The Tata Nexon and Mahindra XUV 3XO are among the few compact SUVs to get a diesel engine option, along with the Kia Sonet and the Hyundai Venue. A 1.5-litre, four-cylinder diesel and a 6-speed manual gearbox are almost the norm in this segment. So without further ado, here’s our performance test data on the Tata Nexon diesel and Mahindra XUV 3XO diesel, where we find out which is quicker in the real world.
- Tata Nexon’s 1.5-litre diesel produces 115hp and 260Nm
- Mahindra XUV 3XO’s 1.5-litre diesel makes 117hp and 300Nm
- 1,469kg Mahindra XUV 3XO is 112kg heavier than Tata Nexon
Tata Nexon vs Mahindra XUV 3XO diesel specifications
| Tata Nexon vs Mahindra XUV 3XO diesel specifications | ||
|---|---|---|
| Nexon | XUV 3XO | |
| Engine | 1.5-litre, 4-cyl, turbo-diesel | 1.5-litre, 4-cyl, turbo-diesel |
| Power (hp) | 115 | 117 |
| Torque (Nm) | 260 | 300 |
| Transmission | 6MT | 6MT |
| Kerb weight (kg) | 1357 | 1469 |
| Power-to-weight (hp per tonne) | 84.75 | 79.65 |
| Torque-to-weight (Nm per tonne) | 191.59 | 204.22 |
XUV 3XO has higher outputs than Nexon
As mentioned above, both Indian compact SUVs are powered by a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder diesel that is paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox. However, the XUV 3XO’s output figures are 2hp and 40Nm more than the Nexon’s.
Nexon significantly lighter than XUV 3XO
On the other hand, the Tata weighs 112kg less than the Mahindra, which has a kerb weight of 1,469kg. While this helps the Nexon post a better power-to-weight figure, the torque-to-weight number is still in favour of the XUV 3XO.
Tata Nexon vs Mahindra XUV 3XO diesel 0-100kph times
| Tata Nexon vs Mahindra XUV 3XO diesel 0-100kph (seconds) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Speed (kph) | Nexon | XUV 3XO |
| 20 | 1.43 | 1.49 |
| 40 | 3.43 | 3.27 |
| 60 | 5.67 | 5.51 |
| 80 | 8.54 | 8.27 |
| 100 | 12.22 | 12.40 |
| 120 | 17.09 | 17.51 |
Nexon is 0.18 seconds quicker to 100kph
From standstill until 20kph, the Nexon is margnially quicker than the XUV 3XO, but from 20kph to 80kph, the Mahindra pulls ahead of the Tata. However, at the 100kph mark, it is the Nexon that is quicker, by 0.18 seconds. The Nexon increases that lead by the time 120kph shows up on the speedometer to 0.42 seconds.
Tata Nexon vs Mahindra XUV 3XO diesel in-gear acceleration
| Tata Nexon vs Mahindra XUV 3XO diesel in-gear acceleration (seconds) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Nexon | XUV 3XO | |
| 20-80kph (in 3rd gear) | 9.00 | 10.72 |
| 40-100kph (in 4th gear) | 10.30 | 12.33 |
XUV 3XO in-gear acceleration times are higher than Nexon
Our tests show that the Nexon is also quicker than the XUV 3XO in terms of in-gear acceleration. The Tata is 1.72 seconds quicker in the 20-80kph in third gear run, while it is a significant 2.03 seconds quicker in the 40-100kph in fourth gear sprint.
Autocar India’s testing standards
Before we conduct our performance tests, we check and maintain tyre pressures based on the manufacturer’s recommendation and ensure the car has a full tank of fuel. The car is then tested in a controlled environment with two people on board, and the data is collected via highly accurate GPS-based timing equipment.
Tata Nexon vs Mahindra XUV 3XO diesel prices
With the 1.5-litre diesel engine and manual gearbox, the Tata Nexon price range starts at Rs 10.00 lakh and goes up to Rs 14.10 lakh. Meanwhile, the Mahindra XUV 3XO diesel-manual variants cost between Rs 9.99 lakh and Rs 14.99 lakh.
All prices, ex-showroom, India
Also see:
Mahindra XUV 3XO vs Tata Nexon diesel comparison