Distilled Essence of XUV

The all-new Mahindra XUV 3XO aims to disrupt the bustling compact SUV segment with features buyers want at price-points hitherto unmatched. We drive it from its home in Nashik to our home in Pune

- Jim Gorde

THE PLAN WAS CLEAR. The Mahindra XUV 3XO aims to be a modernised and smaller but just as uncompromising take on the larger XUV 700. As such, there are cues and there are renewed views where things matter-what one sees and what one feels.

The new Mahindra XUV 3XO is a distinct member of the "XUV" portfolio. Heck, it looks like they baked the older one till the molten ends led to smoother edges and a more fluid and flowing appearance. It looks like a smaller XUV 500 while identifying itself as the replacement for the XUV 300. And there is the same gene evidently present as the larger XUV 700; plus, some hardware and software to go along-the Bosch ESP and safety suite, for example.

The look of the new Mahindra XUV 3XO takes it forward into the future and turns heads-a big part of the job done, with some substance in the form of a long equipment list and vastly improved ride quality. With a free rein given for the drive, no destination, car-sharing or areas off-limits, we decided to head back to Pune through the hills and dales, passing through Nashik city and then some towns and countryside and many unfinished roads-along the way.