Review: Mahindra XUV500

Mahindra has improved the 2015 XUV500 facelift with a host of improvements, new tech and a powerful motor

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Mahindra launched the XUV500 back in 2011 as its first global SUV and the product just charged its way to glory immediately after launch. Over the years, the XUV500 continued to maintain its strong sales and the automaker made sure to tweak the model time and again getting rid of the niggles.

Now, four years down the line, Mahindra has introduced a comprehensively updated 2015 XUV500 facelift in the country with a host of upgrades. Hence, MotorBeam decided to check out the flagship Mahindra out on a cloudy day and all that has changed on the 2015 edition. 

The Cheetah-inspired design is retained on the 2015 Mahindra XUV500 facelift but it gets a comprehensively revised front fascia. Changes include a new gloss black grille with chrome inserts and a contoured bonnet with new hydraulic-assisted struts. The bumper is redesigned with a faux skid plate while the fog lamps are positioned higher and get L-shaped chrome enclosures.

You also get new static bending headlights with S-shaped LED DRLs that double as parking lights. You also get new 10-spoke alloy wheels and chrome window surrounds at the sides; while the rear gets a chrome bar over the number plate enclosure.

Mahindra has added new logo projector lights on the ORVMs that flash 'XUV500', which are a quirky first. The XUV500's immense road presence continues to be flattering and translates well inside the cabin. 

Speaking of which, the 2015 XUV500 has retained the layout from the older model but gets improved material quality and new black and beige colour scheme. The new range-topping W10 variant is loaded with tech onboard including electric sunroof, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with GPS and video playback; reverse camera with zoom function, keyless entry, push button start, 6-way adjustable driver’s seat, blue ambient lighting and auto up-down driver’s side window.

There is ample of space inside with the first and second row seats being very supportive. The third row does lose out on legroom. You do get dedicated AC vents and a charging point though.

The instrument cluster is trendy with ice blue illumination and the SUV also comes with the Mahindra Voice Messaging System and Blue sense app, the latter doesn't work that swiftly.

Power output remains the same on the Mahindra XUV500 facelift with the 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine producing 140 BHP at 3750 RPM and 330 Nm of torque between 1600-1800 RPM. 4WD is optional on the top trims. The oil burner is refined with hardly any lag felt.

Power delivery is linear and there is enough power throughout the rev range that aids in easy overtaking. The XUV500 cruises at triple digits speeds with ease. The 6-speed gearbox though, isn't the best and Mahindra should work on making the shifts smoother. We would have also appreciated an automatic unit, given the popularity of the transmission option at present.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the XUV500 returned 10 km/l with a bit of a heavy foot, so expect 12-13 km/l under sedate driving conditions. The ARAI certified fuel efficiency figure stands at 16 km/l. 

The XUV500 facelift gets McPherson individual struts at the front and multi-link coil springs at the rear, but the ride quality isn't the best. The SUV is stable at low speeds and tackles road undulations with ease, but does get discomforting if you hit a rough patch at high speeds.

The automaker has improved the dampers, anti-roll bars and springs on the facelifted version while the Bosch sourced ESP is also latest generation. The flagship SUV is Mahindra's first product to get a monocoque chassis and this adds to the SUV's handling capabilities. Body roll is evident, but not as much as the Scorpio.

The thick pillars do hinder all-round visibility on the XUV500 and the tiny rear windscreen shows little and the reverse camera comes handy here. You do sit higher though in the driver's seat, which makes for great front visibility. Braking performance is good with all four disc brakes and the XUV500 facelift comes to a halt sans any drama.

In terms of safety, the vehicle is loaded with dual front airbags and ABS as standard on all variants, whereas the top variants get side and curtain airbags, EBD, ESP, Rollover Mitigation, Hill Hold and Hill Descent Control. The XUV500 has also received 4 stars at the Australian NCAP (ANCAP) safety crash tests.

The 2015 Mahindra XUV500 stands true to its global SUV title in the latest iteration and emerges as an extremely compelling package. The styling has got better and the changes lend a fresh appeal to the SUV.

There is ample of power under the hood to keep you happy in the city or on open roads, while the cabin comes loaded with features along with ample of room to seat 7 in comfort. The XUV500 facelift will also strike the right chord with your pocket by being the value for money offering it is and that certainly makes it a winner for us.
 

Article source: www.motorbeam.com