The Mahindra 3XO, an evolution of the popular XUV300 , is the latest SUV from Mahindra & Mahindra that has made waves in the Indian automobile market. This facelifted version comes with significant revisions inside and out, positioning it as a strong competitor in its segment. One of the most notable features is the introduction of a panoramic sunroof —a first for the compact SUV category—as well as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), which bring a new level of technology to the vehicle. But what about its real-world fuel efficiency, especially with the diesel manual variant? We recently put the 1.5-litre diesel variant of the Mahindra 3XO to the test to gauge its real-world mileage performance, both in city and highway conditions. Here’s how it fared.
Powertrain and Pricing: Diesel Options
Before diving into the mileage test, let’s touch on the pricing and engine specifications. The Mahindra 3XO diesel model is available in a range of variants, starting at Rs. 9.99 lakh for the base MX2 version and going up to Rs. 14.99 lakh for the fully loaded AX7L variant (all prices are ex-showroom). The diesel variant is powered by a 1.5-litre engine that churns out 115bhp and an impressive 300Nm of torque , ensuring strong performance both in city traffic and on open highways.
The diesel model comes with two transmission options: a six-speed AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) and a six-speed manual gearbox . For our real-world mileage test, we used the manual version, which tends to offer slightly better fuel efficiency compared to its automatic counterpart.
City Mileage Test: Real-World Efficiency in Urban Conditions
We started the mileage test in typical urban settings. Driving the Mahindra 3XO in the city can be a challenge due to heavy traffic, stop-and-go conditions, and variable speeds. For the test, the 3XO was driven over a 78.5km route , which included a mix of heavy traffic, traffic signals, and some open stretches. Throughout the city run, the car consumed 6.38 litres of diesel , resulting in a real-world mileage of 12.3kmpl .
For a vehicle that weighs nearly 1.5 tons , this figure is quite respectable. The heavy curb weight and the diesel engine’s characteristics contribute to this fuel economy figure, making it suitable for urban commuting, especially for those who want a powerful engine to handle city driving.
Interestingly, the car's MID (Multi-Information Display) showed a higher fuel efficiency of 13.5kmpl during the city run. While this discrepancy between displayed and real-world mileage is common across many vehicles, the 3XO still delivered on its promise of good city fuel economy for a diesel SUV.
Highway Mileage Test: Stretching the Range
Next, we took the Mahindra 3XO diesel for a highway run to test its mileage in a more relaxed and consistent driving environment. On the highway, the car was driven over a 80.5km stretch , allowing us to assess its performance under constant-speed conditions, which are typically more fuel-efficient for diesel engines.
The 3XO returned a real-world highway fuel economy of 17.8kmpl , a significant improvement over the city figure. While the MID displayed figures between 20 and 22kmpl during the drive, the final number settled at 20.7kmpl . Again, this is a common occurrence where the instrument cluster overestimates the fuel efficiency, but it still highlights the impressive mileage potential of the 3XO when driven on highways.
With a 42-litre fuel tank , this fuel economy translates into a driving range of over 600km , making it ideal for long-distance journeys without frequent stops for refueling. This range is particularly useful for those who travel frequently between cities or for weekend getaways, where fuel efficiency plays a key role in lowering overall running costs.
Conclusion: A Balanced Performer for City and Highway Drives
In conclusion, the Mahindra 3XO diesel manual proves to be an efficient option for those looking for a balance between city commuting and highway cruising. Its 1.5-litre diesel engine delivers a respectable fuel economy of 12.3kmpl in city conditions and an impressive 17.8kmpl on the highway. The real-world mileage figures show that the SUV can comfortably handle daily urban driving while also being fuel-efficient on longer road trips.
Moreover, with its competitive pricing , starting at Rs. 9.99 lakh, and a range of features like the panoramic sunroof, ADAS, and premium interior options , the Mahindra 3XO positions itself as a strong contender in the compact SUV segment. Whether you prioritize performance, technology, or fuel efficiency, the 3XO diesel manual offers a well-rounded package for buyers seeking a modern, feature-packed SUV.
As the facelifted version of the XUV300 , the 3XO is all set to continue the success of its predecessor while introducing new-age features and technology to further elevate its appeal in a competitive market.
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