PROVING YET AGAIN that the Indians are fast learners and rapidly becoming an automotive force to be reckoned with, the new Mahindra XUV500 was unveiled in Brisbane on June 4.
First launched in Australia in 2012, the Mahindra appealed to budget-conscious buyers for its styling (although not everyone loves it!), three rows of seats (with room in the third row for adults, the company claims) and a reasonable level of standard specification.
More buyers came on board following upgrades and the inclusion of additional features in 2015 and again in 2017.
The latest upgrade sees subtle changes to styling including a new grille treatment and changes to the rear tailgate.
The grille gets the almost universal seven-slot design with new chrome highlights and larger chrome surround.
Redesigned headlights include light-strip daytime running lights at the top and new fog lights below. The lower bumper has also been modified.
From the side, there is additional chrome detailing on the lower edges of the doors and a redesigned D-pillar applique.
At the rear, new tail lights are split horizontally and the tailgate gets a more prominent number plate recess and integrated reverse camera (on W10 models). The rear bumper has a blacked-out bottom scuff section and there are dual exhaust pipes.
The XUV500 infotainment system includes full sat nav with voice prompts on the W10 variants. The infotainment system is connected to a new audio system from Arkamys, with USB connectivity, picture and video viewing functionality on the W10. Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and iPod and AUX connection are also standard.
There’s a long list of standard inclusions even on the entry-level model, from electric windows and side mirrors, tilt adjustable steering wheel, remote bootlid opening and foldable second and third-row seats.
The W6 and W10 models include alloy wheels, cruise control, multi-function steering wheel, conversation mirror (deleted on the W10 with sunroof), reach adjustment steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, auto headlights, puddle lamps and fully automatic temperature control. The W6 adds premium cloth upholstery. The top-spec W10 gets the 7-inch full colour infotainment system with voice commands, mobile charging points in the two front rows, reading lamps in all three rows, ambient lighting, foldable side mirrors and reverse camera with dynamic assist.
Under the bonnet is Mahindra’s mHawk 2.2-litre turbo petrol engine, delivering 103kW and 320Nm.
Suspension has been revised, in partnership with Lotus, for better comfort and handling.
W6 models and above get hill hold and hill descent control and ESP with rollover mitigation.
Driveaway price for the W6 variant starts at $26,990. Mahindra offers a five-year/100,000km warranty. The all-wheel drive model was safety tested by ANCAP in 2012 an scored four stars.
W6 Standard Features include:
- Height and lumbar adjustable driver’s seat
- Four rear reverse parking sensors
- Conversation mirror – great for keeping an eye on the kids
- Static bending projection headlights with daylight running lamps and headlamp levelling
- Front and rear fog lamps
- Follow me home lights
- Sensing windscreen wipers
- Multifunction steering wheel with cruise control and audio controls
- Rear door mechanical child lock
- 2.5-tonne braked towing capacity
- Cargo (Boot) capacity of 702 litres
- Seven premium black fabric seats, all with head rest and lap sash seat belt
- Easy walk thru access to the third row seating
- ISOFIX child restraints in all 3 seats of second row
- Dual air-conditioning front and rear (FATC)
- Tilt and telescopic steering wheel
- Centre console bin cooler (chilled by air-conditioning system)
- 6-inch LCD screen with DAB/CD/mp3 player with 4 speakers and 2 tweeters
- ESP Rollover Mitigation with Hill Hold and Hill Descent Control
W10 Additional Features include:
- Electric sunroof
- Satellite navigation with turn-by-turn voice navigation
- Reverse camera with Dynamic Assist Gridlines
- 7-inch touch Screen with Arkamys sound system including Android Auto
- Leather Seats with easy walk thru to third row seating.
- Keyless entry with key fob
- Engine start/stop button for Ignition
- Illuminated scuff plates
Driveway Pricing
W6 FWD – 2.2 litre Turbo Petrol 6 Speed Automatic $26,990
W10 FWD – 2.2 litre Turbo Petrol 6 Speed Automatic $31,990
W10 AWD – 2.2 litre Turbo Petrol 6 Speed Automatic $34,990
6 colour options: Pearl White, new Crimson Red, new Lakeside Brown, Moondust Silver, Volcano Black, new Mystic Copper, Opulent Purple. There is no additional charge for metallic paint.
The W10 variant comes with an option of All Wheel Drive (AWD). The AWD ensures that the vehicle torque is suitably distributed between the wheels to provide the best traction on rugged or slippery roads, by sensing the difference in RPM between the front and rear wheels.
Capped Price Service – Mahindra has extended the service intervals with the new 2019 Mahindra XUV500, now offering a 4-year standard Capped Price Service Program with this model
| 5,000 km 3 months |
10,000 km 12 months |
25,000 km 24 months |
40,000 km 36 months |
55,000 km 48 months |
| FREE | $345 | $450 | $495 | $430 |
Once we have tested and assessed the new Mahindra XUV500, seniordriveraus will bring you a comprehensive review, including everything the over-50 driver needs to know.