Mahindra XUV 500 is Back With a Face Lift

 

XUV 500 gets a makeover to compete with Jeep Compass

Image Source - by author, Madan G Singh

I was among the first to own a Mahindra XUV 500 the flagship vehicle of Mahindra Motors. This vehicle comes in 5 variants and I bought the W-10 which is the top variant with a sunroof. It was the top model in its class and cost about Rs 20 Lakh. At that time and for the next two years this SUV held its own as the number one vehicle in its class on Indian roads. The vehicle was a little short on power as it generated 140 BHP with a 2299cc M-Hawk engine developed in-house by Mahindra. Patrons overlooked this and the vehicle is a familiar sight on Indian roads.

At that time there was no automatic transmission which was introduced later. Within limits, it was a good vehicle but things changed with the advent of the Jeep in India.

The new XUV has been made sleeker, with a better console and grill.  It is also having a 4X4 model and automatic transmission. The car is good but again it's difficult to match a cult vehicle like the Jeep. Mahindra is advertising the new model on TV and the press and one will have to see how much it will carry conviction in the light of the new SUVs launched.