Bucket Seat: Mahindra XUV 3XO AX7L

The Mahindra XUV300 AX7L (Luxury variant) is the flagship trim of the XUV300 lineup, offering a blend of style, performance, and advanced features that cater to urban and highway driving. First out, I think Mahindra have done a stunning job with the design of the car, its eye catching, its appealing and its just stands out from the crowd. Even though I had one of the more subdued colours in its line-up, it still had presence and it definitely echoes the right direction for the brands design philosophy. I spent a relatively short time with the car, not my usual 7-days which I felt didn't do the car justice but in any case, here are my thoughts on this new variant from the Indian motoring giant. 

DESIGN

The XUV300 AX7L stands out with its bold and muscular design, reflecting Mahindra's modern design philosophy. Front Features a prominent grille with chrome inserts, projector headlamps, and LED DRLs that lend a sophisticated and aggressive look. The car sports 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels and a strong character line running along the side, giving it a dynamic stance. The LED tail lamps are sharp and sleek, enhancing its premium appeal. The rear spoiler and silver skid plates add to its sporty demeanor. It comes in vibrant and dual-tone color options, which enhance its youthful and premium look.

PERFORMANCE

The XUV300 AX7L is available locally with only one engine option, that being the 1.2L Turbo-Petrol Engine from which it derives 82kW and 200Nm of torque, this is paired with a 6-speed automatic AISIN gearbox which I'll be very honest, I didn't quite enjoy. I felt that it quite often slipped gears especially in take off and the transitions were not smooth at all, with quite aggressive feedback at times. On the open road it didn't fair too badly, I found it peppy and a bit more refined, but it's meant to be a city car and I suppose for that aspect, the driving dynamics were not the greatest but given its size, nimbleness and its decent fuel economy, it may still fair well for many. 

COMFORT

The cabin of the AX7L variant is plush and equipped with high-end materials, offering a premium in-car experience. Soft-touch materials and a dual-tone theme dominate the dashboard, giving it an upmarket feel. Leatherette upholstery with excellent cushioning ensures comfort during long drives. The front seats are ventilated, a nice option for the hot, humid Durban summers.The car is spacious for its class, with ample legroom and headroom in both rowws. At 257 liters, the boot is adequate for daily needs but could feel limited for larger trips. The AX7L is loaded with segment-leading features which include a 7-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, paired with a premium Harman/Kardon sound system. On the safety side, it includes 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP, and a tyre pressure monitoring system. Driver Assistance Systems include: Advanced features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and autonomous emergency braking set it apart.Comfort Features which are note worthy are dual-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, and an auto-dimming IRVM enhance convenience and luxury.

VERDICT

The Mahindra XUV300 AX7L is a great choice for those seeking a feature-packed compact SUV with robust performance and advanced safety tech. While its boot space could be a drawback, the overall value it offers makes it a compelling option in its segment. The AX7L variant is priced at the premium end of the XUV300 lineup, but its features and performance justify the cost. It competes with models like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Tata Nexon, holding its own with its feature-rich offering and strong engines.

 SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	1.2L Turbo Petrol
Gear Box	6-speed AISIN
Torque	200Nm
Power	82kW
0-60KM	4.6 seconds
Price	R404,999