Mahindra & Mahindra Motors has put country on to global
scenario with newly design based SUV – Mahindra XUV 500 . With this car,
Mahindra now has 5 UV products in its range. Newly made XUV 500— is an
absolutely fantastic car, built from scratch by Mahindra designers. Mahindra
XUV 500 is an international standard SUV that is going to embark company on global
platform. Pronounced as Mahindra XUV500 with last to ‘00’ pronounced as
alphabet ‘OO’, it symbolizes activeness and agility besides quickness it has as
an Sport Utility Vehicle. Mahindra Motors has arrived at design of this SUV
after an expansive research and survey that is said to have been conducted in
various markets besides India. Apart from this, car also has been tested to be
perfect on many locations including Europe, Australia and South Africa. After
launch in India, Mahindra XUV 500 will be marketed in South Africa as well.
Besides design, Mahindra XUV 500 features unique exterior
styling, a gamut of technologies that is nowhere visible in SUVs already in
place by Mahindra. Additionally, global design brings with it global standards
as well in this SUV. Mahindra’s trained and skilled engineers have burnt their
midnight oil to make this happen and it is with help of their attempts that XUV
500 is able to be manufactured on global standards. It is the first vehicle
from Mahindra that is based on a monocoque chassis. Contrary to conventional
design in which car is made of a frame and then it is covered with lightweight
metal sheets, XUV 500 body is a single piece body in which body and chassis are
one piece.
It also has
first-ever transversely placed engine by Mahindra and this has enhanced passenger
space inside and has also improved safety in case of collision besides larger
crumple zone thus Mahindra XUV is much safer and crash resistant than any
Mahindra SUV. Land Rover LR2 Freelander and Volvo cars employ transversely
placed engine in their products. Such first in class features make this SUV at
par with international standards. Incorporating such features has made XUV500
to compete with international SUVs in terms of global rules, safety regulations
and emission standards. In India, XUV500 will create its own unique space and
is place above Mahindra Scorpio and big SUV models from India.
Mahindra XUV 500 has 2179 cc mHawk engine that also powers
Scorpio and now even Xylo. Common rail diesel engine generates 140 PS which is
enough to cruise XUV 500 on road or off-road. Most noteworthy is torque which
is 330 Nm that lets new SUV to move around easily even in snarling city
traffic. There is 6-speed manual gearbox in XUV 500 with torque on demand
mechanism. There are two variants on XUV 500 one is a 2WD while other is 4WD
model. Micro-hybrid technology is also used in car for better mileage.
Mahindra XUV500
Models
Mahindra XUV 500 W6 2WD: This car is powered by 2179 cc
mHawk 140 PS engine that has improved power with 5th generation
variable geometry turbocharger. There is a 6” monochrome infotainment display,
micro hybrid system, Intellipark, rain sensing wipers, headlamps, immobilizer,
dual airbags, ABS, EBD, tilt steering, cruise, audio controls on steering
besides an loads of features.
Mahindra XUV 500 W8 2WD: Powered by the same engine but is
an improved trim and is a 2WD car. Apart from features of XUV 500 W6, this
model has 6” color touch screen infotainment display, GPS Navigation, DVD
Player, Tyre Tronics, side and curtain airbags, Electronic Stability Program
(ESP) with rollover mitigation, Hill Hold and Hill Descent control, Alloy
Wheels, tilt and telescopic steering, leather upholstery besides other
features.
Mahindra XUV 500 W8 4WD: This is All-wheel drive version of
Mahindra XUV 500 W8.
Mahindra XUV500
Review by Gowheel.com Editorial team
Mahindra XUV500 was launched in September 2011 and received warm
response with huge amount of bookings. It was a big hit for company. XUV500
stands tall and proud with looks which shame others which are priced at almost
double the cost. This car has massive road presence and stuff like LEDs combined
into head lamp or bulging rear simply add to whole package. Side profile is
more natural and at more than one example, it did remind us of Mitsubishi
Outlander! You also observe muscular design above wheel arches, typical Mahindra
grille and twin exhausts which give proper hint of car’s capabilities. Other
interesting bits include funky ‘paw’ door handles and sexy tail lamps with
motif engravings. It would not be wrong to say that XUV500 easily produces more
attention than its main competitors in this price band, Force One and Tata
Aria.
Inside car does have 7-seat but due to limited length, last
row is best suited only for kids. Also, with third row in place, there is next
to no boot space left inside. Secondly, fit and finish of plastics is not
really up to the mark – these two things are just about only negatives we found
in SUV therefore wanted to mentioned
them first. Good part starts now – step inside and you are shocked with package
Mahindra has managed in car. From extreme design lines to feature list and
space, XUV500 simply surpasses rivals as well as others priced at almost double
the cost easily. Top end W8 model is laden to brim including leather seats and
touch screen system for various functions. Thoughtful features are conversation
mirror for driver, flowing central console, chilled box under driver arm rest,
cruise control, voice command for audio and cruise system.
