) can sometimes cause a can be a bit intrusive and need to be turned off via built-in menus on the infotainment display each time you start the vehicle.
You will find the full article in the November issue of CAR Magazine.
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