Mahindra Genio Reviews

Mahindra has revealed four concept models that point to mainstream global aspirations via a new platform to underpin its models.

The Mahindra XUV 700 may soon be history, with a revised – and renamed – version on the way sooner than you might expect. Ushering in fresh styling, a massive interior upgrade and a host of other modifications underneath, the newcomer will likely be badged the XUV7XO, adopting the company’s updated alphanumeric naming strategy first seen when the XUV 300 morphed into the XUV3X0 small SUV last year. Launch timing for Project W616 has yet to be confirmed, but overseas reports are predicting a debut sometime next year, which augers well for a release in Australia during 2027.

A new player in the expanding electric vehicle (EV) market is coming to Australia. To be confirmed next year and expected to arrive locally starting from 2027, the EVs in question are from Mahindra – the 80-year old automotive brand from India better known for its global domination of tractors, rugged 4WDs and, more recently, value-priced urban SUVs like the XUV700 and recently-released XUV3XO. While not synonymous with electrification in its home market either, Mahindra has shocked sceptics by bounding into the top-three EV makers position in India this year to displace Hyundai, on the back of the Toyota RAV4-sized BE (Born Electric) 6e and its longer, BYD Sealion 7-esque coupe-SUV sibling badged the XEV (Crossover EV) 9e.

There's no shortage of options in the mid-size family SUV market, but one brand that doesn't get as much attention as something like a Toyota RAV4, is Mahindra and its XUV700. Offering seating for seven, a lengthy standard features list and punchy powertrain, the Indian-made SUV might be the dark horse of the segment.

Mahindra has snatched the title of Australia's cheapest SUV with its new XUV 3XO. Priced from $23,490 drive-away, is there more to like than just an appealing price tag?

Mahindra has been in Australia for 20 years now, though over this time it has bubbled away under the surface primarily as a tractor brand and maker of rugged utes and SUVs.

The Chery Tiggo 4 has been Australia’s cheapest SUV for a while now, but its crown has been snatched by an Indian-made rival.Mahindra has confirmed its new XUV 3XO starts from $23,490 drive-away for the entry-level AX5L thanks to an introductory pricing offer until August 31.This makes this Indian light SUV cheaper than the Chery Tiggo 4, Hyundai Venue, Kia Stonic and MG ZS, among others.The flagship XUV 3XO AX7L also starts from $26,490 drive-away thanks to that same introductory pricing offer until August 31.After this date, the drive-away pricing of the entire XUV3XO range goes up by $500. A full pricing table is at the bottom of this story.All variants are powered by a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine that produces 82kW of power and 200Nm of torque.This is mated to an Aisin-sourced six-speed torque-converter automatic transmission with drive sent to the front wheels only.Claimed combined fuel consumption is 6.5L/100km, according to ADR testing, and there’s a 42L fuel tank that requires a minimum of 91 RON unleaded petrol, though 95 RON premium unleaded is recommended.Measuring in at 3990mm long, 1821mm wide and 1647mm tall with a 2600mm wheelbase, the XUV 3XO has a turning circle of 5.3 metres and a kerb weight of around 1400kg.Inside there’s 368L of boot space with the rear seats upright. All versions of the XUV 3XO also offer five seats as standard.Like other Mahindra models, the XUV 3XO is covered by a seven-year, 150,000km warranty with seven years of roadside assistance. There’s also seven years of capped-price servicing totalling $1994, or $284.85 per service.As standard the entry-level Mahindra XUV 3XO AX5L comes with 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, 10.25-inch touchscreen multimedia system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, six-speaker sound system, dual-zone climate control, electric park brake with auto-hold, keyless entry and push-button start, leather steering wheel and gear selector and black cloth upholstery.Moving up to the AX7L adds a black-painted contrast roof, 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, LED front fog lights, panoramic glass sunroof, seven-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, 65W USB-C charger, cooled glovebox, black synthetic leather upholstery, and synthetic leather on dashboard and door trims.Standard safety equipment includes autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane centring, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, rear parking sensors and a reversing camera.Stepping up to the AX7L gets you a surround-view camera, blind-spot view camera, and front parking sensors.Available exterior colours include Everest White, Galaxy Grey, Tango Red and Stealth Black. The latter isn’t offered on the flagship AX7L trim and is instead replaced by Citrine Yellow.

Mahindra has modified its crash-testing procedures as well as safety specifications of all future models coming to Australia, to factor in regional requirements, essentially “doubling up” on the processes and expense.

Mahindra has announced that the next-generation Pik-Up is being prepared for an all-out assault on the lucrative Australian ute market. Dubbed Project Z121 and based on the Global Pik Up concept revealed in 2023, the all-new dual-cab one-tonne utility is pencilled in for an Australian launch sometime later next year, following a production debut in its native India later on this year.

The Mahindra XUV 3X0 is the Indian brand's first small SUV in Australia, taking on the Chery Tiggo 4 and co. Though modern and well equipped, with a punchy 1.2-litre turbo, the front-drive crossover boasts chunky styling and high ground clearance to make it stand out. There's plenty for buyers to like, as our first drive in India reveals, but the pricing also needs to be right for it to succeed.