Mahindra launches the XUV 3XO

Mahindra launches the XUV 3XO

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd has launched yet another compact SUV called the XUV 3XO. Conceptualised at the Mahindra India Design Studio (MIDS) in Mumbai and engineered (and developed) at the Mahindra Research Valley (MRV) near Chennai, the new vehicle combines standout design, premium interiors, comfortable ride, cutting-edge technology, thrilling performance and unmatched safety.

With the base model priced at INR 749,000 ex-showroom, the XUV 3XO is made at the company’s facility in Nashik with the use of advanced manufacturing processes to ensure a high-quality job. To commence deliveries from 26 May 2024, the vehicle is fitted with 17-inch wheels. It has a water wading depth of 350 mm. 

Laced with 35 standard safety features including six airbags, ESC with Hill Hold Control (HHC) and disc brakes on all four wheels, the XUV 3XO is built to meet the highest B-NCAP safety rating. Powered by a 1.2-litre TDGI (turbo-petrol) engine that does 230 Nm torque and a 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engine that does 300 Nm, the compact SUV is offered with a 6-speed auto transmission. 

Capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 kmph in 4.5 seconds on the turbo-petrol model, the XUV 3XO is equipped with a multi-tuned valve concentric land technology (MTV-CL). This technology – being offered by OE suspension parts suppliers Monroe and Tennaco – enables a uniquely broad range of tuning options in terms of vehicles dynamics. 

The MTV-CL technology helps to enhance damper performance by providing a more precisely defined blend of ride, handling and NVH. The XUV 3XO is the second vehicle to get this technology after the Scorpio N. 

Fitted with a MacPherson strut fully independent front suspension and a twist beam semi-independent rear suspension, the compact SUV is quite refined and spacious for its size. 

Claimed to have the best-in-class wheelbase, occupant space and legroom, the compact SUV offers 364-litre boot space at the rear. This could be further enhanced by folding both or either of the 60:40 rear seat. 

Available with first-in-the-segment ‘Skyroof’, dual zone climate control and 65-watt USB-C charging, as per the company sources, the XUV 3XO comes with an electronic parking brake (with auto hold), three smart steering modes, Level 2 ADAS and Twin HD Screens – a 26.03 cm screen for infotainment and a 26.03 cm screen for instrumentation. In terms of convenience, there’s wireless Android Auto and Apple Carplay, and built-in Alexa. The Harman Kardon premium audio system consists of an amplifier and sub-woofer. There’s 360-degree surround view system with blind view monitor too. 

Speaking at the launch of the XUV 3XO, Veejay Nakra, President – Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, said, "With the launch of the XUV 3XO, starting at an attractive price of INR 749,000, Mahindra is redefining what an SUV can be. Engineered to deliver 'Everything you want and more,' the XUV 3XO is designed to cater to a broad spectrum of customers. From those upgrading from a hatchback to their first SUV to luxury seekers looking for high-end features at a competitive price, the XUV 3XO offers a unique blend of innovation, safety, comfort, and performance. Each variant is a strategic response to the nuanced needs of different customer segments, effectively making each variant a disruptor in its segment."

JSW MG Motor India Introduces All-New Hector SUV At INR 1.19 Million

MG Hector SUV

JSW MG Motor India has introduced the all-new MG Hector SUV featuring a revised exterior with new front and rear bumper designs, a new grille design and new alloy wheels at prices starting INR 1.19 million (ex-showroom) for limited units. The SUV comes in two new colours – Celadon Blue and Pearl White.

The interiors feature a Dual Tone Ice Grey Theme in the 5-seater trim and Dual Tone Urban Tan for the 6 and 7-seater trims. Exterior details include the new Aura Hex Grille, a hexagonal structure that symbolises strength and precision. New Aura Sculpt Bumpers at the front and rear deliver a muscular, assertive stance and also the Aura Bolt Alloy Wheels.

The all-new Hector's infotainment system, featuring a 14-inch HD portrait touch screen, receives a performance boost through Smart Boost technology. The system features the i-SWIPE Touch Gesture Control, enabling intuitive multi-touch operations for AC, music and navigation. Further convenience is provided by the Digital Bluetooth Key and Key Sharing capability along with Predictive Maintenance Alerts, Remote AC Control. A Full Digital Cluster with a 17.78 cm Embedded LCD Screen provides a driver interface.

Anurag Mehrotra, Managing Director, JSW MG Motor India, said, “The Hector was our maiden nameplate and quickly became synonymous with the MG brand, emerging as one of India’s most loved SUVs with 150,000 customers since its debut. With the All-New MG Hector, we take this legacy a notch higher by enhancing its design, comfort, and technology, offering an unmatched value proposition. We believe truly advanced mobility should not be an exclusive luxury reserved for the few. With this superior package, The All-New MG Hector will further democratize technology while setting a new benchmark for what a premium SUV can deliver.”

