Mahindra XUV 3XO AX7L
Words + Images: Nick Henare
I picked up the Mahindra XUV 3XO fresh from the airport on a crisp Canterbury spring day, and the timing felt apt. In black, the AX7L trim looked quietly confident—elevated without shouting, understated yet well-appointed.
The XUV 3XO is Mahindra’s refreshed compact SUV, a natural evolution from the XUV 300. In the AX7L specification, the “Luxury” trim, it represents the top of the range—aimed at those who want city-friendly practicality wrapped in premium touches. At $32,990, the offering borders on disruptive: panoramic sunroof, dual 26cm display (digital instrument cluster and infotainment in one sleek sweep), wireless Apple CarPlay, Harman Kardon audio with subwoofer, leatherette upholstery, wireless charging, and even a cooled glovebox. The Harman Kardon sound system—paired with an open sunroof—felt like a small luxury moment on an otherwise routine drive.
Performance on Canterbury Roads
Every test drive deserves a proving ground, and mine has always been the Sign of the Kiwi route—enough incline and winding road to reveal character. The 1.2L turbo petrol three-cylinder (82kW, 200Nm) paired with a six-speed automatic is not built for sportscar thrills, but torque arrives early, making the hill climb surprisingly easy. The drive modes—Zip, Zap, and Zoom—are a playful touch, more character than transformation. For daily urban commutes and the occasional weekend detour, the powertrain is more than adequate.
Space & Comfort
Though the 3XO is compact (under four metres in length), its long wheelbase gives it presence and interior generosity. At six foot, I had more than enough space and felt as though I were driving a larger SUV. The leatherette trim elevated the cabin, delivering a sense of quiet luxury rare at this price point. It’s family-practical without feeling utilitarian.
Efficiency & Everyday Ease
Fuel economy sits at 6.5L/100km. Even when driven with intent, the efficiency held its own. For Canterbury drivers juggling school runs, open homes, or commutes into the city, this is a car that makes life easy: central locking, wireless integration, seven years of warranty and road assist. It’s the type of vehicle that removes stress rather than adds to it.
Final Word
The Mahindra XUV 3XO AX7L is not about raw performance; it’s about value, comfort, and thoughtful features. For urban usage, commuting, and light family duty, it hits a sweet spot. It looks good, feels premium, and drives with a simplicity that lets you enjoy the journey. In many ways, that balance—style and sensibility—is what makes it compelling.
Verdict: A compact SUV with quiet confidence, built for those who want all the creature comforts at an approachable price point.
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Škoda Kodiaq RS: Power, Precision and Space — Reinvented
Words: CM Staff Writer | Images Supplied
When a car this size wears the RS badge, you expect more than just family-friendly practicality with a splash of sporty trim. You expect a statement — and the second-generation Škoda Kodiaq RS delivers it with a grin and a growl.
Škoda has given their flagship performance SUV the heart of a true athlete: a 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine pushing out a feisty 195 kW and 400 Nm of torque. Hook that up to a razor-quick 7-speed DSG and all-wheel drive, and suddenly this seven-seater feels more rally-stage than school run. The Dynamic Sound Boost isn’t just a gimmick — it’s the aural reminder that you’re driving something far friskier than your average family hauler.
On the road, the Kodiaq RS is a bit of a magician. Progressive steering and the new DCC Plus chassis system mean this SUV shrinks around you when the bends arrive, yet stays calm and composed when you’re cruising over Canterbury’s wide-open straights. The suspension changes, now with separate valves for compression and rebound, make a noticeable difference — comfort when you want it, taut precision when you need it.
Visually, Škoda hasn’t held back. Glossy black detailing from the grille frame to the D-pillar, a horizontal light strip slicing across the nose, and those exclusive 20-inch Elias alloys make it clear this isn’t just any Kodiaq. There’s a muscularity to its stance — the sort of presence that turns heads at the lights and in the supermarket carpark alike.
Inside, the RS Suite Design is unapologetically premium. Sports seats wrapped in black perforated leather with red stitching, a 13-inch infotainment screen, Virtual Cockpit, and a Canton sound system that turns even a quick dash to Akaroa into a private concert. Acoustic side glass keeps the cabin hushed, unless of course you want to drop a gear and let that RS voice through.
What really sells the Kodiaq RS to me, though, is how it blends all this performance kit with real-world usability. Seven seats. 2,500 kg towing capacity. Off-road mode. Space for the kids, the bikes, the dog — and still the ability to leave a hot hatch scratching its head at the lights.
The second-gen Škoda Kodiaq RS is more than an SUV with sporty badges. It’s the SUV for those who refuse to choose between space, sophistication, and a genuine driving thrill. Canterbury roads just found their new champion.
Verdict: A family SUV with the heart of a performance car and the polish of a luxury tourer. The Kodiaq RS doesn’t just tick boxes — it redraws them.
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