The Mahindra XUV 3XO is a small city SUV that started life as the XUV 300, Mahindra’s version of the SsangYong Tivoli that was developed with Mahindra money back when the Indian giant owned the beleaguered Korean manufacturer.
Where SsangYong largely left the Tivoli to wither and die (the last one we drove was desperately over-priced at $43k and just felt cheap), Mahindra has taken the basic package and transformed it into a properly modern small SUV.
While there are hints of Tivoli in the 3XO’s styling (the rear haunches are a dead giveaway), the 3X0 is actually 230mm shorter that the SsangYong (or rather KGM as it is now known), as well as packing distinctively different front and rear styling.
Source - https://www.drivencarguide.co.nz/reviews/mahindra-xuv-3xo-first-drive-x-marks-the-spot/
Premium Distributors Ltd, importers and distributors of Mahindra vehicles, is launching a new small SUV, dubbed XUV 3XO. It’s the smallest of its XUV range and it dots down in time for the National Fieldays, where it will go on show with pricing details released then.
Mahindra says the XUV 3XO promises to set new value standards in its segment. The base model AX5 kicks off at under $30k while the similar but better-specified AX7L adds $3k to the bottom line.
And it’s not like the base model is exactly wanting for features. It comes with six airbags, adaptive cruise control, a sunroof, wireless Android Auto and Apple Car play, and a Qi charger.
Atop these features the AX7L adds a Skyroof. This is a panoramic roof with tilt and slide functionality. There are also 17-inch diamond-cut alloys, and a Harman Kardon Premium Audio with subwoofer. Expect also soft touch leatherette dash, doors and seat upholstery, LED fog lamps, parking sonar up front, a cooled glove compartment, 65w USB fast charging and dual-tone roof colour.
Powering both models is a Euro 6 82kW/200Nm three-cylinder turbopetrol engine. Its combined fuel consumption figure using ADR81/01 testing regimen is 6.5L/100km (rightcar 7.2).
Rather than a CVT that’s typical in this sector, the 3XO features an automatic six-speed transmission by Aisin.
The vehicle has been extensively tested in New Zealand in both urban and rural situations, including gravel roads and in all-weather conditions. Both 3XOs come with a seven-year/150,000km warranty. There’s no ANCAP rating, though there should be soon given XUV 3XO is also set to debut on the Australian market.
So that’s the essential rundown for the XUV 3XO. What’s it like exactly? Mahindra NZ gave motoring journalists a one-on-one drive recently, with two vehicles to check out. One was a new upper level model, the other a test mule towing an unbraked trailer weighing 750kg. The weather? Abysmal about captured it perfectly. Really, a day for ducks only.
To behold this seems familiar. That’s because it is based on a SsangYong Tivoli, the firm at one point owned by Mahindra. So rather than reinvent the wheel, Mahindra used this as the basis for its own small crossover.
Only they didn’t go with the Tivoli drive train, instead using their own engine. The smaller displacement turbo-fired engine was chosen for its mix of torque and economy.
The little triple develops its 200Nm from 1500 to 3500rpm. There’s enough output to keep pace with the 3XO not towing a trailer, though we had to row the gearbox along manually for best effect. You can do that at the lever. Left to its own devices this likes to lug away, keeping revs low and fuel use the same. This features no electrification yet while towing it was using fuel at a rate of just under 10L/100km. The rest of the time, on the open road and not hanging around we saw about 6.5L/100km, and at times on adaptive cruise as low as 5.5L/100km. At the speed limit in top, around 1750rpm is showing.
So what else is new about the 3XO? The name clearly references the crossover division within which it lies, looking like an SUV but with front-wheel drive alone. It features 201mm of ground clearance for easy entry and exit.
It may have a Tivoli like shape, nothing really different there but up front a new grille and headlights give it a more modern face. Tivoli sold for roughly $40k so this is significantly less expensive. And yet it is better specified. True, the old Tivoli had adaptive cruise but it was crude. This is much better, with appropriate following distances, lane centring that isn’t annoying and it’s easy enough to activate with its separate dials on the right side of the wheel.
Where Tivoli had cloth seat coverings this has leather-like upholstery. And where Tivoli was awash in hard plastics, this has pleasing soft coverings in the places you’d expect and lots of gloss black finishings, on the centre console, steering wheel and the like.
