Mahindra XUV 3XO: Your choice of engine + gearbox combination & why?

There are 2 turbo-petrols and a diesel engine on offer with the turbo-petrols now getting a proper automatic gearbox. The diesel engine gets an AMT.

BHPian Omkar recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Mahindra recently launched the long-awaited XUV 3XO (Review Link) which is an updated XUV300 and the response to it has been overwhelmingly positive. It received over 50,000 bookings within just 60 minutes of the bookings open announcement. There are multiple reasons for the popularity of the 3XO, one of them being the wide price bracket – prices starts at Rs. 7.49 lakh and go up to Rs. 15.49 lakh (ex-showroom). Another key factor is that the 3XO is being offered with multiple powertrain options. There are 2 turbo-petrols and a diesel engine on offer with the turbo-petrols now getting a proper automatic gearbox. The diesel engine gets an AMT. The table below will give you a better idea.

So if were to buy a Mahindra XUV 3XO, which engine and gearbox combination would you pick & why? 

1.2-litre Turbo-petrol MPFI engine

Available in the lower and mid variants, this 3-cylinder engine makes 109 BHP. This in-house developed engine is no slacker like some of the NA engines that you get in base variants of cars. It has good refinement and despite the turbocharger, the low-end performance is good. You can really enjoy this motor on the open road by flooring the accelerator. What’s more, it is now available with a 6-speed Aisin-sourced automatic. Even if you’re tight on budget, don’t think that you’re settling for an inferior engine. This engine packs a serious punch and has more than enough power for Indian roads. Read our drive report here.

1.2-litre Turbo-petrol GDi engine

If you want more power and have the budget, this is the engine to go for. Technically, it’s the same 3-cylinder engine, but with a different fuel injection system. It makes 129 BHP and 230 Nm and you have the option of a 6-speed MT and a 6-speed AT. The engine has a strong mid-range and the lag at low rpms is well masked in regular driving conditions. Overall drivability is good and the engine won’t disappoint you at all when you want to extract some performance out of it. You can read our drive report here.

1.5-litre Diesel engine

This is one of the nicer diesel engines in this segment that makes 115 BHP. The refinement of this unit is impressive and the power delivery is good too. Even at low revs, the engine isn’t dead and the power comes in strong after 2,000 rpm. For people who love cruising on the highway and prefer diesel engines, this 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder motor will not disappoint in any way. The only real drawback with the diesel is that there’s no proper automatic available. You only get a 6-speed MT and an AMT option. Read our detailed drive report here.

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