If you’re shopping for a compact SUV around the R400 000 mark, you’re probably looking at a long list of options like the Toyota Urban Cruiser, Suzuki Grand Vitara, or even the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro.

But Mahindra has just thrown a serious spanner in the works with the all-new 3XO – and in top-spec AX7L automatic form, priced at R404 999, it makes a very convincing case for itself.

Let’s start with the engine. The 1.2-litre turbo petrol might not sound like much on paper, but with 82 kW and 200 Nm, it’s surprisingly punchy. Mahindra claims a 0–60 km/h sprint in 4.6 seconds (for the manual), and even though the auto is probably a touch slower, it still feels eager. The six-speed torque converter gearbox does a decent job keeping things smooth in traffic, and you get drive modes to tweak the feel.

But what makes the AX7L stand out is how much it offers for the price. You’re getting a cabin that feels genuinely premium – soft-touch black leatherette on the dash and doors, leatherette seats, and a sleek dual-screen setup that wouldn’t look out of place in a car twice the price.

The 10.25-inch digital cluster and infotainment screen are both crisp, intuitive, and come with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s even a 65W USB-C port that can charge a laptop.

Sound quality? Excellent, thanks to a Harman Kardon audio system with seven speakers, a sub, and a nine-channel equaliser. This isn’t just a gimmick – it sounds properly good.

Comfort levels are high, too. Rear passengers get air vents, the boot is a useful 364 litres, and the panoramic sunroof – sorry, “Skyroof” – adds a big dose of airiness. The seats are supportive, the ride is well-damped, and it feels solid over rougher roads. You can tell Mahindra really focused on making this a grown-up car.

Then there’s safety – another area where the 3XO punches above its weight. You get six airbags, stability control, all-wheel disc brakes, and even Level 2 ADAS features like automatic emergency braking and lane assist. Blind-view monitoring and a surround-view camera also make parking much easier.

As for the styling, it’s sharp and bold. The wide stance, LED lights, diamond-cut 17-inch alloys and full-width rear light bar all give it presence. This isn’t another anonymous compact SUV.

Sure, there’s no diesel option, and some rivals may have a bigger brand following, but if you’re looking for the most bang for your buck, this top-spec 3XO is hard to beat. It feels like a class above in terms of equipment and interior polish, while still undercutting rivals that offer fewer features for more money.

In a segment that’s jam-packed with safe, predictable choices, the Mahindra 3XO 1.2T AX7L is a proper disruptor. And that’s not just marketing fluff – it really does offer something fresh, smart, and solid for the price.