Instead of having the 10.25-inch central touchscreen as master and commander, it handles stuff like phone hook-up and radio while down below are buttons for heating and ventilation. Driver assist functions you manipulate within the instrument screen. It’s a bit of a fuss turning off lane keeping but is worth the effort.
Seats are manually operated while mirrors and windows are powered. There’s no lumbar adjustment or steering column adjust in the horizontal plane. But this has great visibility, in all directions.
The 3XO has three drive modes, Zip, Zap and Zoom. Think of Zip as Sip mode. Zap is Normal and Zoom is Sport. There’s quite a noticeable difference between Zip and Zap to the point that you’d select Zip only in urban settings or when low on fuel. Zap is the default drive mode, while Zoom we used for hauling because output is slightly more forthcoming.
This engine gives of its best across the midband from about 2000-3500rpm. With each upshift you’re back into the torque band again.
As to actual performance, the weather was so shocking we didn’t bother attaching our GPS based gear but it seems to hold sixth up all manner of hills. Getting it to downshift you need to be a bit more active with the gas pedal than normal.
Being a wet day, you get plenty of experience determining grip levels and the chosen rubber really didn’t put a foot wrong. Despite the deluge, we didn’t once detect any semblance of a loss of traction, no slipping or sliding, just a confident on-road stance. Brakes are good too, discs all round, and weren’t fazed by the added weight of the trailer.
It runs a Mac strut/torsion beam set up and the ride is quiet (no in-cabin SPLs above 70db), tending firm in the torsion beam rear. Unsurprisingly it is calmer with a trailer attached and some luggage on board. Mention of, the load bay swallows up to 364L of gear, not bad for something not even 4m long (3990mm). With split folding 60/40 that expands out to around 800L, in two tiers.
While abbreviated, this rides on a relatively long 2600mm wheelbase, so room in the rear for a city SUV is quite generous. Helping is a relatively flat floor so yes, you could park three people in the back okay.
A few things but most like Yaris Cross and CX-3 are more expensive. Those that aren’t are generally in runout. The AX7L comes up against Kia’s Seltos LX model with similar output but CVT. ZS Excite is similar money but doesn’t have the torque of the 3XO. Base ASX isn’t as economical and has a CVT. The main rivals on paper then are Stonic, Jolion, Omoda C5 and C3 Shine.
Check out the XUV 3XO at Fieldays next week. For more, see the July issue of NZ Autocar.
Source - https://www.autocar.co.nz/first-drive-mahindra-xuv-3xo/
In a segment bursting with options, Mahindra’s new XUV 3XO arrives as a bold and well-equipped contender. A facelifted evolution of the XUV300, the 3XO pairs a familiar subcompact silhouette with premium appointments, up-to-date tech, and practical performance—all underpinned by extensive local testing across New Zealand’s varied terrain.
A Compact SUV with Serious Cred
The XUV 3XO sits on the proven X100 platform, shared with the KGM (formerly SsangYong) Tivoli. Though compact—just under 4 metres in length—it stacks up well against key competitors like the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-30, and Toyota Corolla Cross. In fact, you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s larger than it is once inside.
Our test included two models: the high-spec AX7L, and the more modest AX5, the latter disguised in camouflage and towing a trailer laden with sandbags. This drive from Mahindra NZ’s Manukau base to Kinloch near Taupō, and back again, gave a full taste of what this small SUV can do (solo and fully loaded) and in Zip, Zap and Zoom driving modes.
Design & Cabin Comfort
First impressions count, and the 3XO delivers an immediate sense of space. Despite its compact footprint, the interior is *remarkably roomy*. There’s enough rear legroom for two full-sized adults, while the 364-litre boot is more than adequate for everyday duties.
The AX7L cabin leans upscale, with high-gloss black finishes, chrome details, and leather-style surfaces across the dash and doors. Dual 10.25-inch screens—one for infotainment and one for the instrument cluster—deliver a clean, modern interface. The system is intuitive to use and visually sharp, while the inclusion of a panoramic “skyroof” on the AX7L adds a touch of drama and daylight.
Even the lower-spec AX5 model gets plenty of kit, including a sunroof, wireless smartphone mirroring, ADAS 2, and 6 airbags—rare finds in this price bracket.
