Never thought that a utility company like Mahindra and Mahindra would come up with some thing even the experts of this segment cannot offer. The company has simply revived its image in the country with the unveiling of much anticipated XUV 500 on 28^th September. The stylish crossover was long awaited by the car enthusiasts; the huge number of queries over the internet and on Mahindra showrooms all over the country is an example of the curiosity of this SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle). The company has cherished the super success of its Scorpio model for five years in a row and with XUV 500; Mahindra is expected to further climb the ladder of supremacy and dominance. Mahindra XUV 500 is a crossover in which X represents SUV for Gen X whereas 5 stands for the 5th Mahindra SUV.

The all new Mahindra XUV 500 is simply incomparable as far as its unique styling is concerned. The front fascia of the crossover boasts of aggressive styling with a net of honey comb grill covering the front end. Sporty styling grips you from the front, running all over the body and meets the equally arresting rear portion of the vehicle. XUV 500 is not only about the exotic exteriors but also about the lavish interiors and powerful engine.

The trendy crossover is crossing swords with Tata Aria, Toyota Innova, Force One and others.

Engine, Specifications & Performance

The all new Mahindra XUV 500 carries the same mHawk140, direct injection diesel engine 5th generation Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT) already doing duties under Scorpio’s hood. This powerful engine is capable of belting out maximum power of 140 bhp at 3750 rpm and peak torque of 330 Nm at 1600-2800 rpm. The engine is linked to 6 speed synchromesh manual transmission.

Independent suspensions are supporting the new XUV 500, McPherson type with anti-roll bar for the front axle and Multilink type with anti-roll bar for the rear axle. The muscular machine sprints from 0 to 100 kmph in mere 13.5 seconds with a top speed of 175 kmph.

Exteriors

The front portion of the Mahindra crossover is alluring with honey comb grill spreading all over the fascia. The aggressive clear headlamps with parking LEDs, lower fog lamps and sporty roofline blending with hood bestow the vehicle with arresting looks. Apart from these, the exotic flare fenders, smartly designed door knobs, broad rear end and integrated side indicators on ORVMs all pile up to formulate a true crossover, Mahindra XUV 500. Terrific alloy wheels and extending tail lamps contribute to the beauty of this tough machine.

Interiors

The classy work flows inside as well with everything elegantly placed in the spacious vehicle. The seats of all the three rows are comfortable and intelligently designed to offer complete relaxation for its occupants. The two tone cabin is masterly crafted and wrapped in the finest leather raising the standard of the SUVs in the country and on top of it charismatic lounge lighting gleams the ambience with true colors of happiness.

Comfort and Convenience

It has taken four years of immense research and development for Mahindra to embrace its World SUV with global features. These gadgets comprise of smart central console with cup holders and bottle holders, twin-pod instrument cluster, sunglass holder, conversation mirror, laptop storage compartment in the glove box and voice command activated control center. An iPod-compatible music system, a fully loaded navigation system, a 6-inch color, touch-screen infotainment display, adjustable steering column with audio controls, phone calls, voice control commands and cruise control are available in the XUV 500. Other features include rain sensing wiper, power foldable ORVMs, twin exhausts, foldable second and third row seats to increase the space for luggage.

Safety

Mahindra has taken its time to cater majority of global safety features in the XUV 500. These comprise of ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Program with rollover mitigation, hill hold, descent control, 6 airbags (front, side and curtain), intelligent headlamps (turn on when dark is sensed), digital immobilizer, Tubeless tyres, robust crumple zone, etc.

Mileage

The all new Mahindra XUV 500 delivers an impressive mileage of 12 kmpl in city and 14 kmpl on highways.

Price

The Cheetah styled SUV is tagged in the price starting from Rs 10.8 lakhs for its XUV W6 4X2, Rs 11.95 lakhs for XUV W8 4X2 to Rs 12.88 lakhs for the top variant W8 4X4 (ex-showroom New Delhi).

Drawbacks

The Cheetah SUV from Mahindra backs out on certain things. The floorboard of Mahindra XUV 500 is of average quality and is sure to creak if an overweight person boards it. The last row is totally cramped with little leg room only for kids. The engine noise creeps inside cabin as well however, road noise is not heard. The transmission is placed away from the driver. Also, the interior trim quality could have been better but nonetheless with such pricing, XUV 500 is a win win product from Mahindra.

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