Apr 03, 2012 02:10 PM
11350 Views
(Updated Mar 18, 2013 02:45 PM)
Exterior This is a sure shot head turner and at times, you would be stopped by inquisitive passer by to know more about the car. Those who miss the logo take it for granted that is a foreign import. The looks are imposing and you get your right to way if anyone sees you in their rear view mirror.Interior (Features, Space & Comfort) Again superb by Mahindra standards. Only some plastics like lighting switch console needs to be better and I am sure Mahindra will take care of it in next production cycle.Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox Engine is powerful and has returned me a FE of 14 with full time AC on highways. I have driven it at top speed of 150 kmph effortlessly, with enough power left to rev it further.The gear box needs some improvement as the gears are little hard and I was told they would be better after first servicing. The gear slotting has improved, but I still have problem with downshifting to 1st gear.Putting the reverse gear requires some practice and patience though.The vehicle is a breeze to drive on highways on 5th and 6th gear. Engine becomes very silent on these two gears. Also one can drive anywhere between 60 to120 on the 4th gear without any engine knocking.Ride Quality & Handling Ride quality is much refined compared to scorpio but not as agile as innova. Needs some improvement on shock absorbents. They are relatively harder and one can feel the same on rough patches of the road. The vehicle is comfortable with high speed turns for the vehicle of this size and bulk. Features like cruise control make this vehicle a pleasure to drive on highways. Hill accent and decent is wonderful features for ghats without risk of heating up the brakes.Coming to the breaking section, the vehicle performs wisely when there are 'Idiots of the road' who don't care for their life and others as well. Thanks to XUV's 4 discs, ESP, EBD, etc.. Now the niggling issue of brake noise is also solved with introduction of new brake pads and calipers.Final Words Mahindra has brought a 'Game Changer' on the road. They have been successful in delivering a package which has a sexy design, reliable performance, and very good value for money for a Indian customer who has been wishing to buy a foreign SUV but held back by price.Areas of improvement If they make the middle row of seats movable like the front row, one can accommodate 3 people on the last row as well. Currently only kids can sit in last row and middle row is left with excess leg room. This can be utilized better by equipping the middle row seats with sliding capability to push them in front.
WIth the recent recall of 25, 000 XUV 5OO Mahindra has shown its commitment to betterment of the product. I think this is way forward for an Indian manufacturer to ensure upmost consumer satisfaction and increase brand pull.
I can provide more information to anyone who is seriously thinking of buying it. Safe Driving!
