Mahindra & Mahindra has launched the XUV500 after a facelift. Christened as the New Age XUV500, the car has been launched at the starting price of Rs 11.21 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
The SUV was initially launched in the year 2011 and did wonders for the company’s sales chart, however for long, Mahindra XUV500 was expected to go under the scalpel for a much-needed refurbished look. Prior to this, company initiated a teaser on its website a day ahead of its launch displaying a tracker with the time remaining for its launch.
The new XUV 500 features ‘S’ shaped LED inserts in headlights which is similar to the LED DRLs of Mahindra Scorpio. The front fascia sports new static bending projector headlamps with light guides, honeycomb mesh grille with chrome highlights and black slats. A redesigned front bumper with wider air damps and chrome housed fog lamps sets the rugged mood for the updated SUV. The side profile get enhanced with new set of 17-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels fitted in chunky wheel arches. The wide stance of the vehicle makes it look ready to leap, thanks to its unmatched design language. The paw style door handles is a distinctive feature never seen before on any of the models.
The interiors of the SUV undergoes a drastic change. The central console houses a new 7-inch touch screen infotainment system just like in the new Scorpio. The cabin is spacious as before but features less glossy parts in the updated version. The top end variants get some advanced features like electric sunroof, push-button start, 6-way power adjustable driver’s seat, passive keyless entry and reverse camera with assist.
Mechanically, the face lifted XUV 500 will continue to carry the same 2.2 litre mHawk, direct injection Variable Geometry Turbocharged diesel motor that churns out 140bhp of power at 3750rpm and peak torque of 330Nm at 1600-2800rpm. The engine will come mated to a six-speed manual transmission, similar to the outgoing version. The SUV is available in both two wheel and four-wheel drive options in six different variants.
Recently, Mahindra launched a limited edition version with the name XUV 500 -Xclusive Edition. This exclusive trim came with additional features such as illuminated scuff plates, aluminium pedals, set of grey alloy wheels, reverse camera, electric sunroof, voice messaging system, six way power adjustable driver seat, anti-pinch driver window and hydraulically assisted bonnet. A proficient braking and suspension system was included to keep the vehicle well balanced and stable. The safety in new XUV500 remains intact with anti-lock braking system, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability program, rollover mitigation, hill hold and descent control, to make the most of the vehicle’s driveability.
The face lifted XUV 500 will compete with the likes of Nissan Terrano, Tata Safari Storme and Renault Duster among others in the segment. Its strong, agile and bold attitude gets it to the top charts of SUV segment quite effortlessly. With this global launch, the company aspires to the customer base with a completely home-built product from the Chakan-Pune India plant, in which the company had recently invested INR 650 crore. The vehicle is most likely to go for global markets too. While most of the vehicle parts are 90% localized, company is exploring new ways to make the product 100% localized.
With this factor in mind, the company plans to explore and thus increase the Indian market of SUVs from the existing 15% to much more, something similar to the global SUV market of about 40%. Mahindra already enjoys a market share of 60% in the Indian SUV segment. Well, for now its the New Age XUV500 which is hogging the limelight everywhere. The top end variant can be purchased at a price tag of INR 15.99 lacs (ex-showroom, Delhi).
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