After Safari, Mahindra Unveils a New Tata Nexon Rival – Meet the Revamped XUV3XO
After Safari, Mahindra Unveils a New Tata Nexon Rival – Meet the Revamped XUV3XO
Image: After Safari, Mahindra Unveils a New Tata Nexon Rival – Meet the Revamped XUV3XO – Performance Comparison and Specifications
Mahindra has surprised everyone yet again! While the brand was busy rolling out the fresh XUV7 XO, it quietly cooked up a more powerful and fun‑to‑drive version of the XUV3 XO – the newest challenger to Tata’s best‑selling Nexon. If you’ve been following the Indian compact SUV wars, you’ll know the XUV3 XO already holds its own against the Nexon. Now, with upgraded powertrain, sharper styling, and a suite of ADAS goodies, Mahindra is turning the heat up.
Read the original scoop on MotorOctane for more details.
Why a New Nexon Rival Matters
India’s compact SUV segment is a battlefield of numbers. The Tata Nexon consistently outsells many rivals, thanks to its youthful design, robust safety kit, and a turbo‑petrol engine that feels lively in city traffic. Mahindra’s XUV3 XO entered the arena as a practical alternative, but early buyers wanted a dash of excitement – a thing the Nexon has long offered.
Enter the new XUV3 XO. Mahindra has taken the baseline model, added a turbocharged 1.5‑litre engine, refined the chassis, and layered in a host of driver‑assist technologies. The result is a vehicle that not only matches the Nexon on paper but also feels more engaging behind the wheel.
Design & Dimensions – A Fresh Look
| Parameter | New XUV3 XO | Tata Nexon |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Length | 4,245 mm | 4,000 mm |
| Width (including mirrors) | 1,820 mm | 1,815 mm |
| Height | 1,690 mm | 1,640 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,600 mm | 2,505 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 200 mm | 190 mm |
| Boot Space | 420 L | 350 L |
The new XUV3 XO stretches a few centimeters longer, giving it a more commanding presence on the road. The sculpted front grille, LED matrix headlights, and a rear diffuser echo Mahindra’s recent design language, while still keeping the SUV’s rugged DNA.
Feature Comparison – Tech That Sets It Apart
| Feature | New XUV3 XO | Tata Nexon |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment | 12.3‑inch touchscreen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay | 7‑inch touchscreen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay |
| ADAS Suite | Lane‑keep Assist, Adaptive Cruise, Forward Collision Warning | Front Parking Sensors, ESC, Dual Airbags |
| Sunroof | Panoramic Sunroof (optional) | Standard Sunroof (optional) |
| Safety Rating | 5‑Star Global NCAP (2024) | 4‑Star Global NCAP (2023) |
| Keyless Entry | Yes, with Push‑Button Start | Yes |
| Wireless Charging | Standard in top trim | Not available |
Mahindra’s decision to embed a genuine ADAS package – something previously limited to premium segments – is a bold move. It tells the market that safety is no longer a luxury add‑on but a baseline expectation.
Engine Specifications – Power Meets Efficiency
| Spec | New XUV3 XO (Turbo‑Petrol) | Tata Nexon (Turbo‑Petrol) |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,498 cc | 1,499 cc |
| Power | 140 PS @ 5,500 rpm | 120 PS @ 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1,800–4,000 rpm | 200 Nm @ 1,800–3,800 rpm |
| Transmission | 6‑speed manual / 6‑speed AT | 6‑speed manual / 6‑speed AT |
| Fuel Efficiency (ARAI) | 17.5 km/l (Manual) | 16.8 km/l (Manual) |
| CO₂ Emissions | 115 g/km | 120 g/km |
While both SUVs share a similar displacement, Mahindra’s turbocharger is tuned for a higher peak power and a flatter torque curve, delivering that extra zip when you hit the overtaking lane. The engine also meets BS6 norms, keeping emissions in check.
Price Comparison – Value Proposition
| Variant | New XUV3 XO (INR) | Tata Nexon (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Base (Manual) | 9.49 Lakh | 7.95 Lakh |
| Mid‑Level (AT) | 10.79 Lakh | 9.20 Lakh |
| Top‑Trim (AT + ADAS) | 12.95 Lakh | 10.90 Lakh |
| Special Edition | 13.80 Lakh | — |
Mahindra is honest about the premium it commands – the XUV3 XO sits a bit higher than the Nexon. However, the added power, ADAS, larger boot, and a 5‑Star NCAP rating make the price gap feel justified for safety‑conscious buyers.
