Hot on the heels of the recent launch of its Scorpio large SUV, Indian carmaker Mahindra
has added a mid-sized competitor to vehicles such as the Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson,
Mitsubishi Outlander et al.
The seven-seat Mahindra XUV700 is built from the ground up on an all-new platform.
Two variants are offered and, as expected from what is an emerging brand in Australia,
pricing is very sharp with the entry-level XUV700 AX7 selling for $36,990 and the higher-
spec AX7 L for $39,990. Both are driveaway prices.
Styling features include an attractive front grille featuring Mahindra’s new ‘Twin Peaks’
logo. Exterior lighting is all LED including Clear-view Headlamps with Automatic Boosting,
daytime running lights, arrow-tip taillights and on high-mount brake lamp.
Conventional door handles give way to invisible ‘Smart door handles’, a first-in-segment by
XUV700.
Prominent wheel haunches above the arches, especially at the rear help give XUV700 a
sporty stance.
Both variants come with a panoramic sunroof that covers most of the passenger
compartment.
The body makes use of enhanced high-tensile and ultra-high tensile steels that increase
the toughness and torsional rigidity while reducing the overall weight of the vehicle,
contributing to reduced fuel consumption.
Despite its low prices the XUV700 comes with a very impressive list of safety features
including six airbags, Smart Pilot Assist, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency
braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, automatic headlamps with high beam
assist, tyre pressure monitoring and traffic sign recognition.
The AX7 L adds a driver’s knee airbag, blind view monitor, 360-degree surround view
camera and Stop and Go driving function.
XUV700 is powered by Mahindra’s 2.0-litre mStallion four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine
generating 149 kW at 5000 rpm and 380 Nm of torque available in from 1750 rpm sent to
the front wheels through a six-speed torque convertor automatic transmission. At this
stage there is no all-wheel drive option.
Fuel consumption is listed at 8.3 litres per 100 kilometres.
The all-independent suspension set up of the XUV700 was developed with varied road
surfaces through multi-link suspension with stabiliser bar and Frequency Selective
Damping technology.
XUV700 infotainment features and driver assistance are provided through a combination
of two high-definition 10.5-inch digital screens together with voice activation.
Both variants of the XUV700 in Australia are fitted with wired Apple CarPlay and Android
Auto. The AX7 L also has wireless smartphone charging.
Mahindra has partnered with SONY to customise the sound experience inside the
XUV700. The AX7 has six speakers with Sound Staging, and upgraded to 12 speakers in
the AX7 L with full immersive 3D sound.
Five colours are available: Everest White, Midnight Black, Dazzling Silver, Red Rage and
a global launch colour – Electric Blue.
Standard warranty is seven years but limited to 150,000 kilometres.
We’re looking to get into both the Scorpio and XUV700 shortly and will publish our full road
test review at that time.
