Mahindra has made a host of modifications to its XUV 500 SUV.
The upgrades include a complete overhaul of the SUV’s aesthetics, with particular emphasis on the front-end styling. In addition, the interior execution has also been upgraded.
“The XUV500 is a significant vehicle for Mahindra, because it emphasises the brand’s intention to extend its product range beyond its tried and tested utility vehicles,” says Sanjoy Gupta, chief executive officer of Mahindra South Africa.
The most compelling changes are to the front of the XUV500, where the grille, headlights, bonnet and fog lamps have all undergone a substantial redesign.
The headlights on either side of the grille are also completely new and feature a new curved LED daytime running light signature.
The redesigned front-end styling is accompanied by new, stylish 17-inch alloy wheels. The multispoke wheels are shod with 235/65 R17 all-terrain tyres. Also of note are the revised door handles, which now feature a more open, user-friendly design.
The spacious cabin of the New Age XUV500 has undergone some important upgrades as part of the model update. Perhaps the most obvious improvements are the plush all-back leather upholstery and the large seven-inch, full-colour touch-screen display located in the centre stack.
Bright and clearly legible, the new touch screen is standard fare on the W8 flagship model, and provides intuitive, convenient access to the XUV500’s comprehensive infotainment features. These include integrated satellite navigation with voice prompts, as well as a multi-speaker sound system, Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free telephony and music streaming, iPod-compatible USB sockets, and a reverse camera.
The XUV500’s cabin is also comprehensively equipped. As the flagship model of the range, the W8 benefits from advanced features such as auto-sensing headlights and windscreen wipers, fully automatic climate control air-conditioning, remote central locking, cruise control and a multifunction steering wheel.
The seats are upholstered in full leather, while electrically operated windows and exterior mirrors, a refrigerated centre console, and charging points in all three seating rows are also included.
The active safety systems comprise an all-disc braking system with ABS anti-lock control and electronic brake force distribution (EBD), as wells as electronic stability program (ESP) with roll-over mitigation. The W6 and W8 versions of the XUV500 also feature Hill Hold and Hill Descent Control.
The New Age XUV500 retains its predecessor’s powerful, efficient turbodiesel drivetrain. The 2,2-litre four-cylinder mHawk 140 turbodiesel engine makes use of a variable geometry turbocharger to produce 103 kW of maximum power at 3 750 r/min. The torque peak of 330 Nm is reached at just 1 600 r/min, and sustained to 2 800 r/min, ensuring athletic responses, excellent in-gear tractability and superior lugging power.
The turbodiesel engine is linked to a six-speed manual gearbox driving the rear wheels, although an all-wheel drive version of the W8 model is available for those intent on more serious excursions off the beaten track.
Pricing:
XUV500 W4 R262 995
XUV500 W6 R304 995
XUV500 W8 R339 995
XUV500 W8 AWD R359 995