Avid motorcycle enthusiast impressed by Mahindra XUV 3XO test drive

This car had really piqued my interest (people who know me will say I care nothing about cars ever since I got into motorcycling and will need to be really special to get my attention.

BHPian 100Kmphormore recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Test drove the 3XO today and the car seems fantastic as a single use car, though I would call this more of a highway car rather than for city use. This car had really piqued my interest (people who know me will say I care nothing about cars ever since I got into motorcycling and will need to be really special to get my attention. Only the XUV700 did before this.)

I drove the AX5 TGDi petrol automatic as the manual wasnt available at the moment and the difference really shows in how automatic transmissions and engines have evolved. The front looks weird yes, but not as much as the Verna when it was first seen. Rear is like the Kiger, looks neutral. The engine though 3 cylinder was extremely smooth and silent, unlike the Rapid/Polo where you could feel the NVH. The SecuraDrive 205/60/R16 tyres was grippy, but very noisy and heard clearly in the cabin, like wind noise inside a helmet post 40 kmph. Gearbox was really smooth on low throttle inputs, and the TC on kickback has a slight lag but pushes you into the seat once it downshifts post 2000 rpm. This makes for a fantastic combo with the diesel (and must be introduced it being a premium crossover. AMTs are stupid! Drove the SPresso AMT during its launch in 2019 and never wanted to see it again). Those who like linear power delivery may not appreciate this much.

Suspension was good and felt like the XUV700s FSD system, though it doesnt have that tech. The automatic start stop system did not feel intrusive and worked smoothly without me realizing it. Brakes were strong and have bite to the point of being really grabby, really appreciate the rear discs. Seat and ergos were spot on and hug you well, the lack of ventilated seats being a big miss for chronic sweaters like me. The rear seats I felt were very soft (anyone, please confirm this) and not as firm as the front seats. Boot was small, and will need to pack small bags. Thanks to no ADAS! Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, TPMS with readings is a boon.

The only notable emissions were ventilated seats and a cooled glovebox if anything. At 17.6L on road the AX5 variant seems a little overpriced, but the cabin feels very premium. I wouldnt be driving a NA petrol again after experiencing this sort of diesel torque rush, though the mileage numbers may drop significantly. I was seeing 9 kmpl with smooth driving and 8 kmpl after pushing it hard for a kilometer. The car looks really good in the Red and Yellow colors and would be the one to go for. The petrol manual with its light clutch and short gear throws really felt like a weekend car I would own, after the aspirational G30 530d.

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