Mahindra recently launched the all-new XUV500 in South Africa, featuring a new design and some added comfort features.
It also added two new models to bolster the range. The W6 Automatic offers a lower entry point for buyers in search of an automatic SUV, while W10 range-topper offers loads of luxury for customers shopping higher up in the range.
Prices start at R299 999 and for that you get an awful lot of car. The entry-level W4 features seven seats, infotainment and air-conditioning. On W8 and W10 variants, this infotainment system also includes a full turn-by-turn satellite navigation system with voice prompts as standard. The system also offers USB connectivity, with picture and video viewing functionality on the W8 and W10 variants, Bluetooth hands-free cellphone connectivity and an iPod and AUX connection.
The 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel is carried over from the previous model, but the engineers have refined it slightly. It produces 103kW and 330Nm of torque, which can be mated to a manual or automatic transmission.
In addition, Mahindra has revised the suspension – which it designed in partnership with Lotus – to offer greater comfort and improved handling. The suspension upgrade and additional noise damping on the 2018 model has led to a dramatic drop in the noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) inside the cabin.
All versions of the new XUV500 feature two airbags, while the W8 and W10 offers seat and curtain airbags for a total of six airbags. All models also have ABS brakes with electronic brake-force distribution on all four disc brakes, additional side-impact beams and crumple zones for crash protection.
On the W6 models and above, Mahindra has also added Hill Hold and Hill Descent Control and electronic stability programme (ESP) with rollover mitigation.
The XUV500 comes with a full five-year/150 000 km standard warranty and five-year/100 000 km service plan.
Pricing:
Mahindra XUV500 W4 6-spd manual: R299 999 (incl. VAT)
Mahindra XUV500 W6 6-spd automatic: R359 999 (incl. VAT)
Mahindra XUV500 W8 6-spd manual: R374 999 (incl. VAT)
Mahindra XUV500 W8 6-spd automatic: R403 999 (incl. VAT)
Mahindra XUV500 W10 6-spd automatic: R419 999 (incl. VAT)