For 2015, Mahindra will continue to be bullish with its best-selling XUV 500 brand, with the launch of a face-lifted model, along with the introduction of an automatic transmission, with a diesel-hybrid variant to follow thereafter. As for the face-lift, we received these undisguised spy images courtesy Motoroids reader Vicky in Himachal Pradesh. Here’s what we know regarding the changes:
- New front fascia including re-worked toothy grille, re-sculpted bonnet and a tweaked bumper.
- Newly designed 5-spoke alloy wheels.
- Re-positioned logos at the back.
- Mildly altered dashboard design and changes in trim.
The rear appears to be the same, except for the logos, which seem to have been re-positioned.
Mechanically, the XUV 500 facelift will continue to be powered by a the same 2.2-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged diesel engine outputting a maximum power of 140 bhp @ 3750 rpm and a peak torque of 330 Nm between 1600 and 2800 rpm. Mated to a 6 speed manual gearbox, the XUV500 face-lift will continue with the current 2WD and 4WD options. The face-lift might add a slight tune to to drive-train for better performance and fuel economy, apart from the introduction of an automatic transmission*. Also, the auto gearbox would reportedly be available only with the top-end W8 4WD variant.
*The automatic transmission will reportedly be the same Aisin 6-speed unit that debuted with the recently launched SsangYong Tivoli compact SUV.