The XUV500 is a large seven-seat SUV from Indian manufacturer Mahindra that’s been on sale in Australia since 2012. Originally sold as a diesel manual the latest just-released model comes with a Euro 5 2.2-litre turbo-petrol engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
Mahindra says the new turbo-petrol/auto combination in the XUV 500 is likely to boost sales numbers – not that we’ll know because Mahindra has chosen not to supply them to the FCAI for inclusion in the industry standard VFACTS sales reports.
The XUV500 is well-equipped seven-seater that comes with very competitive price tags as well as a five-year warranty.
The new seven-slot front grille has chrome studs and surrounds with light-strip daytime running lights above it and a lowered air intake and silver bash plate beneath. At the rear there’s a new tailgate, new horizontally split taillights and a larger roof-mounted rear spoiler.
The profile views of XUV500 is likely to divide opinion with a deep crease and an unusual semi-bubble shape on the C-pillar that follows the line of the rear wheel arches.
Three models are offered, W6 front-wheel drive at $26,990; W10 FWD at $31,990 ; with the W10 all-wheel drive topping the range at $34,990. All prices are driveaway.
The engine is a 2.2-litre turbo-petrol mHawk unit that generates 103kW at 4500rpm and 320Nm between 2000 and 3000 revs.
It has an impressive 702 litres of cargo space with all seats in place.
A diesel engine will return to the model range in 2020 this time with Euro6 credentials.
The new six-speed transmission comes from Japanese company Aisin.
Fuel consumption is listed at a fairly high 11.0 litres per 100 km with the FWD models and 11.7 L/100km with the W10 AWD.
Safety equipment includes six airbags, ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution; electronic stability control; hill hold and hill descent control; three centre seat IsoFix child-seat mountings and tyre pressure monitoring.
Other standard features in the entry-level Mahindra XUV500 W6 include rear parking sensors; front and rear fog lights; follow-me-home lights; rain-sensing windscreen wipers; and two-way steering wheel adjustment.
Equipment levels step up sharply from W6 to W10 with the extra $5000 ($8000 with AWD) providing climate control air; satellite navigation; reversing camera; leather seats; keyless entry; push button start/stop and a sunroof.
The W10 models also get a 7-inch colour touch screen for the infotainment system and Arkamys sound system. The system also offers USB connectivity, with picture and video viewing functionality, Bluetooth hands-free smartphone connectivity and an iPod and AUX connection.
Seven colours are available: Pearl White, Moondust Silver, Lakeside Brown, Volcano Black, Crimson Red, Mystic Copper and Opulent Purple.
Mahindra currently has 40 dealerships nationally with most of them located in regional areas alongside the company’s agricultural products.
We’ve yet to drive new Mahindra XUV500 but with the company’s head office located in Brisbane we should get the chance to drive one sooner rather than later and will pass on our assessment.
MODEL RANGE
XUV500 W6 2.2-litre turbo-petrol FWD: $26,990 (automatic)
XUV500 W10 2.2-litre turbo-petrol FWD: $31,990 (automatic)
XUV500 W10 2.2-litre turbo-petrol AWD: $34,990 (automatic)
Note: These are drive-away prices.
