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.
