Mumbai, March 14, 2026 – Women With Drive, a collaboration between Autocar India and Mahindra & Mahindra, returned for its sixth edition with another spirited celebration of driving skill, confidence, and adventure. Flagging off from Victoria South, Mumbai, on March 14, this year’s event brought together 32 enthusiastic women from diverse walks of life, each stepping into the driver’s seat to experience a series of engaging challenges at the Aamby Valley Airstrip.
The day began with a convoy drive out of Mumbai, with participants taking to the highway in the Mahindra XUV 7XO and Mahindra Thar Roxx. Designed to deliver both performance and comfort, the SUVs made the journey to Aamby Valley an enjoyable prelude to the activities ahead, allowing participants to settle into the rhythm of the drive while experiencing the capabilities of Mahindra’s latest offerings.
After the scenic highway run, the convoy arrived at Aamby Valley, where a series of curated challenges awaited the participants, each designed to highlight both driving skill and the strengths of Mahindra’s SUV lineup.
Mahindra SUVs Rise to the Challenge
Inspired by the women behind the wheel, each activity at the event was designed to highlight both the participants’ enthusiasm for driving and the versatility of Mahindra’s SUVs. From precision-based challenges to rugged off-road exploration, the day showcased how capable vehicles can enhance confidence and enjoyment behind the wheel.
Mahindra XUV 7XO
The Mahindra XUV 7XO played a central role in multiple challenges during the event, demonstrating its versatility across both driving and interactive activities.
In the Capture the Flag Challenge, teams of two participants worked together to complete a timed task that required both speed and coordination. Starting at one end of a straight, the driver accelerated towards the far marker, where the pair replaced a flag before quickly swapping seats. The new driver then piloted the XUV 7XO back to the starting point, testing teamwork, quick thinking, and confidence behind the wheel.
The SUV also featured in the Find the Feature Challenge, where participants had just three minutes inside the cabin to answer a set of questions by exploring the vehicle’s infotainment system and interior features. The exercise encouraged participants to engage with the XUV 7XO’s technology and thoughtfully designed cabin, highlighting how intuitive systems and user-friendly interfaces enhance the everyday driving experience.
Mahindra 3XO
The Mahindra 3XO took centre stage in the Autocross Challenge, held on a specially laid-out course at the Aamby Valley airstrip. Designed to test precision and control, the slalom-style layout allowed participants to experience the 3XO’s nimble handling and responsive performance.
As a compact SUV with an engaging driving character, the 3XO felt agile and confident through the cones, giving participants a taste of its dynamic capabilities while navigating the course. The challenge highlighted how the vehicle’s responsive steering and balanced chassis contribute to an enjoyable and confidence-inspiring drive.
Mahindra Scorpio-N
The Mahindra Scorpio-N showcased its rugged capability on the Off-Road Trail, where participants navigated a series of challenging obstacles designed to replicate demanding terrain conditions.
Equipped with Mahindra’s advanced 4XPLOR 4WD system, the Scorpio-N enabled drivers to tackle uneven trails, steep inclines, and loose surfaces with confidence. Under expert guidance, participants experienced how the SUV’s strong mechanical foundation and intelligent terrain management systems work together to deliver impressive off-road ability.
The commanding driving position and excellent visibility further helped participants build confidence as they manoeuvred through the course, reinforcing the Scorpio-N’s reputation as a true adventure-ready SUV.
Mahindra Thar (3-door)
Joining the Scorpio-N on the off-road trail was the iconic 3-door Mahindra Thar, which demonstrated its renowned all-terrain capability across the same challenging course.
With its robust four-wheel-drive system and low-ratio gearbox, the Thar tackled obstacles with ease, allowing participants to experience the thrill of off-roading firsthand. Its compact proportions and mechanical strength made navigating tight sections and uneven terrain feel natural and engaging, reinforcing why the Thar continues to be synonymous with adventure.
Mahindra Thar Roxx
The Mahindra Thar Roxx served as one of the convoy vehicles for the drive from Mumbai to Aamby Valley, combining bold design with everyday usability.
With its distinctive styling, commanding presence, and comfortable cabin, the Thar Roxx made the highway journey both enjoyable and engaging for participants. The drive highlighted how the SUV blends rugged character with modern comfort, making it equally suited to long road trips and everyday driving.
Renuka Kirpalani, Consulting Editor, Autocar India, said about her experience, “Women With Drive has always been about creating a space where women can truly experience the joy and confidence that comes from being behind the wheel. What makes this event special is the combination of capable vehicles, engaging challenges and a supportive environment that encourages participants to push their limits. Seeing so many women embrace everything from precision driving to off-road trails today was incredibly rewarding.”
Manjari Upadhye, CMO, Mahindra Automotive, shared her thoughts about the day’s action at Aamby Valley, “At Mahindra, empowerment is about creating opportunities for women to experience the thrill of driving with confidence and freedom. Women With Drive reflects that belief by celebrating women who challenge boundaries, trust their instincts and move forward with purpose. We are proud to champion a platform that brings together capability, confidence and the joy of being behind the wheel.”
Pushing Boundaries, Inspiring Confidence
As Women With Drive celebrated its sixth edition, the event once again highlighted how the right environment and the right vehicles can inspire confidence behind the wheel. Through a mix of precision driving, teamwork-based challenges, and off-road exploration, participants experienced the thrill and satisfaction that comes from truly engaging with a vehicle.
Mahindra’s SUVs provided the perfect platform for these experiences, showcasing how thoughtful engineering, advanced technology, and rugged capability come together to elevate the driving journey. By the end of the day, every woman left with not just memories of an exciting adventure, but also a renewed appreciation for the confidence and joy that driving can bring.