XUV500 carries a 140 PS diesel engine that is coupled to a
6-speed manual gearbox and a similar speed automatic is expected next year.
Twist key and engine starts with muted sound and clatter all this is possible
due to all NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) packaging possible by various
changes including dual mass flywheel.
This is truly a highway car and engine exactly sleeps in 6th
gear. Amount of torque and power produced is so big that pedal to metal in
lower gears, one need to take note of torque steer – easily felt through gear
lever. XUV500 also boasts start-stop feature that works when vehicle is parked in
neutral for over 2.5 seconds. Suspension system is easily new benchmark in SUV
segment. On straights, long wheelbase
and aerodynamic front meant that it felt reassuringly stable even at top speed
of an indicated 195km/h. Around hills, ESP gives that extra confidence and this
mixed with low centre of gravity and minimal body rolls make SUV a joy to flick
around corners.
XUV500 on the other hand not only amazes by being so
accomplished but also walks away with cake due to price – from Rs 10.80 to Rs
12.88 lakh. Icing on cake that XUV 500 walks away with is long list of standard
features – due to limited space, we simply cannot name them here.
What's new in Mahindra
XUV500
Intelligent AWD technology manufactured by Borg Warner makes
sure you are always in control of car, be it slippery roads, heavy rain, snow
or even ice. Seamless transition from 2WD to AWD without any driver interference
ensures unbeatable handling prowess. NexTracTM is next-gen, electronically
controlled, on-demand Interactive Torque Management system. When required, it
assumes control of clutch and other car systems. NexTracTM automatically
controls car systems like Engine Management System, Steering Angle Sensor and
Anti-lock Braking System, and automatically redistributes torque between front
and rear wheels
You will like Mahindra
XUV500 If...
Mahindra XUV 500 is
your car if you love to drive on hill roads. Hill Descent Control identifies
steep slopes and engages itself to assist car down the slope with caution while
Hill Hold Control prevents car from rolling backwards when starting from
standstill on a slope.
You May Not Like Mahindra
XUV500 If
You will not like this car if you love to drive a sober and
generous car. Styling of this car is overdone which prove sore to your eyes. In
fact, looks and style of this car suits the taste of those people more who are
energetic and have adventure DNA in blood.
Front line features
of Mahindra XUV500 are:
Advanced Micro-Hybrid technology of this car helps conserve
both nature and fuel. It automatically puts engine into standby mode 2.5
seconds after you shift gear into neutral at a signal or in heavy traffic. When
you step on clutch, car roars to life instantly giving you higher mileage and
lower CO2 emissions.
Mahindra XUV500 Looks
and style
A good design is nothing without attention to detail. While
aggression of cheetah continues on front end, it is details that leave a
lasting impression. Notice XUV500 up close and you will notice slash-cut fog
lamps, paw-inspired door handles and unique tattoos on tail lamps - all of
which speak volumes of personality. 4-pack tail lamp units get a bejeweled look
at rear of XUV 500. Bold curves and straight lines lead waistline, which tends
to define SUV posture. Aggressive front grille blends state-of-the-art
aerodynamic technologies with a large dose of inimitable character.
Mahindra XUV500
Interiors
Step inside car and you will feel that there is something
extraordinary in place inside it. Inside there is a comfortable seating for 7-passenger,
two at front, three on middle row and two at last. Passenger side bench type
seat in middle row is foldable. 2-seat in last row is also foldable and space
works as a boot with it in shrunken0 state.
Dashboard that accommodates a long central console is one
that captures attention of people entering car. On the central console, there
is a 6” touchscreen monochrome/color display on top besides audio controls and
AC controls below it.
There are 4-AC-vents on front dash, two on sides of central
console and one on either side. Steering wheel of Mahindra XUV 500 is a mix of
sporty looks and functionality. Car’s one half is a steering wheel and other
half is a remote control to audio so that numbers keep shuffling while SUV
growls on-road and off-road. It also has cruise control buttons on it. Placed
just behind steering wheel is sporty twin-pod shaped instrument cluster that integrates,
looks and functionality.
Interior is clad in beautiful 2-tone shade with
fabric/leather upholstery. Besides, cabin is lighted to set mood. There are
also background lights which highlight door handles. Internal rear view mirror
has manual night view feature. Just above internal rear view mirror there is
sunglass holder box along with another small box for keeping some important
things. Dashboard also has a spacious glove box that can even house a laptop in
it. Interior plastic quality is good and it is at par with global standard that
Mahindra XUV 500 vouches.
