Maruti 800

 Today 40 years ago, the consumer revolution overtook India and its engineering industry got transformed. The Maruti 800, the people’s car was launched and the nation recalls Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, who played a quiet but hugely effective role in the background. It is also important to recall O. Suzuki and V. Krishnamurthy who made the landmark Suzuki-Maruti joint venture possible.

Krishnamurthy had earlier built BHEL and was to later turn around SAIL. One of the greatest public sector managers India has produced. He offered me a job on three different occasions but my sights, rightly or wrongly, were elsewhere. He was a most compelling personality.

40 years later, while we celebrate Maruti-Suzuki(that is now only Suzuki) and its multiple impacts, let us also pause and worry a bit from the inequality and climate change point of view that more than 50% of car sales are now of SUVs.

Top Ten Fuel Saving Tips

Concentrate on these 10 straightforward strides to spare cash on petrol and you'll free up your money for different things. It works for diesel as well

The cost of petrol and diesel has quit ascending for a bit, however it's still an enormous cost when running an auto. Here are 10 basic fuel sparing tips from Telegraph Cars:

1. Make less outings

Did you realize that when you drive an auto that has been stopped for a couple of hours, the motor is cool and it utilizes significantly more fuel for the initial five miles or somewhere in the vicinity? In a perfect world you'd join all your every day errands into one major outing. Regularly that is unrealistic in the event that you need to pop out amid the day to drop off and gather the family, however make an effort not to go out independently to do the grocery store shop or purchase a daily paper.

2. Try not to drive in the surge hour

There are couple of more awful places to invest your energy than stuck in a car influx, but at the same time it's an exceptionally costly method for voyaging. Each time that you stop and begin in movement, your auto needs first apparatus and an immense measure of fuel to get moving once more. Second rigging is very little better. The best arrangement is to not go amid the surge hour. You can likewise spare some fuel by attempting to comprehend what the movement is doing before you, and voyaging relentlessly at a moderate speed, instead of quickening and braking. On the off chance that you need to go in surge hour a great deal, then you could think about purchasing as a crossover auto, which utilizes a great deal less fuel as a part of town than a typical petrol or diesel.

3. Close the windows (and sunroof, in the event that you have one)

It's less of an issue when you're driving around the local area (see above), yet when you're away or on the motorway and moving all the more rapidly, the state of your auto is essential. Auto originators call it streamlined features and attempt to lessen the "drag" and make the auto as smooth as could reasonably be expected. Anything that makes twist commotion as your auto comes is really making your auto more costly to run. You can't do much about the outline of your auto, however you can abstain from exacerbating it by not leaving the windows and sunroof open. It's ideal to utilize the air vents for the greater part of the year, and the cooling when it gets excessively hot.

4. Uproot the rooftop rack or ski box

This is much the same as leaving the windows open, yet more regrettable. Regardless of the fact that the rooftop rack is unfilled, it expands drag and makes your auto utilize more fuel, while a major ski box resemble having another auto strapped to your rooftop. The most recent rooftop racks and ski boxes are speedy and simple to fit and evacuate, so endeavor to stow them away when you're not utilizing them.

5. Try not to convey round pointless weight

Much the same as your body, your auto needs more fuel to move around more weight. In this way, pretty much as you wouldn't wear a substantial rucksack unless you needed to, don't truck stuff around in the boot of your auto unless you require it. Unexpectedly, the heavier the thing (the standard guilty parties are golf clubs and trolleys), the more improbable you are to try taking it out of the boot and the more noteworthy the impact it will have on your fuel utilization.

6. Quicken easily

The ideal approach to travel is at a steady speed (in a perfect world around 50mph), and in the most elevated rigging (five or six). So in case you're a patient driver, you'll have bring down fuel charges - it's as basic as that. It's unlikely to abstain from overwhelming, however there's little point quickening past an auto to just be before it at the following arrangement of lights - any moment delight will show up on your fuel charge whenever you top off.

