Oct 16, 2016 12:22 AM
15913 Views
(Updated Oct 16, 2016 09:04 PM)
The Indian car maker has finally managed to come up to speed with the need of the hour feature, especially in a vehicle this price. The XUV gets a 6-speed ’box, which Mahindra says is all new and not the one found in the recently launched Scorpio AT.
It is a simple torque-converter kind of transmission, no fancy dual-clutch system here, but gets the job done quite well. The XUV doesn't show urgency with initial pick-up, although there is no lag between tapping the accelerator pedal and the vehicle starting to move. However, once on the move, it picks up pace quite easily. And as the revs build up, the big 2.2 litre unit gets quite loud. But go easy on the throttle and all you can hear is the distant whine from the motor.
Getting to three digit speeds isn't tough. The XUV is happy to cruise on the highway at 110-120kph, with the engine running at a steady 2000rpm. The XUV AT is a comfortable long distance cruiser like its manual sibling. Steering gets the right amount of assistance even at speeds so you don't feel uncomfortable pushing the vehicle in a straight line.
The ride is pliant and the independent suspension all round helps keeping things calm. Mahindra is offering the AT version in both front- and all-wheel drive configurations. This here is the former and the only place it feels unsettled is when you throw it through the twisties. There is body roll, especially at the rear but that is expected.
Interiors are similar to the manual version. It isn't the most seamless with a clutter of plastics of all kind, but fit is good. Seats are well-bolstered and supportive, and the XUV gets all kinds of creature comforts such as climate control, Bluetooth telephony, cruise control and reversing camera in the top-end W10 variant. The only thing left out from the manual version is the start/stop button. You start this XUV the conventional way by turning the ignition.
While a torque-convertor gearbox is tuned for optimum efficiency, one fallout is that there is not too much gap in the city and highway figures. Our test car returned 10.2kpl in the city with the highway figure being just over 12kpl, which is lower than the manual version, of course.
With an autobox, Mahindra had more-or-less covered all bases with the XUV. It is stress free in stop-and-go traffic and retains the highway cruising ability of its manual version. If you can overlook the slightly higher fuel consumption, the XUV500 AT will keep you satisfied at most times.
Suming it up together.:-
Space Inside:- Very Spacious and comfortable ride
Dealer Satisfaction:- It was only 1 week delay then committed so it was ok .
Fuel Consumption:- Initially it is 8kmpl but as per dealer it will come to 10-12 kmpl.
Comfort:- very comfortable ride.
Reliability:- Mahindra is always a trusted brand in India
Looks:- XUV 500 has areo dynamic looks and which is very attractive.
Specs:-
Turbo-diesel, 2179cc, 150bhp, 330Nm, 6A, 0-100kph: 12.3s, fuel tank: 70 litres, 10.2kpl(city), 12.1kpl(highway)
Verdict
Automatic gearbox is quite handy. Makes driving the big SUV less strenuous in the city.