Mahindra XUV500
Exterior
New Mahindra SUV takes on garb of a Cheetah. With jaw-shaped
front grille, paw shaped door handles, bodylines of a pouncing Cheetah and bold
lines, all make it a look alike of a Cheetah in motion. All new SUV by Mahindra
is based on monocoque architecture which is a single frame unlike traditional
design variant which is body-on-frame. This makes sure better handling and also
makes car safer and secure. Front face of mighty looking SUV has a
characteristic jaw-shaped honeycomb grille similar to a Cheetah’s face cuts. Honeycomb
grille also finds its presence on front bumper. Headlamps are two barrel shaped
with side indicators in same headlamp assembly. There are also daytime running
lights placed horizontally just below the barrels of headlamp in same assembly.
Overall, front has a shape of a pouncing Cheetah.
Moving on to sides is much more rewarding than front. Bold
line that starts from just above front side fender continues to back lamps.
There is also much prominent and bold splash-guard on front side and rear wheel
that makes it look macho than other SUVs in India. Doors also have ‘paw’ shaped
handles which are first in class and gives Mahindra XUV 500 a thematic look. Side
outside rear view mirror also houses side indicator and small parking light. Sides
appear more like a fully built SUV with high posture. Mahindra Motors has though
dealt beautifully with side appearance and it does not look boxy from sides. Roof
rails have also be streamlined with roofline.
Rear look of XUV 500 is in consonance with overall Cheetah
image and has been carved out well. In all, it has 50-50 ratio of boot and rear
windscreen. Tail lamps have a unique three vertical compartments separated by
molded reflectors. Tail lamp sweeps forward to side and combines with bold line
that has come from front fender. Rear also has a rear wiper and high mounted
stop lamp. There are also two stop warning indicators on both sides. Spare
wheel has been intelligently concealed just below boot. Intellipark sensors are
bumper colored and distinctly visible. Characteristic feature of Mahindra
XUV500’s rear is presence of twin exhausts.
Mahindra XUV 500 Exterior Measurements
Automobile has a look of a fully grown SUV and so exterior
measurements confirm. XUV 500 has an overall length of 4585 mm, a width of 1890
mm and it has an overall height measuring 1785 mm. It has a wheelbase of 2700 mm
and it has a striking turning radius of 5.6 m. Gross weight of SUV is 2450 kg.
Mahindra XUV500
Safety
Rollover Mitigation performs similar exercises. It recognizes
potentially dangerous driving conditions that could lead to car rolling over.
Well before situation becomes threatening, it causes ESP system to intervene
and control speed, thereby restoring stability. XUV500 is well equipped to keep
you out of harm's way. 6-airbag strengthens safety of vehicle. Driver and
passenger airbags, side airbags and curtain airbags cocoon you.
Mahindra XUV500
Features
·
Chrome Scuff plate for 1st and 2nd
row, Streamlined Roof-rails, Cladding strips
·
Sporty dual tone interiors, Cubic-printed central
console with metal accents, Twin pod cluster with 3D-dials
·
Premium fabric seats, Power-fold-able and
adjustable ORVMs
·
Centre arm rest with cup holders in 2nd row, Height
adjustable seat belts (front row)
·
8-way adjustable seats including height and
lumbar adjust (driver's side)
·
Cruise, audio, phone controls & voice
command switches on steering
·
Power windows with driver side express down,
Remote tail gate opening
·
Reading lamps in all 3 rows, Conversation
mirror, Tinted solar-reflecting glass
·
Follow-me home headlamps, Lead-me-to vehicle
lamps, Illuminated key rings
Mahindra XUV500
Engine
Mahindra XUV 500 engine is a 2179cc mHawk type. It has
maximum power of 140 PS at 3750 rpm besides maximum torque capacity of 330 Nm@1600-2800rpm.
Engine is based on a direct injection technology with Variable Geometry
Turbocharger that makes it more powerful than mHawk engine in Mahindra Scorpio.
XUV 500 has 6-speed manual gearbox making it suitable for Indian roads; an
automatic variant may come up on international edition. Gearbox has been manufactured
in house by trained and skilled Mahindra engineers.
Engine has Micro Hybrid technology in place improving its
mileage rate than other Mahindra SUVs. Motor performs well on road and off road
equally and with AWD option, XUV 500 is capable of challenging any terrain. A 2-wheel
drive model is also available on Mahindra XUV 500.
Mahindra XUV500 Fuel
Economy
Despite being loaded with 140 PS of power, XUV 500 is still
frugal. Mahindra XUV 500 Mileage is 12 kmpl in city and 14 kmpl on highways.
ARAI certified mileage on highway is 15.1 kmpl. Fuel tank capacity of new
Mahindra SUV is 70 litres.
