Mahindra XUV 3XO AX5 review, features, price, interior, performance, comfort, space – Introduction

The Mahindra and automatic transmission options. In this review, we focus on the AX5 variant with the MPFi turbo petrol engine and 6-speed manual transmission – priced at Rs 11 lakh (ex-showroom) – to find out why it is one of the most sought-after variants in the XUV. 3XO lineup.

AX5 is one of the most demanded variants in the XUV 3XO range.

What distinguishes the AX5 from the top variant is the absence of fog lights; these have been replaced by a prominent black housing. This variant retains the LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) and headlights, as well as the chrome inserts on the grille panel. It gets smaller 16-inch wheels (not top-spec 17-inch wheels) carried over from the outgoing XUV300. It also gets roof rails, a rear spoiler, connected taillights and a rear wiper and washer. What’s missing is a variant badge on the trunk.

Mahindra XUV 3XO AX5 Interiors

The interior retains the two-tone color scheme, with the upper half of the dashboard and door pads being black and the lower half finished in white. While the dual colors increase the appeal and sense of space of the interior, the white areas become dirty very easily and require extreme care to remain clean. There are no soft-touch materials on the dashboard like the higher variants, but it still features a generous piano black finish, some silver accents and a luxurious perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel.

He gets black fabric seats, which are better suited to our conditions. These are not only easier to maintain compared to the white artificial leather seats that are available in the top version, but they are also a lot more breathable, so you no longer have a sweaty back on a hot day. However, the seats are small and tall-frame occupants will find them too tight for comfort. The driver’s footwell is also tight, just like with the other variants. The back seat is a spacious and comfortable place, even for three adults. An underfloor space saver has allowed Mahindra to free up a bit more boot space (compared to the XUV300), but the 3XO’s 295-litre boot is still small by segment standards and the tailgate is high.

Mahindra XUV 3XO AX5 equipment

This variant has a small sliding roof made of one glass.

In terms of equipment, the AX5 variant gets two 10.2-inch screens – one for the instrument cluster and one for the touchscreen – with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It also gets a sunroof (single glass), a wireless charger, dual-zone climate control, automatic LED headlights, electric folding mirrors, rear vents, a reversing camera, hill start assist, 6 airbags and ESP. name a few.

Mahindra XUV 3XO AX5 Performance

Carried over from the previous XUV300 is the 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine that now produces 111 hp and 200 Nm. The good news is that despite being a three-cylinder, it is very smooth and refined. Compared to the TGDi turbo petrol engine with direct injection (available in higher variants), this unit produces 20 hp and 30 Nm less, but we are happy to report that this shortage is hardly noticeable in practice.

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It’s not without turbo lag, but once it’s on boost – above 2,000 rpm – it accelerates with a sense of urgency. Performance feels strongest and most effortless in the 2,000-4,500 rpm band. At 1,362 kg, the XUV 3XO is heavy, but it still accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in a respectable 11.58 seconds. Interestingly, the 3XO’s outright and rolling acceleration times of 20-80 km/h in third gear and 40-100 km/h in fourth gear are much faster than those of its predecessor.

In our fuel efficiency tests, the XUV 3XO turbo petrol mated to a six-speed manual gearbox delivered 10.4bhp in the city and 14.9bhp on the highway. To keep fuel consumption under control while idling, it also has an automatic stop-start function.

The clutch of the XUV 3XO is light but has a long travel. While the six-speed gearbox is smooth, the throws are too long and it doesn’t feel as smooth as some of its Japanese or Korean rivals. The steering feels effortless, and while it gets adjustable steering modes that change weight and resistance, it doesn’t make it sportier or sharper.

The balance between ride and handling is perfect, but what further improves driving comfort are the high-profile tires (with 16-inch alloy wheels). These absorb shocks better than the higher variants equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels.

Mahindra XUV 3XO AX5 price and verdict

The performance is so good that you wonder if you should spend more for the TGDi version.

The performance and refinement of the entry-level MPFI turbo petrol engine is so good that you’ll wonder whether you should spend more for the more powerful and advanced TGDi turbo petrol engine. Sure, the latter is only available in higher variants and includes some premium features, but despite being limited to the mid-AX5 variant, the MPFi engine gets more than just the basics. And for Rs 11 lakh, this AX5 variant with the MPFi turbo petrol and manual gearbox offers excellent value for money, which explains why it is in such high demand.

See also:

Mahindra XUV 3XO review – Compact SUV packed with features and power

Mahindra XUV 3XO waiting time increases to over a year