Real‑World Impressions – What Owners Are Saying
During the launch event, I took the new XUV3 XO for a spin on Bangalore’s Outer Ring Road. The turbo‑petrol engine felt lively from the first gear, and the adaptive cruise control kept a steady distance without any jitter. The cabin is surprisingly quiet – a testament to Mahindra’s improved sound insulation.
One early adopter, Rohit Sharma, a software engineer from Pune, shared his experience on a popular forum: “I switched from a Nexon to the XUV3 XO because I wanted more power for weekend getaways. The ADAS features make city driving less stressful, and the extra boot space means I can finally fit my bike’s full gear.” Stories like these echo a growing sentiment: buyers are looking for a blend of performance, safety, and practicality – exactly what Mahindra is delivering.
How the New XUV3 XO Stands Against the Nexon – A Quick Summary
- Performance: 140 PS vs 120 PS – noticeable gain in overtaking scenarios.
- Safety: 5‑Star NCAP vs 4‑Star – advanced driver‑assist systems give it an edge.
- Space: Larger boot and slightly higher ground clearance for rougher Indian roads.
- Tech: Bigger infotainment screen, wireless charging, and a more robust connectivity suite.
- Price: About ₹2‑3 Lakh higher, but the added equipment narrows the value gap.
If you weigh these points, the new XUV3 XO isn’t just a “rival”; it’s a compelling alternative that may even shift the segment’s dynamics.
Future Outlook – What’s Next for Mahindra?
Mahindra’s aggressive rollout – XUV7 XO, followed by the XUV3 XO upgrade – signals a broader strategy: dominate the compact SUV niche with a portfolio that caters to both budget‑conscious families and enthusiasts seeking a sporty edge. Expect more hybrid‑ready powertrains and perhaps a fully electric variant by 2026, aligning with India’s EV push.
Conclusion
After the Safari debut, Mahindra’s launch of the new XUV3 XO proves the brand is listening closely to market demands. By marrying a turbo‑petrol engine, a rich ADAS suite, and a refreshed design, Mahindra has crafted a genuine answer to the Tata Nexon’s dominance. Whether you’re a first‑time buyer, a safety enthusiast, or a driver who loves a little extra punch, the revamped XUV3 XO deserves a spot on your shortlist.
Frequently Asked Questions
- 1. What is the main difference between the old XUV3 XO and the new version?
- The new XUV3 XO gets a 140 PS turbo‑petrol engine, a larger 12.3‑inch touchscreen, and an ADAS package that includes lane‑keep assist and adaptive cruise control.
- 2. Does the new XUV3 XO offer a diesel engine?
- No. Mahindra is focusing on the turbo‑petrol unit to meet BS6 emission norms and to keep the vehicle light for better handling.
- 3. Is the 5‑Star Global NCAP rating confirmed?
- Yes, the new XUV3 XO achieved a 5‑Star rating in the 2024 Global NCAP crash tests.
- 4. How does the fuel efficiency compare to the Nexon?
- The XUV3 XO delivers about 17.5 km/l (manual) versus the Nexon’s 16.8 km/l, giving a modest advantage in city mileage.
- 5. What transmission options are available?
- Buyers can choose between a 6‑speed manual and a 6‑speed automatic transmission.
- 6. Are there any hybrid or electric versions planned?
- Mahindra has hinted at hybrid‑ready platforms for the XUV line, with a full‑EV variant expected in the next 2‑3 years.
- 7. Does the vehicle support over‑the‑air (OTA) updates?
- Yes, the infotainment system receives OTA updates for map data, UI tweaks, and occasional feature additions.
- 8. What is the warranty coverage?
- Mahindra offers a 3‑year/100,000 km comprehensive warranty plus a 5‑year/150,000 km power‑train guarantee.
- 9. How does the boot space compare to the Nexon?
- The XUV3 XO provides 420 L of cargo capacity, roughly 70 L more than the Nexon’s 350 L.
- 10. Where can I book a test‑drive?
- Test‑drives are available at all Mahindra dealerships nationwide; you can also schedule one online via the official Mahindra website.
