5 things we love about the Mahindra XUV500
In the past, Mahindra may not have been the most well-known brand in South Africa, but this year we’ve seen a number of new Mahindra models stand out in the South African car market. One such model, which we’re currently getting to know a little better, is the XUV500.
The Mahindra XUV500 was first launched in 2011, and then again in 2015, but more recently, Mahindra has added an automatic transmission to the range, to satisfy selective drivers.
To get to know it a bit better, we’ve decided to spend the festive season in and around Cape Town with the XUV500 and after our first week, we’ve already sussed out what we love about it.
Personality
On the outside, Mahindra says that its exterior features come from a cheetah-inspired design, such as its cleanly styled headlights with a curved LED daytime running light signature. It’s got a number of other quirks to it: vertical door handles, folding side mirrors, aesthetic headlights which include a smart glossy black grille with subtle chrome accents and black mesh inserts.
We think the XUV500 looks great in white and really makes it stand out as a bold and personality-driven SUV on the road.
Corner lights
I live in a small suburb near Cape Town’s CBD and driving home at night often involves creeping around some pretty dark corners and streets with no lighting. Of particular note is the XUV500’s corner lighting feature, which activates lighting on the side-front of the vehicle as you turn corners. It really helps you avoid any sudden obstacles that may be lurking around the corners, like randomly parked cars and potholes.
Space and Storage compartments
Three seating rows that offer accommodation of up to seven occupants – two in the front, three in the middle row and two on the third row – means that there’s more than enough space for the whole family on those fun holiday outings.
I love the amount of storage compartments I found in the XUV500! There’s loads of space to store your cellphone, keys, water bottles and accessories and nothing falls out or flies around the car once stored.
Auto box
The XUV500 with its enhanced automatic transmission option links a torque converter to planetary gears for smooth, precise gear shifts. It still gives the driver the benefits of a manual transmission, such as quick responses, but convenience and ease of use makes it even more pleasant to drive, especially when travelling long distance over the holidays.
Fuel efficient
I’m so impressed by the XUV500’s fuel economy. It’s 2,2-litre four-cylinder mHawk 140 turbodeisel engine has given me so much mileage already. In just a week, I’ve driven about 230 km’s and I still have about three quarters of a tank left! At an acclaimed 7,4 litres/100 km for the combines cycle, linked to CO2 exhaust emissions of just 196 g/km, the XUV500, if you’re looking for an SUV with good fuel efficiency, the XUV500 is definitely worth considering!
Keep checking our site for our next write up as I embark on my family road trip with the Mahindra XUV500.
The Mahindra XUV500 W8 Auto is priced at R394 995.
Click here for more details.