GOING BIG

The 3XO makes big promises on all fronts - from features and safety to styling and value proposition. But does it deliver on these promises?

- MANAV SINHA

The full variant name of the car under review here is the Mahindra XUV 3X0 AX7L. While the name may seem somewhat confusing, resembling a randomly generated password, Mahindra's intentions behind the 3XO are refreshingly simple and straightforward. They are betting on the simple idea that customers want a compact SUV for their everyday runabouts and weekend getaways -one with striking aesthetics that doesn't compromise in terms of performance, safety, or features.

To achieve this, Mahindra has thrown everything in the mix. The result is a car that promises to be a champion on paper. But the burning question remains - how is it to drive? Has Mahindra successfully translated its lofty ambitions into a satisfying product? We take the 3XO for a drive on a sunny day in Nashik to find out.

THE POLARISING DESIGN

The Mahindra XUV 3XO sports a striking design. While it's essentially a facelift version of the XUV300, you won't be able to make that connection, given the extent of changes to its exterior. At the front, there is a bold fascia with a solid gloss black panel on the upper half, which seems a bit EV-like. This panel extends into the vertically stacked headlamp cluster, outlined by the new C-shaped LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL).

At the back, the 3XO features what is, perhaps, the hottest design trend currently in the Indian automotive sector - the connected LED taillamps. In profile, however, it has a familiar silhouette, given the overall shape of the car remains the same as that of the XUV300 - yes, I am referring to the sharply cut rear end, which seems like an attempt to keep the car under 4 metres to help it qualify for lower taxation. That said, Mahindra has also made some noticeable adjustments, such as the cutouts on the cladding over the wheel arches and equipping higher variants with sporty 17-inch rims, which are particularly striking when viewed from the sides.

A BRIGHT CABIN