Mahindra xuv500. Review on Mahindra XUV500

Mahindra’s thoroughly updated XUV500 is now on sale in the Indian market. Although mechanically identical to its predecessor, the 2015 model gets a host of cosmetic updates and better equipped cabin, thus enhancing its overall appeal.

Exterior

For 2015, Mahindra has made extensive changes to the exterior design. As a result, the front-end features a new chrome grille and projector headlamps. The fog lamps, too, have been updated with chrome bezels and LED strips. The latter treatment is similar to the one seen in the new Scorpio.

The hood gets creases which give it a muscular look while the side profile of the vehicle displays the new 17-inch alloy wheels. Concluding the updates, the windows now get chrome linings for a more luxurious appearance.

Interior

The new XUV500 gets a multifunction steering wheel, aluminium pedals, new ambient lighting and new illuminated scuff plates. As for the dual-tone dashboard, it houses a 7-inch touchscreen with Mahindra’s BlueSense App. The new XUV500 also comes with leather upholstery and a smart key.

Engine and Gearbox

Underneath the updated exterior, the XUV500 continues with the same set of drivetrain options as the old car. The vehicle is powered by the 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine. Delivering 140bhp and 330Nm of torque through a 6-speed transmission, the engine sends power to the front wheels in the 2WD models and to all four wheels in the all-wheel drive models.

Price and competition

The new XUV500 is priced between Rs 11.12 and Rs 15.85 lakh and is available in seven paint schemes – sunset orange, pearl white, opulent purple, volcano black, Tuscan red, dolphin grey and modust silver. It competes with other SUV models like the Nissan Terrano, Tata Safari Storme and the Tata Aria.