Mahindra XUV500 2012 review
Once you get over the predictable taunts and the smell of plastic inside, the new Mahindra XUV500 is something worthy from a major Indian manufacturer - light-years ahead of the rather awful Pik-Up ute.
Price
With prices ranging from $30,000 to $33,000 for front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive respectively, buyers get a lot of cars for the money, but not at low prices.
The new compact XUV (SUV) takes on classy competitors in the small soft roader segment and comes into the fray loaded with goodies that greatly enhance its appeal.
New
This is a completely new car on a new platform with a new transmission from Mahindra itself, which also owns the Korean company SsangYong.
You can already see the distinct cross-pollination from the SsangYong side to the Mahindra. The engine feels like a SsangYong to drive, and the interior elements, including the door locking system, are familiar. The monocoque body is roughly the same size as the RAV4, but slightly larger on the inside to accommodate a seven-bench third row of seats.
Seven Seats
That's a lot of bodywork in a not-so-big car, but they all fit pretty well, thanks in part to the vertical rear roof and tailgate. The car looks impressive on the street, of course, not as hacky as the Pick-Up.
To see
It's pretty pukka, especially the front and sides. To their credit, Mahindra have developed their own style for XUV and it's different. But the interior is outdated in style and function, looking old - like earlier Korean and Malaysian efforts in its design, materials and function.
While it's a throwback, it has plenty of modern tech like voice control, Bluetooth, and sat nav among its generous list of goodies. The faux wood looks a bit gaudy, and the fit to the dashboard is flawless. You'll need glasses to see the tiny lettering on the controls that dot the cockpit, topped by a set of retro-but-high-tech dials sticking out in front of the steering wheel.
pros
Mahindra put attractive two-tone leather upholstery in the car, as well as climate control, a tire pressure monitor, automatic headlights and wipers, and a decent audio system. Some touch screen functions are provided.
ENGINES
Engine of own production, as well as a six-speed manual transmission. The XUV is sold in two variants, front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, and only one upscale W8 level. The diesel is a 2.2-litre variable-geometry turbo and good for 103kW/330Nm of power - no complaints here. Fuel economy is a respectable 6.7 liters per 100 km for a model with 1785 kg all-wheel drive and an on-demand system.
safety
Safety is rated four stars by ANCAP thanks in part to six airbags, stability control and a rollover prevention system.
Driving
It's fun to ride, good in places like the priest's egg. There is a stupid start/stop system that can be easily fooled into stopping and then not starting again without a full stop. But the engine itself has ample traction at low revs, aided by fairly good gearing from the rubbery manual gearbox.
Our test car had an annoying transmission hum at 80-110 km/h. Mahindra is a sensible thing to drive, a little rough, a little old school in fact. But it is practical, has an excellent turning radius and easily folding flat seats. We believe that a range of 1000 km will be achievable.
It has the basics to be really good - it just needs a little more finesse to nail it.