7. Try not to push the quickening agent down too far

This one generally amazes individuals. It's not simply to do with what apparatus you're in. You might be in a high rigging and going at a sensible speed, yet in the event that you're pushing the quickening agent down far to abstain from changing into a lower outfit (into third from fourth, for instance), then you're really utilizing more fuel not less. Clearly, if your auto has a programmed gearbox (you'll know whether it does), then it will likely make a superior showing with regards to than you of picking which rigging to be in, so it's not an issue.

8. Kill the ventilating

It's enticing to leave the air-con all in all year round. It stops the windows clouding up in the winter and you never need to consider the temperature inside the auto, however it utilizes a lot of fuel, so we'd exhort you turn it off when it's not hot (on most autos the catch has a snowflake image).

9. Adhere to as far as possible

On the off chance that you disregarded the law, you could shave a touch of time off your voyage by going over as far as possible, especially on long motorway trips. In any case, in spite of the fact that you may touch base around 20 minutes at an opportune time a 200-mile trip by going at 80mph rather than 70mph, it's likewise a false economy. While the auto is running for 20 minutes less, it utilizes considerably more fuel when it is voyaging. That 20 minutes could cost you up to £7 additional in fuel.

10. Check your tire weights routinely

The lower the tire weight, the more fuel the auto needs to move it not far off. We prescribe that you take five minutes each fortnight to check the tires. In case you're not certain what the weight ought to be, you can ordinarily discover the figures close to the bolt inside the driver's entryway.

The Emergent Automotive portals

India has one of the most supreme and influential fan following for the automotive sector for even if it is for the updates and news from all the corners of the globe. Little boys grow up playing with their toy car models and no matter what, they are truly deeply connected with cars and bike, that’s why they never grow up being around cars all day long. It certainly is not possible to stay and talk about cars, reviews, latest gadget for the car etc. Indeed considering the endless work pressures, deadlines, family commitment etc. make no room for them to personally visit and explore the latest in the market.

However since we are living by the most imperative internet revolution at the moment, it has become really easy and apt to read through the latest buzz, owing to the emerging auto-portals over the web that makes life full of fun, facts and details, hereby feeding all the auto news cravings for all the fans in the country.

The automotive portals, like the autocarbazar are really exciting as they offer the best in the market, even before the cars and bikes are officially launch in the global and native markets.

Such portals not only help out the fanatics, but on a more serious thought, offer its supreme and effective service like car loan, car insurance, prices, discounts, quality and many more aspects that leads towards the satisfaction and happiness of the readers, keeping them fortified with all the information they need to purchase a new car or a bike, along with real time authentic reviews making the user find a complete one stop solution for all his automotive needs.

Autocarbazar carries a list of the most prevalent models and makes the most imperative and established brand by selling and buying of the various cars and bikes in India.

India has the 10th largest automobile industry in the world; India’s automobile industry is growing and expanding as one of the most thriving global industry in the upcoming years. Specifically talking about the Indian car market, which is coming up the chart gradually becoming to be known as the most enthusiastic market in the world?

Auto portals have in a very positive way connected really well with the audience and the mass of our country today, while the day begins with reading about the latest and the most innovative news from the automobile world that can release the level of satisfaction and glory of the fans out there.

Since the world is evolving around us and the internet has become as the most sorted and hooked on concept. Auto portals are really enjoying their space in the web world these days, offering the most innovative, cutting edge and latest news on the buzz of the auto world, in and around our country.

I know so many who like to start their day with a cup of hot chai and their favorite web portal that offers comprehensive details about their loved cars, their launch dates, spy stories, prices, reviews and much more!

                

Car Insurance and Floods

The ongoing flood situation in Chennai has made us think about the various cars and houses that suffer especially when you just can’t do anything about it, leaving no option behind. There have been flood situations earlier as well in our country, but owing to the string social media condition and the connected and bond people have in this highly technical era, the awareness and eth details shared are very much indeed on a bigger platform. Indeed these natural calamities remind us about the nature and its power beyond anything else, no technology, no money, nothing has the power to face the power and the wish of the nature.

