This Popular Indian Car Just Became South Africa's 'Car Of The Year'

In a move that reinforces the growing influence of compact SUVs globally, the Mahindra XUV 3XO, recently launched in India, has clinched the 'People’s Choice' title at the 2025 Old Mutual Insure South African Car of the Year (COTY) Awards. This win marks the second consecutive year Mahindra has walked away with this accolade, a rare achievement for any brand, let alone one that entered the South African passenger vehicle market just a few years ago.

South Africa’s Favourite, Again

Mahindra’s rise in South Africa has been steady but strategic. The brand has long held a reputation for durable workhorse vehicles, especially in rural and semi-urban markets. But in recent years, it has repositioned itself with modernised offerings that blend aggressive styling, safety and technology, attributes that appeal to a far wider customer base. The XUV 3XO is a case in point.

The compact SUV, sold in South Africa as the XUV300 and now transitioning to the 3XO, edged out far more established players, underscoring its growing resonance among South African buyers. Unlike other jury-based awards, the People’s Choice is determined by public votes, making this a direct endorsement from everyday motorists. That alone makes the win even more significant.

What Makes the XUV 3XO Stand Out

In a market filled with subcompact SUVs, the XUV 3XO brings some key differentiators. It’s not the cheapest in its segment, but it offers more than its price tag might suggest. High-end variants feature a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, Level 2 ADAS and a large infotainment screen, features that have typically been reserved for costlier offerings.

Another major plus is its solid safety reputation. The vehicle has already secured a strong safety rating under the Global NCAP programme. In a country like South Africa, where safety on highways is a serious concern, this could well be a key buying factor.

Performance-wise, the XUV 3XO offers a choice between a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel engine, both refined and reasonably peppy. But what likely tipped the balance in its favour is the way the vehicle balances modern features with traditional ruggedness, a formula that has worked well in both India and South Africa.

Why This Win Matters Back Home

While South African accolades may seem distant from our daily traffic jams, they matter in the long-term narrative for any carmaker. Mahindra is actively pursuing a transformation from a rugged SUV brand to a global player in the lifestyle vehicle space. The company is investing in design centres, global platforms and cutting-edge powertrains. Awards like these help validate that shift.

More importantly, such recognition gives confidence to domestic buyers who might still associate Mahindra primarily with Bolero and Scorpio. When the same car that’s just been launched here gets voted as the top pick by international buyers, it becomes easier for fence-sitters to take a closer look.

There’s also a business angle. Mahindra has been exporting India-made cars for years now, but the pace is picking up. The XUV 3XO’s success could bolster Mahindra’s ambitions to expand its global reach beyond traditional strongholds.

A Growing Legacy in South Africa

This is not a one-off moment. Mahindra's growing presence in South Africa includes a dedicated local assembly facility and a wide dealership network. It has tailored its product strategy carefully, offering just the right mix of pricing and features to appeal to local needs. The XUV 3XO builds on this groundwork and reflects a broader trend of rising acceptance of non-European brands.

It also signals how Indian-made vehicles are no longer just about affordability. They now deliver on safety, tech and design too. That shift might still be playing out slowly in some quarters here, but it’s being recognised abroad, and that says a lot about how far the brand has come.

In the end, the XUV 3XO’s win in South Africa isn’t just a pat on the back for Mahindra. It’s a signpost of changing consumer expectations and a quiet nudge to the rest of the market to take notice.