Mahindra XUV 3XO
Mahindra XUV 3XO: The Little Car That Could (and Did!)
So last week, I got the all new Mahindra XUV 3XO — compact, cute, and full of surprises. I took this stylish little machine on a trip from Durban to the Midlands for a family getaway over the long weekend. Four humans PLUS all our bags = a tight squeeze, but somehow, we made it work. I’ll be real — this car isn’t exactly a “family van” but it pulled it off like a champ. Think of it as a tallish hatchback that works out a lot.
Let’s Talk Features Because There Are Many:
For such a small car, the XUV 3XO is punching way above its weight class. It comes stacked with:
• Follow me home LED headlights (yes please)
• Wireless charging pad
• A large infotainment screen
• A sunroof (I live for this)
• Lane Keep Assist
• Rear spoiler
• And more tech than I honestly expected in a car at this price point
Outer Beauty with Brains
The exterior? Surprisingly bold. The front grille has a different edgy design, and the LED headlamps paired with the 17” diamond cut alloys on the luxury models? Chef’s kiss. It gives off premium vibes without trying too hard.
Interior Goals
The inside is where I truly fell in love. We’re talking:
• Cushy ultra soft seats (hello comfort)
• Super user friendly tech layout
• Wireless charging that actually works
• Auto Hold which has quietly become my new favorite feature
• And the Harman Kardon Premium Audio system? Crisp sound, no weird rattles or windshield vibes even when the volume’s up. We were blasting our road trip playlist with zero shame
Plus, a 360 degree surround view system with blind view monitor? When you indicate, a side camera shows you exactly what’s coming on that side which is perfect for those of us who don’t trust Durban CBD taxis.
Safety First (And Second And Third…)
Mahindra really didn’t hold back here. The 3XO packs in:
• 6 airbags
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Hill Hold & Hill Descent Control
• ISOFIX with top tether for car seats
• 3 point seatbelts and reminders for every seat
• Child safety features
• And even Traffic Sign Recognition for those of us who passed our learner’s when dinosaurs still roamed
Comfort You Don’t See Coming
Honestly, the comfort surprised me most. There’s generous leg and hip room in both rows and this is not something you expect in a “compact” SUV. The leatherette seats make it feel a little luxe too
Specs?
• Segment widest width 1821 mm
• Wheelbase 2600 mm
• Boot space 364L
• 6040 split rear seats
Now for the real magic — the drive. Powered by a turbo petrol engine, the 3XO goes from 0 to 60 kmh in 4.6 seconds. That’s kind of wild for a car in this category. It’s also light on fuel and available with Mahindra’s 6 speed AISIN Third Gen Automatic Transmission (a.k.a. smooth as butter)
Driving through the winding Drakensberg hills, I expected a bit of wobble — but nope. This car stayed planted and handled beautifully. For my first time in a Mahindra, I was shook in the best way.
Aesthetic Options + Price Tag
It comes in 8 stylish colours, and the price? Starting from R254 999. At that price, you’re not just buying a car, you’re getting serious value for money
Final Verdict: The “I Didn’t Expect to Like It This Much” Car
I’m giving the Mahindra XUV 3XO a solid 7.5 out of 10 and that’s only because I like to leave room at the top
If you’re a student, young professional, or first time car buyer, this is definitely one to consider. It has all the tech and safety features you’d need, it’s city friendly without being boring, and it handles road trips with ease (even when you overpack). Whether you're zipping around town or cruising out of the city for a weekend adventure, the 3XO has your back — and your playlist
This isn’t just a car — it’s a vibe
So last week, I got the all new Mahindra XUV 3XO — compact, cute, and full of surprises. I took this stylish little machine on a trip from Durban to the Midlands for a family getaway over the long weekend. Four humans PLUS all our bags = a tight squeeze, but somehow, we made it work. I’ll be real — this car isn’t exactly a “family van” but it pulled it off like a champ. Think of it as a tallish hatchback that works out a lot.
Let’s Talk Features Because There Are Many:
For such a small car, the XUV 3XO is punching way above its weight class. It comes stacked with:
• Follow me home LED headlights (yes please)
• Wireless charging pad
• A large infotainment screen
• A sunroof (I live for this)
• Lane Keep Assist
• Rear spoiler
• And more tech than I honestly expected in a car at this price point
Outer Beauty with Brains
The exterior? Surprisingly bold. The front grille has a different edgy design, and the LED headlamps paired with the 17” diamond cut alloys on the luxury models? Chef’s kiss. It gives off premium vibes without trying too hard.
Interior Goals
The inside is where I truly fell in love. We’re talking:
• Cushy ultra soft seats (hello comfort)
• Super user friendly tech layout
• Wireless charging that actually works
• Auto Hold which has quietly become my new favorite feature
• And the Harman Kardon Premium Audio system? Crisp sound, no weird rattles or windshield vibes even when the volume’s up. We were blasting our road trip playlist with zero shame
Plus, a 360 degree surround view system with blind view monitor? When you indicate, a side camera shows you exactly what’s coming on that side which is perfect for those of us who don’t trust Durban CBD taxis.
Safety First (And Second And Third…)
Mahindra really didn’t hold back here. The 3XO packs in:
• 6 airbags
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Hill Hold & Hill Descent Control
• ISOFIX with top tether for car seats
• 3 point seatbelts and reminders for every seat
• Child safety features
• And even Traffic Sign Recognition for those of us who passed our learner’s when dinosaurs still roamed
Comfort You Don’t See Coming
Honestly, the comfort surprised me most. There’s generous leg and hip room in both rows and this is not something you expect in a “compact” SUV. The leatherette seats make it feel a little luxe too
Specs?
• Segment widest width 1821 mm
• Wheelbase 2600 mm
• Boot space 364L
• 6040 split rear seats
Now for the real magic — the drive. Powered by a turbo petrol engine, the 3XO goes from 0 to 60 kmh in 4.6 seconds. That’s kind of wild for a car in this category. It’s also light on fuel and available with Mahindra’s 6 speed AISIN Third Gen Automatic Transmission (a.k.a. smooth as butter)
Driving through the winding Drakensberg hills, I expected a bit of wobble — but nope. This car stayed planted and handled beautifully. For my first time in a Mahindra, I was shook in the best way.
Aesthetic Options + Price Tag
It comes in 8 stylish colours, and the price? Starting from R254 999. At that price, you’re not just buying a car, you’re getting serious value for money
Final Verdict: The “I Didn’t Expect to Like It This Much” Car
I’m giving the Mahindra XUV 3XO a solid 7.5 out of 10 and that’s only because I like to leave room at the top
If you’re a student, young professional, or first time car buyer, this is definitely one to consider. It has all the tech and safety features you’d need, it’s city friendly without being boring, and it handles road trips with ease (even when you overpack). Whether you're zipping around town or cruising out of the city for a weekend adventure, the 3XO has your back — and your playlist
This isn’t just a car — it’s a vibe