Mumbai witnessed a similar flood situation a few years back, so that really made us wonder upon the cars or other vehicles submerged into the water, in front of your eyes, however without any option to take them somewhere else, so what can be done in a situation like this, when your much loved, hard earned possession gets in trouble?

*Primary Step:

It would be imperative to inform your insurance company as soon as possible. This would be really beneficial as the Insurance rep would guide you through the procedure they have in their respective company. There are many pre-planning that is required in order to register a claim in special situations like this. Keep pictures or videos handy with you so as to support your claim.

*keep your dealer in loop:

I’m sure you would be aware of the dealer you went through, in order to let you know about the best authorized service station located nearest to you. It would be the best option to keep them posted about the current situation. They would guide you better with the claim related process.

*Seek Help:

The insurance company would direct their representative to review the car. He would examine the vehicle, examine it and grounded on the examination generate a report and let you know regarding the contents it would cover. It is a great idea to let your dealer be around at this particular time as he would be able to get you better coverage on the technical side. If recognized, there are barely any aggravations while claims come in picture. They are very much within the cover and are covered well.

* Pick the Policy carefully:

While you are shopping to buy the right policy to protect your car, make sure to go with the zero depreciation policy owing to its aspect that covers all comprising the natural calamities. Otherwise there is another option to make a little extra payment and get the clause of natural calamity added on to your insurance policy. Aspects such as floods may be rare; however we need to keep them in mind just in case.

But, a dealership won't no initiate correcting your vehicle till the time your insurance agents examines the vehicle entirely, organizes a report and directs the dealership with a yes to move ahead.

*Don’t let the layman touch your car:

Even if you are mechanically sound, there is no point trying being a hero. Don’t attempt and start the car all by yourself. If nothing more, it would spoil your chances while it comes with getting a decent claim on your insurance policy. Ensure you notify and record a claim before attempting to get your car back, up and running by itself.

If you take an attempt to start the vehicle, and the water makes it way to the engine, it can get really tough to get the claim as most of the insurance companies may not offer a cover for this making life tougher for you in such circumstances.

Biking would now be much safer

Beyond helmets that are two products getting all dressed up to make a revolution in the domestic market of our country, that would evolve Bike safety here, which is one of a major concern for the Indian roads.

While gone are the days of the tring tring bell we used to have attached to our cycles that use to alert people of the approaching cycle. But there are more enhanced and advanced alarms of bike being introduced is in the making at the moment.

Yes we are talking about another revolutionary product that is under testing at the moment, called the Backtracker, being a two-piece LED-fortified offering that works on the mechanism to be seen and felt, while being visible and alerting people around at the same time.

As per a recent survey, most of the fatal accidents take place while a bike or a cycle is hit from the back.

The Backtracker’s handlebar-fixed option carries LED-fortified radar that points the propinquity of things, substituting the restrictions faced by of mirrors that can be quite tough to realize if out in the sun.

The cyclist or the biker has the option to check upon an eye-catching LED show, placed under the saddle. This mechanism would give a warning to the coming vehicles being better and more reliable and dependable over the traditionally used reflective gear, while its effect is highly depending upon the weather conditions.

The sound produces is not just a loud-audio of more than 105 decibels — it is extremely inconsistent, comprising options starting from alarms to techno hits, to “toot-toots” while the warning is just general and too intense.

Its users get an option to download clips of their preferred tunes, customized light outline with alert alarms. The device permits its users to choose their inclination by linking online over a waterproof USB port while its offers a range of pre-loaded sound and light sample warning choice, similar to the suitably known night time alert.

So, what do you think about this new product in the making?

While as observed earlier and compared, to the west, safety products are need really badly in or country, especially in the areas when the terrain is not that perfect and prone to accidents, injuries and fatal at times.

There are a large number of companies that solely offer and manufacturer safety products for your entire family in the west, while not leaving your dog behind as well.

