Mahindra XUV500 goes auto
Indian giant expects big things from its first automatic mid-size SUV in AustraliaMahindra Automotive Australia has released the first automatic version of its XUV500, based on the facelifted version of the mid-size SUV launched here in February.
Available from June 1, the six-speed Aisin automatic transmission adds $2000 to the price of Mahindra's seven-seat flagship SUV and, like the six-speed manual, is available in both front-wheel drive (2WD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations, the latter costing $3000 extra.
That means pricing continues to open at $29,900 drive-away for the 2WD manual, rising to $32,900 drive-away for the AWD manual, but now also includes the 2WD auto ($31,900 drive-away) and range-topping AWD auto ($34,990 drive-away).
MAA expects the automatic version of its four-year-old XUV500 – first launched Down Under in June 2012 – to boost sales considerably.
Given automatic models account for 90 per cent of all mid-size SUVs sold in Australia, MAA forecasts about 120 sales of the upgraded XUV a month.
That equates to almost 1500 annual sales and would see the fledgling Indian brand, which also sells the Genio and Pik-Up utes in Australia, publish VFACTS sales data this year for the first time.
MAA will also add a more premium 'W10' version of its diesel-only W8-series XUV500 in the fourth quarter of this year (adding power driver’s seat adjustment, an electric sunroof, extra chrome trim and illuminated sill plates), plus four-cylinder petrol engines in 2017.
Fuel consumption for the 2WD manual remains unchanged at 6.7L/100km, giving it a theoretical driving range of more than 1000km, while the new 2WD auto consumes 7.4L/100km, which equates to a 946km range from the XUV's 70-litre fuel tank.
Fuel consumption figures are not available for AWD models, which are expected to account for just 15 per cent of sales.
While the XUV's 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel carries over and continues to output 103kW and 330Nm, its new torque converter auto comes with a manual mode, two overdrive gear ratios, gradient recognition, creep function and lifetime transmission fluid.
As part of its midlife makeover, all XUV500s now bring a new grille with chrome inserts, LED daytime running lights, new static cornering lights, revised fog lights with chrome bezels, chrome window surrounds, redesigned 17-inch alloy wheels and a chromed rear tailgate garnish in chrome.
Inside, the 2016 XUV500 now features a 7.0-inch infotainment touch-screen (up from 6.1-inch), new black leather upholstery, new scuff plates for the door sills, eight LED interior lights and claimed improvements in fit and finish.
Also now standard is a reversing camera with active guidelines, tyre pressure monitoring for all five tyres, satellite-navigation with speed alert and point-of-interest functionality, Bluetooth audio streaming and address book functions, and an electronic vehicle manual with instructional videos and service scheduling.
Improving the seven-seater's cabin amenity are 10 cup-holders, a glovebox with capacity for a 15-inch laptop and a front centre cool box under the driver's armrest.
Mahindra says that despite being the same length as the Honda CR-V overall, the XUV500 offers class-leading boot capacity of 702 litres with the third-row seats stowed.
The second row of seats, which delivers ample leg and foot room, is split 60/40 and reclines but does not slide. All three rows offer air-conditioning and 12-volt power outlets.
Standard safety equipment includes six airbags including side curtains for all three seating rows, electronic stability control with rollover mitigation, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, hill-hold, hill descent control and three Isofix child seat anchorages.
However, there is no change to the below-average four-star ANCAP crash safety rating the original XUV500 achieved in 2012 under the independent vehicle safety body's less stringent test regime. Mahindra executives said they are still "working on" a maximum five-star ANCAP rating for the XUV500.
Other vital stats for Mahindra's newcomer in the mainstream medium SUV class include a class-leading 2.5-tonne towing capacity, six-monthly or 10,000km service intervals and a three-year/100,000km warranty. As yet there is no capped price service plan.
Six exterior paint colours are available: Pearl White, Sunset Orange, Tuscan Red, Dolphin Grey, Moondust Silver and Volcano Black.
Watch this space from June 1 for our first Australian drive of the new XUV500 auto.
Mahindra XUV500 pricing (drive-away):
2WD manual -- $29,900
AWD manual -- $32,900
2WD auto -- $31,900
AWD auto -- $34,900
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