Mahindra 3X0 (2024) First Drive Review
Mahindra takes the next bold step into their future with the introduction of a brand new crossover that is to set the tone for the brand going forward. We spent a few days in the North West province with this new SUV from the Indian brand.
Mahindras new face and direction
In 2004 a plucky up-and-coming Indian company entered the South African automotive scene with a range of exceptionally hardy agricultural and commercial vehicles, looking to bring the engineering prowess of their home country of India to SA. Two decades later, that company has blossomed while growing from strength to strength, becoming a cornerstone of the industry. Mahindra has made a name for itself locally for delivering vehicles that may not be visually appealing but are hard-core machines that can easily outlast their owners.
Related: The new Mahindra 3XO arrives in SA
Vehicles such as the Scorpio, Bolero, and Pikup can be found in every conceivable corner of our country, being tested on mines, farms, and construction sites everywhere. For the last twenty years, Mahindra has sought to prove that the vehicles that they manufacture are built to last and can handle just about anything Africa can throw at them. On the back of this solid reputation, Mahindra seeks to pivot in another direction, bringing its SUV marques to the fore.
At a stunning celebration of 20 years in South Africa at Sun City, Mahindra SA announced their plans for the future in SA and pulled the covers off of the new 3X0 crossover SUV that will be spearheading this new movement that will hopefully see Mahindra climbing the OEM sales ladder. We drove the new model, and this is what we found.
Mahindra 4x4 Academy Opening
Modern Styling
In a sea of crossover SUVs that all look the same with rounded edges and bland futuristic styling, the 3X0 has sharp corners and angles that give it an aggressive exterior appearance. Out in front is the distinctive LED lighting signature and prominent grille design. A strong body line separates the top from bottom edges down the side, with the wheel arches perfectly matching the 17" diamond cut gloss black alloy wheels. the roof line is completed with aluminium rails and a panoramic glass Skyroof.
At the rear, a stunning infinity LED taillight bar links the LED light clusters, which sit just above the chunky rear bumper. Topping it all off is a gloss-black roof spoiler. The 3X0 is available in 8 bright colours, one of which is the Citrine Yellow of our test unit.
Opening the door, you will be greeted by an executive-looking interior trimmed in soft touch leatherette on the dashboard and door trims, as well as the leatherette seats and leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear lever.
Tech laden features
The 3X0 is a class leader in many respects, being the only one to offer the level of tech and features in the compact crossover segment. Sitting neatly in the dash are the twin HD 26.03 cm infotainment and digital cluster screens, featuring a Harman Kardon premium audio system with 6 speakers, an amplifier, and a subwoofer. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay take care of telephony connections.
Driver convenience is pushed even further with dual-zone climate control, keyless entry, and push-button start. Drivers also get electrically foldable side mirrors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a height-adjustable driver seat, one-touch power windows, and a cooled glove box. The piece de résistance is the 65W USB-C fast charging, which is powerful enough to charge a laptop!
Power to take you places
The Mahindra 3X0's punchy 1.2-litre turbo petrol mStallion TCMPFi engine powers it. The range will have options for 5-speed manuals or 6-speed automatics, with the combo pumping out a healthy 82kW and 200Nm. The compact crossover will do 0-60km/h in 4.6 seconds when urged along. The power delivery is smooth and well-calibrated to the auto box, with the vehicle never feeling laboured, even on the open stretches of the highway.
Drive to impress
Driving the 3X0 is a true pleasure. It is quiet and smooth when needed and can be urged on when asked without any fanfare. The 3X0 is equipped with smart drive modes (Zip, Zap, and Zoom) for a wide range of driving modes that will save fuel and maximise performance. The engineers at Mahindra have perfectly calibrated the throttle response and automatic gearbox programming, delivering a seamless driving experience.
The suspension is beautifully compliant, soaking up the bumps and undulations of the road. NVH levels are acceptable for the segment, with a certain amount of road noise transmitted to the cabin. The drive is comfortable, and the steering wheel firming up at higher speeds. Our drive was a mixed bag of city traffic and open road, and after a 300km roundtrip, we returned a measly 6.5L/100km of consumption.
Family first safety
The 3X0 is once again a class leader in safety, sporting no fewer than 6 airbags, a 360-degree surround view camera and a tyre pressure and temperature monitoring system. It also sports adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist and blind spot monitoring, meaning it essentially has Level 2 driver assistance, driving itself for 30 seconds if you relinquish the controls for a few seconds.
Naturally, the rear has ISOfix for car seats and all the relevant ABS, TSC, and EBD to keep you and your family safe.
Gradewalk and pricing
The Mahindra 3X0 has been released with incredibly attractive pricing that puts it in the mix with popular choices by consumers watching their wallets.
Model | Price |
1.2T MX2 MT | R 254 999 |
1.2T MX2 AT | R 274 999 |
1.2T MX3 MT | R 274 999 |
1.2T MX3 AT | R 294 999 |
1.2T AX5 MT | R 319 999 |
1.2T AX5 AT | R 344 999 |
1.2T AX5L AT | R 374 999 |
1.2T AX7L AT | R 404 999 |
*All Mahindra 3X0 models are sold with a 5-year / 150 000km warranty and a 3-year / 55 000km service plan
** Pricing correct at time of publishing
Verdict
The Mahindra 3X0 is fantastic. It presents an incredible value proposition with its tech and feature-laden interior, frugal engine and comfortable drive with its brilliant throttle programming and whisper-smooth automatic transmission. If you are in the market for a compact crossover and are counting your rands we highly recommend taking the 3X0 for a spin as its dynamics are far superior to its Chinese contemporaries.