So, we are really urge the Indian set up to start manufacturing and making the use of safety products more prominent and universal, so that each time we move out of the road, whether it’s a day or night, we are safe and protected with the help of the highly innovative and latest safety products.

Most of the biking and cycling session could be harsh on us, keeping safety products handy would just act as prevention, while the cure cannot be attained this soon, right?

So consider buying safety products especially while you are out biking and doing sporty and challenging activities.

Do you like big tyres in your Car?

While this is a kind of a trending statement seen in most of the good looking cars, like sedans, hatchbacks, modified in order to make its presence felt on the road, so are you the big tyre fanatic as well?

If yes, then this read is just the right one for you!

This has been seen like adding an accessory to your carso as to enhance its look and appearance altogether, upsizing the tyres makesthe car look grand no matter what the actual size it, it definitely adds on thecu required masculine and aggressive appeal to the layout over all, isn’t it?

Most of the car owners change the look of their rides by changing the tyres at some point or the other. Some have an option to do it, in order to take the car look sporty, and for some the reason is bounded in order to keep the balance good, especially when the car is a little old.

We jot down a few pros and cons of this aspect; hope to benefit your decision well.

Pros

*Bigger tyres enhance the grip of your car.

*The car would feel more erect, while standing balanced on the road.

*If you own a car that is quite powerful, then with bigger tyres, the power is well distributed, therefore enhancing the quality of the drive.

*Looks! Looks! Looks!

Definitely nothing contrary to the good appearance a car gets, while being laden with bigger tyres adding on the persona and the road presence of the car.

*Lesser Brakes- Yes once you have bigger tyres installed in your car, the balance is better and therefore you would require lesser application of brakes, while the car is otherwise quite in a better control.

Cons

Like every good things has its own cost attached to it, similarly maintaining bigger tyres in your car has its own set of downsides that might pinch our pocket.

*Fuel Competency of your car would be disrupted, as the bigger tyres would grip the road better and that would result in the rolling assistance to go down.

*Also the car would generate more power, resulting in lower fuel efficiency indeed.

*Added Load- Indeed the bigger size of the tyres would come with added weight, so that would unnecessarily put burden over the chassis frame of the car.

*Quality of the ride-There would be direct hit over the riding excellence of your car, as the big diameter would outcome in reducing the tyre profile, while the length of the length of the sidewall of the tyre would be reduced.

This is one of the major short comings of upsizing your car’s tyre size, so you just check it out for yourself before you decide to upgrade and enhance the tyre size of your car.

There is no harm if you are not that calculative about the numbers your car gives out and just want to relish the drive and cherish the good looks of your car and enjoy its rides and the way people look at the master piece it becomes different from the rest.

Car Dealers moving rapidly Online

There are many car dealers who have been experiencing a drop in foot falls, while there are lesser inquiries at the outlets, if numbers are to be believed, there is a drop of 2.59 % recorded, lately.

 Lot of focus has been put towards attaining customers by arranging roadside camps along with promotional stalls at banks, but was not helping much, as they could not churn out a lot of margin with this. Getting fresh and new booking was quite becoming a task, being difficult and expensive.

Soon the car dealers realized the presence of online storesthat is in trend, while most of the customers preferred booking their carsonline, while establishing a detailed presence over the web that is soonbecoming the need of the hour.

Today, it has been statistically proven that most of the prospective buyers go over the web looking for the most lucrative deal for buying their favorite cars.

At first there was hesitation and confusion while booking a product like a car over the web, being an expensive and an extensive purchase. But now, since the time has changed and people are getting hooked over the web, to a greater deal, buying a car online has been a thing that most of the people prefer these days, saving on the time and hassle of visiting the showrooms.

While the features, comparisons, numbers and details are all well described online, while making the pick easier and more prompt and comfortable.

Almost until the previous year, these web portals were there just for being there, however now the trend of online shopping has built up while making most of the buyers go online to shop their possessions on a greater note, making it convenient and time-saving.

