2012 Mahindra XUV500 Launched

The time has arrived for the most anticipated car from the Mahindra stable to be launched. We are at the launch of the Tata Aria killer, which is all set to be unveiled in a few minutes. The XUV is indeed a step ahead for Mahindra as it’s their first offering which is set to debut on a global scale. The XUV500 features a Monocoque chassis and is powered by a 2.2-liter, transverse engine which uses a 5th generation variable geometry turbocharger. This mHawk motor (also seen on the Scorpio) has been tuned up on the XUV500 producing 140 BHP of power and 330 Nm of torque. There are talks that Mahindra will later introduce a twin-turbo which will pump the power figures to an astonishing 170 BHP. The mHawk engine is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox which is cable operated and developed with Ricardo. Mahindra will be launching the XUV500 in South Africa soon and the attention to detail is unheard of for an Indian vehicle.

Updates from the press conference (29/09//2011) [Updated with features]

The Mahindra XUV500 features a 6-speed manual gearbox and has an ARAI certified mileage of 15.1 kmpl. The SUV features 17-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels, ESP, 6 Airbags (front, side and curtain), roll mitigation, hill hold control, hill descent control, voice commands, 4-channel ABS, 6″ touch screen infotainment system, micro hybrid technology, Dual mass flywheel, fully automatic temperature control with dual HVAC, static bending projector headlamps with LED parking lights, cruise and audio controls on steering wheel, smart rain and light sensors, Tyretronics (tyre pressure monitoring system), Intellipark (reverse parking assist system), power foldable and adjustable ORVMs, leather seats, 8 way adjustable drivers seat, lounge like mood lightning, tilt and telescopic steering and flat folding second and third row seats. The Mahindra XUV500 is available in 7 colours and the W8 AWD variant is available with all wheel drive with interactive torque management. There are three variants on offer – W6, W8 and W8 AWD. Mahindra intends to give buyers an extremely pleasant experience and have highly trained staff to sell their latest offering in the Indian market. The prices are invitational prices and will be hiked in the subsquent month. Mahindra expects to sell 2000 units of the XUV500 every month.

Mahindra XUV500 Prices (ex-showroom, New Delhi) –

XUV500 W6 – Rs. 10.8 lakhs
XUV500 W8 – Rs. 11.95 lakhs
XUV500 W8 AWD – Rs. 12.88 lakhs

Difference in W6 and W8 variants – What are the features between variants? There are only two variants, which have different features. The W6 and W8. While W8 and W8 AWD variants have the same features, except the fact that the AWD variant has all-wheel drive. The W6 variant doesn’t have colour touch screen display (instead a monochrome one), GPS navigation, DVD player, tyre-tronics, side and cutrain airbags, ESP (with roll over mitigation), hill hold, hill Descent control, alloy wheels, telescopic steering and leather upholstery.

[youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K87KlnciQYM 540 375]

The Mahindra XUV500 is not a large looking SUV. Rather it looks like a softroader with the small dimensions compared to cars like the Ford Endeavour. The front has lots of honeycomb grille, whereas the projectors head lights and LED parking lights look really cool. From the side, the XUV500 resembles alot like the Mitsubishi Outlander. The dimensions are are again very compact from this angle and the 5-spoke alloy wheels are chunky. The unique door handles are immediately noticeable. The tail lights are extended to the side and can be viewed from both the side profile as well as the rear profile. Talking about the tail lights, the attention to detail here is amazing, with the lamps having some sort of design present there. Furthermore, the rear windshield glass looks small and the SUV500 incorporates a rear spoiler and dual exhausts.

Step inside and the first thing you will notice is the vastly improved quality. The door handles have red lights for finding your way in darkness. The instrument cluster is the coolest we have seen till date (see the above video to see how the start up of the XUV500 is), and incorporates alot of malfunction lights along with digital speedometer. The steering houses the controls for the audio system, while the center console has all the buttons for air conditioning along with a screen which displays data to the driver. The handbrake lever seems to be lifted straight out of the Honda Civic. The best feature we like in the interiors is the cool reverse sensor, which resembles a sun glass holder, till you push it and voila you have reverse guidance. The XUV500’s last row is strictly for children. Legroom is very little but the seats fold down completely to increase the boot space. Overall, it is very evident Mahindra has put alot of effort into the design and aesthetics of this vehicle.

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