Mahindra SA has released an updated version of its XUV500 sports utility vehicle (SUV). First launched in 2011, the XUV500 has spearheaded the brand’s push into the competitive SUV segment.
Upgrades include an over haul of the aesthetics, with emphasis on front-end styling. In addition, the interior execution has also been upgraded. The grille, headlights, bonnet and fog lamps have all undergone a substantial redesign. The new grille is smarter, utilising a glossy black finish with subtle chrome accents, as well as a more prominent Mahindra badge.
The lower air intake has been reshaped to provide a stronger visual integration with the grille. The headlights are new and there are curved LED daytime running lights. The bonnet has also been redesigned. There are new 17-inch multi-spoke Alloy wheels. At the rear, the tail lights benefit from a new internal tattoo design.
The most obvious interior improvements are the plush all-black leather upholstery and the seven-inch, full-colour touchscreen display located in the centre console. The touch screen is standard fare on the W8 flagship model, and provides access to the infotainment features. There are three rows of seats, offering accommodation for up to seven occupants.
The W8 benefits from features such as auto-sensing head-lights and windscreen wipers, fully automatic climate control air-conditioning, remote central locking, cruise control and a multifunction steering wheel. It is fitted with dual front, side and curtain airbags, together with seat belts for all seating positions, side-impact protection bars, and crash-protection crumple zones.
Active safety systems include an all-disc braking system with ABS and electronic brake force distribution (EBD) and ESP with roll-over mitigation. The W6 and W8 versions feature hill-hold and hill-descent control. Under the bonnet, everything remains the same with a 2.2l four-cylinder mHawk 140 turbodiesel engine which makes use of a variable geometry turbo-charger to produce 103kW at 3,750r/min and torque of 330Nm which peaks between 1,600r/min and 2,800r/min.
Claimed fuel consumption is 6.5l/100km and emissions of 171g/km. When combined with the 70l fuel tank, the model should be good to travel over 1,000km between refuels, Mahindra SA says. The turbodiesel engine is linked to a six-speed manual gearbox driving the rear wheels, although an all-wheel drive version of the W8 model is available for those intent on more serious excursions off the beaten track.
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-Motor News Reporter
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