Similarly when selling car comes into picture, this indeed is not that an easy task either. Especially when you reach the market with your car, there is a lot of misleading elements attached.

A seller needs to hop from one dealer to the other, explaining each of them with the relevant details, over and over again, that takes in a lot of effort as well as time.

So, going online has cropped up as a boon, while the buyer or seller of a car can easily, sitting in the comfort of his home or office, gets to trade out their stud over the web, conveniently, at better prices, comparing the entire lot in the market. However, the choice remain entirely up to you, so what do you prefer?

Range Rover Evoque 2016 - Photo Gallery

Land Rover will dispatch the 2016 Range Rover Evoque for the Indian market in November. The hybrid gets numerous mechanical changes, which will be tried once we get in the driver's seat of the auto. For the present, let us take a gander at the photos of the corrective changes that the producer has acquired with this premium hybrid.

The sash gloats of another front guard that gets a couple of bigger, more forceful air admissions. These component thin, incorporated LED haze lights with another fine work grille design.The Evoque accompanies full-LED versatile headlamps as a piece of its year 2016 upgrade. The turn pointers are currently totally a piece of the LED running lights.

The auto rides on 20-inch wheels shod with Pirelli elastic. These combinations get another configuration example and clients can look over among three new alternatives and in two completions.

The lodge gets new seats, premium delicate touch materials and doorsills. The front seats are eight-way control customizable with the alternative of having fourteen-route seats with discretionary massagers.

The standard inside shading choices now accompany two new alternatives - Lunar Ice and Vintage Tan. This empowers a planned purchaser to browse a sum of 13 options.The lodge gets new seats, premium delicate touch materials and doorsills. The front seats are eight-way control movable with the alternative of having fourteen-route seats with discretionary massagers.

Competition among SUVs to increase -sure to hit market shares

Competition is set to grow in the SUV segment of the automotive society in India says Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. The company’s President for automotive and farm equipment segment, Pawan Goenka said that with so much competition in the SUV segment now, Mahindra’s market shares are bound to go down because of this. Mahindra recognises that Mahindra competitors are growing in number at a fast pace and the Mahindra SUV in India are challenged strongly by others. With the Mahindra latest cars in India, Mahindra is looking at solidifying their overall position and not just in one particular sector only. However, the company is confident that the Mahindra SUVs in India are very strong and can stand well in the market. They also expect themselves to maintain the volumes in the SUV segment. As per the Mahindra news 2013, the company is also set to launch a mix of new products and is also looking at growing the Tractor business as well.

Thanks to the Mahindra latest cars that use improved quality and technology. Mahindra’s passenger vehicle segment improved by 19% annual during the quarter though the domestic tractor sales dipped by 5%. The Indian giant sold about 72,076 units of their utility vehicles during the quarter which is a 23% growth over the units sold an year back. With this the company stated a 1.7% rise in the standalone net profit.

Currently amongst the Mahindra SUVs in India we have the Mahindra New Bolero priced between Rs. 6.81 lakh to Rs. 7.49 lakh, Mahindra Quanto which is priced between Rs. 5.99 lakh to Rs. 7.75 lakh, Mahindra Scorpio which is between Rs. 8.05 lakh to Rs. 11.47 lakh followed by Mahindra Thar priced at Rs. 7.22 lakh and the latest Mahindra XUV 500 which is priced between Rs. 12.13 to Rs. 14.78 lakh and there is also the Mahindra Xylo which is tagged between Rs. 7.60 lakh to Rs. 10.81 lakh. Mahindra competitors on the other hand are Tata majorly with their Tata Safari and the likes along with the new entrants like Renault Duster even though it is not a full grown SUV along with Ford Endeavours and the likes.

At the same time Mahindra is confident about their portfolio and believes that they will be able to maintain their volumes. Currently they sold about 72,076 units of the SUVs during the quarter posting a growth of 23% over last year. 

Mahindra XUV500

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 5^th 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 6^th 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 1^st and 2^nd 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.