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).