When visiting the Mahindra showroom in Windhoek this week to take a look at the much-awaited Crossover Utility Vehicle (XUV) 3XO model, Woema was flabbergasted when it walked right past the new vehicle without even recognising it. 

That is because the XUV, a sports utility crossover vehicle, arrived in Namibia last Friday, and does not look like your typical Mahindra. The XUV is quite a striking vehicle by any measure, particularly with an aggressive front design sporting the new Mahindra ‘M’ logo on a piano-black finish with Light Emitting Diode (LED) daytime running lights.  Sales manager Xavier van Wyk said the XUV retails between N$254 990 for the entry level version and N$404 999 for the top of the range.  

“All derivatives are powered by a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine producing 80 (kilowatts) kW and 200 Newton metres (Nm) of torque coupled to a torque-converter automatic gearbox,” added Wanye Berry, sales executive at M&Z Motors. 

At the back, the XUV’s rear infinity tail lamp stretches across to the G clamp-styled LED tail lights, where a bulged rear door gives the car a mean stance. 

Other features that immediately capture the eye include a stylish and functional roof spoiler. The XUV 3X0 measures 3 990 millimetres (mm) in length, 1 821mm in width and 1 647mm in height. 

The chassis is equipped with independent MacPherson strut suspension upfront and a more rudimentary twist beam semi-independent arrangement at the rear. 

Mahindra has also fitted multi-tuned valve concentric damper technology for a smoother ride and better handling. 

The XUV offers three steering modes, namely Comfort, Normal and Sport. 

In the interior, the XUV has improved in leaps and bounds on previous models. 

This is quite evident in the striking dual floating high resolution 10.25-inch screens that accommodate the digital cluster and infotainment system, surround view system with blind view monitoring as well as wireless charging and connectivity. 

This also includes a fast 65W Universal Serial Bus port for charging laptops, and a tyre position display. 

The XUV’s turbo-charged engine and automatic transmission is believed to give it a distinct advantage over its competitors, which include the likes of Suzuki Ignis and Fronx, Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger and Toyota Starlet Cross.

The XUV is built in India, and provides a generous 201mm of ground clearance. 

Its bullish stance is enhanced by the protective black plastic cladding shrouds over the wheel arches and rocker panels.

The XUV is available in four model grades.