Performance & Powertrain
On paper, the 3XO’s 1.2L turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine (82 kW/200 Nm) won’t drop jaws. But mated to a 6-speed Aisin-sourced torque converter automatic, it’s better in real-world use than you might expect. Around town and on the motorway—yes, even at 110 km/h past Hamilton—the powertrain felt up to task. The transmission shifts smoothly and suits the car’s relaxed, urban-friendly demeanor.
What surprised us was the composure under load. Taking over the AX5 with a 1000 kg’s of extra sandbag weight across the car and trailer, we effectively put this small SUV in an extreme use case. While it was naturally slower out of corners, the little Mahindra showed admirable poise and handled the tow without stress or excessive bounce. Interestingly, the suspension seemed even more settled under load.
Back in the unladen AX7L (and in Zoom), the 3XO was able to stretch its legs through the central North Island’s curves. Steering is lightly weighted but accurate, and body roll is well-controlled—encouraging a bit of spirited driving. Despite pushing the small engine, the cabin stayed quiet with minimal wind or road noise, and grip levels remained reassuring.
Technology & Safety
Mahindra hasn’t held back on features. Both AX5 and AX7L come equipped with Level 2 ADAS, offering lane-keeping, adaptive cruise control, and more. Crucially, the ADAS has been calibrated for New Zealand roads, following 40,000 km of local testing across cities, gravel roads, highways, and trailer towing scenarios.
Safety credentials are also strong. The 3XO earned a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating, aligned with global standards, and includes standard equipment like 6 airbags, a 360-degree camera (AX7L), and front parking sensors.
Efficiency & Warranty
Mahindra claims 6.5 L/100km combined fuel use, and our drive saw a real-world return of 5.7 L/100km (17.6 km/L)—remarkably efficient given the route, payload, and frequent bursts of acceleration. That’s diesel-like economy from a small petrol triple.
Every 3XO is backed by a 7-year/150,000 km warranty, adding peace of mind to an already attractive value proposition.
The 2024 Mahindra XUV 3XO is a legitimate rethink of what a sub-\$30K SUV can offer. It blends well-judged practicality with real-world capability and a generous feature list, particularly in AX7L trim. The fact that it feels solid on the road, even under stress, only strengthens its appeal.
Author - Dave McLeod
Source - https://www.tarmaclife.co.nz/mahindra/zip-zap-zoom-and-zand-mahindra-xuv-3xo-first-drive/
As numerous carmakers step away from offering small, cheap cars in New Zealand, Mahindra is set to buck the trend — announcing it will soon offer a sub-$30,000 crossover called the XUV 3X0.
The 3X0 is set to do battle with two of the best-selling SUVs in the country, the Mitsubishi ASX and Kia Seltos.
Whilst Mahindra New Zealand has yet to fully detail the 3X0’s full pricing, it says the model will be priced from less than $30,000. Two models will be offered here, the AX5L and the AX7L, with the latter commanding a $3,000 premium over its cheaper sibling.
For reference, the aforementioned ASX and Seltos that the 3X0 will be targeting are priced from $27,990 and $32,990, respectively.
Standard gear in the entry-level AX5L includes wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, wireless phone charging, and a suite of locally evaluated driver safety systems inclusive of sign recognition, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control.
The AX7L adds a panoramic sunroof, Harmon Kardon audio (which includes an amplifier and subwoofer), improved dashboard materials, leather upholstery, additional parking sensors, a two-tone roof, and more.
Both models will be powered by a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine developing 82kW/ of power and 200Nm of torque. It is exclusively paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission, with a claimed 6.5L/100km fuel consumption figure. Mahindra boasts a 7-year/150,000km warranty.
The 3X0 makes use of the same platform as the KGM Tivoli, but is shorter in length. It is 3990mm long, 1821mm wide, and 1647mm tall. In the back it offers 364L of boot space.
The 3X0 will make its public debut at this month’s Fieldays event at Mystery Creek in Hamilton.
Models priced under $30,000 are few and far between in New Zealand these days. Beyond the aforementioned ASX, the likes of Suzuki (via the Swift and Ignis), Kia (via the Stonic and Picanto), Mazda (via the Mazda2), Omoda (via the C5), and MG (via the MG3 and ZS) still have models priced in the 20s.
Stay tuned for Stuff’s first drive of the 3X0, coming later this week.
Vehicle brand Mahindra has thrown its support behind a grassroots crime prevention initiative in South Auckland, supplying two new vehicles to help launch a community patrol programme in Takanini.