Mahindra XUV500
Performance
With 140 PS engine, Mahindra XUV 500 has top speed of 185 kmph.
6-speed manual gearbox in SUV mated with 4WD or All-wheel drive (AWD) enables car
to take on any terrain with ease and comfort.
Mahindra XUV500 Front
Suspension
Car is fitted with McPherson type with anti-roll bar on
front side.
Mahindra XUV500 Rear
Suspension
Multilink type with anti-roll bar is conjoined on back side.
Mahindra XUV500
Braking and Handling
On straights, long wheelbase and aerodynamic front meant
that it felt reassuringly stable even at top speed of an indicated 195 km/h. On
hills, ESP provides you that extra confidence and this combined with low centre
of gravity and minimal body rolls make SUV a joy to flick around corners. Our
test car was a 2WD variant (front wheel drive only) and yet had did not make us
feel nervous while pushing hard! This is unlike other Mahindra products like
Scorpio and Xylo! Steering might not be very light for city usage or weight up
perfectly at highway speeds but again for a Mahindra vehicle and at this price,
overall driving experience is of highest possible order that one hopes! All
disc brake set-ups along with electronic help adds to overall composed braking
feel. That said, under hard braking, Bridgestone Duelers do squeal way too
much. There are dual airbags for driver and front passenger and there are side
and curtain airbags
Mahindra XUV500
Wheels
Mahindra XUV 500 runs on alloy wheels. 5-spoke 17” alloy
wheels have a size of P235/65 R17 which are radial and tubeless. There is a
spare wheel that has been concealed just below boot. Mahindra XUV 500 also has
Tyre Tronics system that monitors tyre pressure and warns if there is a significant
decrease in tyre pressure thus ensuring perfect air in tyres and greater
mileage and safety.
Mahindra XUV500
Accessories
All-new Mahindra car keeps occupants happy, safe and
entertained well with its power, safety features and advanced audio system.
Besides XUV 500 has a 6” monochrome DIS infotainment system (color touchscreen
on XUV 500 W8 4WD) that keeps all information regarding car, music and other
stats. It is voice command activated. This Mahindra car comes with CD/MP3
player on base variant and there is a DVD Player on W8 and W8 4WD. An iPod can
also be attached to music system. Volume control of music system is also there
on steering. Automobile comes with combined four speakers one on each door
apart from 2-tweeter on dashboard.
Mahindra XUV500
Driving Impressions
Apart from being fitted with equipment and an up-to-date
design which are easily perceived by prospect buyers, Mahindra Motors has put
in a lot of work under skin of XUV too. So, it is now a contemporary monocoque
design suspended on MacPherson struts upfront and a multi-link setup at back
side. This is what most contemporary cars follow allowing better dynamic
technologies thanks to all four ends having a lot of freedom of movement of
their own.
And benefits show instantly on XUV. Having a tauter, more
responsive steering helps, of course, but the fact that there is not a hint of
nervousness in XUV’s handling, is a huge positive. Now we drove Mahindra from
Mumbai to Delhi over different types of roads. It did not show thumb down on
any road. Car was being run mostly on three digit speeds, even around fast
bends; something that was never tried on Scorpio.
XUV feels completely stable in straight line even if brakes
are called for in a hurry. And around bends, sure it rolls, but being setup
more on stiffer side, there is less see-saw effect and as a result, it turns in
better and stays truer to line. It is actually enjoyable to drive fast.
And fast is something that comes easy on this Mahindra car
as well; courtesy, stonker of engine under its sculpted hood. It is same
2.2-litre mHawk we have experienced on Scorpio before. But for XUV, it makes
more power and torque. So, moment you dab the throttle car picks up with
surprising vigour. So much so that you would believe that speedo is over
reading given alacrity with which it reaches ton. And it is not just from a
standstill that XUV’s performance impresses even through the gears, it never
feels wanting.
What you do need to watch out for is torque steer courtesy
so much of juice going to front wheels and also, the clutch. It is not terribly
heavy to use and its progressive too but in stop and go city traffic, it can
leave you with an aching calf muscle.
Pros
·
Fantastic looks
·
High equipment levels
·
Best Mahindra yet
·
Excellent value for money
·
Spacious interiors
Cons
·
Gearbox not smooth
·
Dynamics not class best
·
Interior quality still patchy
·
Long waiting periods
Verdict
XUV500 fetches excellent value at this price and though this
is only introductory price, features provided by Mahindra are usually seen in
cars much higher in pricing. Global DNA is very much there and it is only a
matter of time before automatic model comes out. However some interior bits are
not up to the mark, this is the best car from Mahindra and is a big leap
forward in design and handling department. There is no way you can go wrong
with XUV500.
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