OD SUV Slugfest: Mahindra XUV500

Bob Rupani Updated: September 05, 2018, 04:45 PM IST

The homegrown XUV has its own fan following and successfully battles the competition.

Styling and street presence

Its looks and styling have always generated diverse views. The recent facelift has added some flash and it continues to have significant street presence.

Seating and visibility

The rather broad A-pillars obstruct cornering visibility, but the low dash ensures the forward view is fine. Ingress and egress in front is good, while the rear seat is too high.

All-terrain capability

The Mahindra XUV has adequate ground clearance and is available with lockable all-wheel drive and hill descent and hill hold control.

Practicality

With the third row up, boot space is a measly 93 litres. The spare wheel sits under the rear floor and is easily removed, but fitting it back requires some effort.

Touring ability and performance

The diesel engine is reasonably powerful. Cruising range is an impressive 980km, but with a full load, you need to push hard to overtake. Braking does not inspire lots of confidence.

Stage timing

3m 24.15s

The XUV was very enjoyable and felt good on the stage. Its timing is actually very impressive and maybe all the work that has gone into making it winner of the Indian National Rally Championship is rubbing off on production versions.

Specifications

Price: Rs 23.06 lakh (on-road, Mumbai)
Engine type: 2.2D/155PS/360Nm
Fuel Economy: 14kmpl
Fuel capacity and Range: 70l/980km
2WD/AWD/4WD: AWD
4WD lock: Yes
Diff Lock: No
Ground Clearance: 200mm
Dimensions (LWH) mm: 4,585 x 1,890 x 1,785
Wheelbase: 2,700mm
Weight: 2,080kg (kerb)
Off-Road Driving Modes: No
Headlight Washers: No
Boot Capacity: 93l