The new Hector also features a 360deg HD Camera with Wheel View, offering surround visibility along with tyre-level perspective. In terms of standard it gets ABS, EBD, ESP, TCS, Hill Hold Control and Brake Assist. The SUV is powered by a 1.5L Turbocharged Petrol engine (CVT & MT) offering 143 PS Power and 250 NM Torque.

Launched in 2019 as India’s First Internet Car, the MG Hector includes features such as a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, a 35.56 cm (14-inch) HD infotainment system, 8-colour Ambient Mood Lighting, and MG’s advanced i-SMART connected technology with 70+ features, and an advanced ADAS suite. Further features include Push Button Engine Start/Stop with a Smart Key and Anti-Theft Immobilisation, automatic powered tailgate, air purifier with PM 2.5 filter, rain sensing wipers, Remote Control for Audio, AC & Mood Light in i-Smart App and front parking sensors.

The prices for the diesel variant of the all-new Hector SUV will be announced next year.

Hyperion-Powered Tata Sierra Sets New Fuel Efficiency Benchmark

The Tata Sierra has entered the India Book of Records for maximum fuel efficiency in 12 hours. In a certified run at NATRAX Indore, the Sierra delivered an exceptional 29.9 kmpl mileage, surpassing the previous national benchmark. The feat was executed by the Pixel Motion team, that drove the 1.5-lire Hyperion-engine powered Sierra continuously from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm on 30 November 2025 with brief halts for driver swaps. The record was officially validated the same day.
The new 1.5-litre Hyperion petrol engine, engineered to deliver high efficiency without compromising refinement, performance or drivability, has an advanced combustion system, torque-rich performance band and friction-optimised architecture. 
The compact SUV also achieved a top speed of 222 kmpg at the track under specified test conditions. 
“Setting a national efficiency record so early in the Sierra’s journey is a proud moment for us. The Hyperion engine platform was built to push the boundaries of what petrol powertrains can achieve, and this milestone validates that effort. It strengthens the Sierra’s value proposition for customers and underlines TMPV’s commitment to bringing advanced, efficient and future-ready technologies to the market," said Mohan Savarkar, Chief Product Officer, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles. 

Škoda UK’s Matthew Bowden Shifts To Global Sales; Eric Boutin Named Successor

Škoda UK’s Matthew Bowden Shifts To Global Sales; Eric Boutin Named Successor

Matthew Bowden is concluding a successful four-year tenure as Director of Škoda UK, departing to assume the role of Head of International Sales for Škoda Auto. Under his leadership, the UK market achieved significant growth, rising to become the brand's third largest global market and consistently exceeding performance records while maintaining a market share beyond four percent.

His successor, Eric Boutin, will join the Volkswagen Group UK board of management as Director of Škoda UK in the first quarter of 2026. Boutin brings extensive international experience from pivotal markets including Canada, China and United States. He is currently responsible for Škoda Auto's global customer experience programme, with direct oversight of the worldwide retail network and omnichannel integration, and is spearheading the brand's overarching customer centricity transformation.

This strategic leadership transition aims to leverage Bowden's commercial acumen on a global scale while injecting Boutin's specialised customer-focused expertise into the UK operations.

Damien O’Sullivan, Managing Director, Volkswagen Group UK, said, “Matthew has made a significant contribution towards Škoda’s evolution and growth over the past four years. I’m grateful for all he’s done for the brand and the Group and wish him well in his new role. I’m looking forward to welcoming Eric to the UK board of management and am sure his global experience and customer focus will support the brand’s future ambitions and Human Touch proposition.”

Mahindra XUV 7XO To Premiere on 05 January 2026

Mahindra XUV 7XO To Premiere on 05 January 2026

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd has revealed that it will launch the XUV 7XO, which is based on the XUV 700, on 05 January 2026. A premium SUV segment vehicle, the XUV 7XO, the company claims, will be a gamechanger. Said to have been crafted to inspire and engineered to excite, combining the proven strengths of the XUV700 with superior design, technology, comfort and performance, the XUV 7XO is expected to be a feature a fascia with the new signature grille design and '7'-shape sleeker LED head lamps. 
Claimed to draw an amount of design and styling details from the new seven-seater electric SUV the company introduced recently, the XUV 7XO is expected to built on the technologies that made the XUV 700 a competitively priced tech savvy SUV with monocoque construction and an option of an AWD. As an ICE vehicle the 7XO is expected to further the gamut of features found on the XUV 700, including the ADAS Level 2 suite. 

The XUV 7XO is expected to replace the XUV 700 over a period of time if not immediately.