The vehicles will be used by a newly formed branch of Community Patrols New Zealand (CPNZ), spearheaded by the Sikh community and supported by local volunteers, police, and Auckland Council.
The initiative was officially launched this week at Gurdwara Sri Kalgidhar Sahib, where speakers from across government and law enforcement praised the effort as a game-changer for the fast-growing suburb.
Mahindra’s support was delivered through coordination with the Supreme Sikh Society of New Zealand, which has played a leading role in establishing the patrols.
Local MP Rima Nakhle called the gesture “mind-blowing”, saying public safety was one of the key concerns raised during her election campaign. “This is part of the solution. It’s a whole-of-community approach working alongside police,” she said.
Manurewa–Papakura Ward councillor Daniel Newman acknowledged that while Auckland Council isn’t funding the patrol vehicles directly, the initiative shows the power of community collaboration. “Every issue that occurs in other communities occurs here too. This is about locals taking the lead in protecting their own neighbourhoods.”
Superintendent Shanan Gray, District Commander for Counties Manukau, officially launched the patrols and described them as a significant step forward. “This is a huge accomplishment that reflects months of hard work behind the scenes. Our staff can’t do it alone – these volunteers are our eyes and ears.”
Community Patrols NZ Chair Chris Lawton also noted that the programme helps build a pipeline into policing. “We’ve had patrollers graduate to become officers. Others are preparing now. This is how we build capacity from within.”
Minister of Police and Ethnic Communities Mark Mitchell, who spoke at the event, highlighted the importance of shared responsibility. “Police are always expected to fix the problem, but they can’t do it alone. What we’ve seen here in Takanini is a community stepping up – ethnic leaders, volunteers, council, and police working together. That’s how we make our towns and cities safer.”
He also praised the Sikh community and the Supreme Sikh Society: “They’re not just supporting their own community – they’re helping everyone in South Auckland feel safer. This is the kind of leadership that inspires change nationwide.”
Marshal Walia, spokesperson for the Auckland Indian Retailers Association, says the patrols offer a welcome boost in confidence for local businesses. “We’ve seen a rise in retail crime, and knowing there will be patrols on the streets makes us feel a bit safer,” he said. “These cars will play a backbone role in reaching areas faster, especially when police can’t respond immediately.”
The two Mahindra vehicles are already on the road, marking the beginning of what many hope will be a safer future for the Takanini community.
Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., pioneers of the SUV segment in India, today launched its much-awaited SUV, the All New ‘Scorpio-N’ in India. The all-new Scorpio-N from Mahindra is engineered to be a global product out of India.
The all-new Scorpio-N from Mahindra is expected to recreate benchmarks in the SUV segment yet again and take forward the Mahindra legacy of building authentic, world-class SUVs with an unmissable design, thrilling performance and high-end technology. Tough yet sophisticated, the All-New Scorpio-N is a head turner with a bold and imposing design and commanding driving position. It boasts of premium interiors and comes loaded with a host of advanced modern features and latest technology. The All-New Scorpio-N is powered by spirited diesel engine, with a choice of manual and automatic transmissions. In keeping with its adventure capabilities, it will be offered with a 4×4 option.
Designed at Pininfarina, Italy and Mahindra India Design Studio (MIDS), Mumbai and engineered by the teams at Mahindra Research Valley (MRV) near Chennai and Mahindra North American Technical Center (MNATC) in USA, and manufactured at the state-of-the-art world-class facility at Chakan, Pune, the All-New Scorpio-N is truly a global product.
The market launch of the Scorpio-N in New Zealand is intended for 2023, subject to improvement in global supply chain. New Zealand is a priority market for us, as the Mahindra brand is well-established and represented via a robust retail network of over 20 outlets across New Zealand.
ABOUT MAHINDRA
Founded in 1945, the Mahindra Group is one of the largest and most admired multinational federation of companies with 260,000 employees in over 100 countries. It enjoys a leadership position in farm equipment, utility vehicles, information technology and financial services in India and is the world’s largest tractor company by volume. It has a strong presence in renewable energy, agriculture, logistics, hospitality and real estate.
The Mahindra Group has a clear focus on leading ESG globally, enabling rural prosperity and enhancing urban living, with a goal to drive positive change in the lives of communities and stakeholders to enable them to Rise.
Media contact information
Russell Burling
Advisor, Premium Distributors Ltd.
russell@mahindra.co.nz
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