For most Australians, the memory of their first car is a cherished one – that first taste of freedom, the long drives to nowhere, the first road trip with friends. But behind almost every “first car” story, there’s often a parent or grandparent quietly footing the bill, helping with a loan, or steering the decision.
Today, that influence is stronger than ever.
With the rising cost of living and soaring second-hand car prices, parents are stepping in to help their kids – and grandkids – get behind the wheel safely. A recent RACQ survey found that while most young drivers used to buy their first car themselves, that’s now dropped from 66 per cent to just 60 per cent. More than half of P-plate drivers are driving a parent’s car. In short, mum and dad are still very much in the driver’s seat when it comes to choosing that first car.
And that’s where Mahindra’s new XUV 3XO comes in – a small SUV that’s quietly turning heads for its value, safety, and tech.
The sweet spot between value and peace of mind
In a new web series In Conversation with Mahindra, former cricketing legend and proud dad of three, Matthew Hayden, sat down with a group of Aussie parents to talk cars, kids and money.
As Hayden put it, “I’m curious to understand from a motor vehicle point of view, what some of those challenges are with cars, what some of your experiences are in making those decisions when buying cars.”
What followed was the kind of conversation that could have taken place around any suburban barbecue: everyone comparing notes about value for money, reliability and what they’d trust their kids to drive.
One mum summed it up perfectly: “If you’re a mum or dad with a teenage kid, I’d rather buy my daughter a car like the 3XO than a second-hand car that could plonk it anywhere. Especially with seven years’ warranty. A lot of people think a low price means low quality, but this car felt good to drive and looked really well made.”
That “price” she mentioned? Around $23,990 drive-away – which raised eyebrows among the group. As one dad said, “My son just bought his daughter a little old second-hand Volkswagen for $25,000. For that money, you could get a brand-new 3XO with a warranty and the latest safety tech.”
Safety first – because parents worry
Every parent knows that safety trumps style when it comes to a young driver’s first set of wheels. Visibility, braking, and driver-assist features all matter.
“The visibility in this car is epic,” said one tester. “In my European car I’ve got huge blind spots – but this one, you can actually see where you’re going.”
For another driver – all 6’5” of him – it was a revelation. “I wasn’t sure I’d even fit, but the visibility was fantastic. Even the mirrors and pillars were designed so tall drivers could see clearly.”
And it’s not just tall drivers who benefit. One woman just 5’1” said she could finally see over the bonnet – a rare thing in compact SUVs. “It works for tall people and small people,” she laughed. “Highly unusual.”
Add to that a suite of driver-assist technologies – automatic braking, lane assist, and the kind of connectivity younger drivers love – and it’s easy to see why parents are paying attention. As one driver noted, “The car actually slows down when you’re approaching another vehicle. The first time it happened I thought something was wrong – but it’s brilliant.”
The tech their kids want
For the kids, of course, it’s all about the tech. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Harman sound system, and a clean, modern dash design that wouldn’t look out of place in a far more expensive European model.
“The engine was quiet, the steering responsive, and everything worked really well,” said Hesper, one of the testers. “It just felt nice to drive.”
Another added: “We’ve got a Volvo that cost double this. If the 3XO had been around then, we would have seriously considered it.”
That blend of practicality and polish is what makes it such a strong contender for a first car – the tech and design that younger drivers want, with the reassurance older ones demand.
Helping the next generation make smarter choices
With property prices climbing and everyday costs soaring, one father in the discussion, Ross, shared what many over-60s have been telling their kids:
“If I can convince them to look at a good product like this that’s affordable, then they can put the money they save into property. Kids these days are going to find it extremely difficult to ever own a home without their parents’ help – so it’s about prioritising where they spend their money.”
He’s right. For parents and grandparents wanting to give a leg-up without going overboard, a car like the Mahindra XUV 3XO makes good sense – new, safe, tech-savvy, and priced well below many used cars.
And for those who just want their kids and grandkids to have something reliable – that they won’t have to worry about – it ticks all the right boxes.
The verdict
The first car is more than a purchase – it’s a milestone. Parents and grandparents want it to be a safe and sensible one. Young drivers want it to look sharp, sound good, and feel connected.
With its modern safety tech, standout visibility, comfort, connectivity, and affordability, the Mahindra XUV 3XO hits the sweet spot – the car that both generations can agree on.
As one of the testers put it:
“I think if you get people in driving this car around, you won’t have a problem selling them. Australians just need to get behind the wheel and see how good it is.”
Visit mahindra.com.au/find-my-dealer to find your nearest Mahindra dealer and test drive the XUV 3XO today.