By Mabuyane Mabuza
One quiet afternoon, I was driving from home into town when, out of nowhere, a speeding bakkie filled my rearview mirror. The driver was tailgating aggressively, pressuring me to move over when there was nowhere to go except off the road. But the Mahindra XUV 3XO I was driving held its own. That 1.2-litre petrol turbo engine responded beautifully when I needed it most. Before you judge me, it was a choice between being pushed off the road or putting foot to create a safe gap between me and the roaring bakkie.
The XUV 3XO is one of the great examples of how far Mahindra has come since
entering the South African market twenty years ago. The brand has grown steadily,
offering more models over the years, and let’s be honest, the designs have become noticeably sleeker and more appealing with each new release.
Winning the Motor Enthusiast category at the 2025 SA Car of the Year is no small
feat for this new kid on the block. “Winning the Motor Enthusiasts Award at the SA Car of the Year for the second year in a row first with the Scorpio N and now with the XUV 3XO, is a proud moment for us,” said Rajesh Gupta, CEO of Mahindra SA, at the finale held in Johannesburg in May. “It reflects not just the passion behind our products, but also Mahindra’s rise as one of South Africa’s fastest-growing automotive brands.”
Design
The XUV 3XO is an everyday marvel that blends practicality with modern elegance,
making it a great choice for families and city living. Quick, compact and easy to
manoeuvre, it has made my trips to the shops a breeze. Its contemporary design gives it a confident presence on the road, with sleek lines and stylish details that strike just the right balance between form and function.
This versatile vehicle fits seamlessly into everyday life, whether it is the school run,
grocery shopping or a weekend getaway. With a roomy cabin and comfy seating, it
keeps the whole family happy on the move. The clever cargo space adds to its
appeal, making errands feel effortless and cementing its place as a dependable
choice for busy households.
Technology
On the tech front, the Mahindra 3XO ticks all the right boxes. I have a few non-
negotiables — Bluetooth connectivity, LED headlights, air conditioning, a push-start
button and lately, a decent reverse camera. Thankfully, the 3XO comes with all of
them. I have been well looked after.
Safety
Safety is well covered too, with features like multiple airbags and stability control
giving peace of mind on every trip. The smart connectivity, including seamless
smartphone integration, keeps you in touch with your digital life while on the move,
perfect for the 2K generation that insists on staying connected wherever they go.
Like all beautiful things in life, the 3XO isn’t without its flaws. My biggest gripe was
the fuel consumption, I struggled to get it below 14L per 100km. The boot button is also awkwardly placed, which took some getting used to. Pricing starts at R255 000 and goes up to R405 000. The range is powered by a 1.2-litre turbocharged engine, available in both manual and automatic. Our test model was the range-topping XUV 3XO AX7L Auto.
