The new Mahindra XUV 3X0 is seemingly being prepared for its South African debut, as evidenced by a camouflaged and de-badged version of what appears to be the crossover we spotted on public roads this past weekend a stone’s throw away from the Mahindra HQ in Centurion, Gauteng.
Unveiled in May, the 3X0 is the replacement for the XUV 300 which has been billed as the Indian automaker’s entry-level vehicle following the discontinuation of the KUV 100 in early 2023.
Mahindra has yet to confirm when, or even if the 3X0 will be introduced to the domestic market, however, the camouflaged example which is presumably going through homologation procedures is a strong indication that it should reach our roads in the not-so-distant future.
The XUV 300 is also the second-best-selling Mahindra in South Africa after the Pik Up bakkie, fueling the possibility that its offspring is in the pipeline for the country.
TopAuto reached out to the automaker’s local wing to get more insights into the potential launch timeline and specifications of the crossover, but a spokesperson for the brand said they could not provide any details.
What to expect
The 3X0 retains the same basic proportions of the XUV 300 but sees a significantly updated front and rear-end design, complemented by a completely overhauled interior.
The front fascia now incorporates sharper headlights with vertical LED daytime running lights running down the edges, a new diamond-pattern grille, and a redesigned bumper.
At the rear, it wears restyled tail lamps connected by an edge-to-edge LED light bar, a new tailgate, and a more rugged-looking apron.
Refreshed alloy wheels are fitted ranging between 16 and 17 inches in diameter, and on the roof, the 3X0 features what Mahindra claims to be the “largest-in-segment” panoramic sunroof with dimensions of 940mm by 870mm.
Inside, the new Mahindra impresses with a modernised tech-laden cabin.
Two 10.25-inch displays are incorporated into the dash for the driver and infotainment functions, with capabilities such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa support, and built-in navigation at the occupants’ fingertips.
The top-spec 3X0 derivatives boast Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, too, encompassing adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, forward-collision warning, traffic sign recognition, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, and high-beam assist.
Other standout attributes of the new crossover include keyless entry and start, dual-zone climate control, leatherette upholstery, a Harman Kardon stereo, 65W USB-C fast charging ports, and a 360-degree camera system.
Like the XUV 300, the 3X0 is available with an assortment of petrol and diesel engines.
The Indian market has access to two turbocharged 1.2-litre petrol powerplants with 82kW and 200Nm, and 96kW and 230Nm, respectively.
The other option, a 1.5-litre, turbo-diesel, puts out 86kW and 300Nm.
All three drive units can be paired with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission and turn the front wheels exclusively.
The crossover also provides Zip, Zap, and Zoom drive modes in addition to Comfort, Normal, and Sport steering profiles.
Mahindra XUV 3X0
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