The much awaited Mahindra XUV500 is finally set to hit the streets, not just in India, but in other global markets as well. The XUV500 is no softie, keeping in sync with its maker's reputation for the rugged, however this new SUV offers a healthy dose of style as well, and concoction of the two is deadly delicious! Priced between Rs. 10.80 lakh and 12.88 lakh, the XUV500, in true Mahindra fashion, has literally left everyone shell shocked at the amazing proposition.

Mahindra has done it again! When the Scorpio first made its debut, it left everyone speechless, for it literally proved that Mahindra isn’t just a tractor and jeep maker. Their ability to develop an urban vehicle completely in-house was commendable. Yes, the Scorpio had some shortcomings, but its success story is what finally shines through. When Mahindra announced their plans for the global SUV, which has transpired into the XUV500, enthusiasts and industry folk were all ears. Ever since then, its been a wait and watch journey which has finally culminated in a surprise like no other.

 

The XUV500 is a premium product that has been completely developed in house by Mahindra. It is a showcase product that illustrates the company’s global ambitions and its quality and styling all work towards that effect. With such ambitions, it was expected that the XUV500 would likely fit in the Rs 14-16 lakh price bracket; after all the Scorpio range goes all the way up to Rs 12 lakh plus. Well, a long story short, that was not to be and the XUV500 has been priced so aggressively that Mahindra themselves are aware that it will cannibalize a bit of Scorpio sales; the final result is bound to leave SUV enthusiasts and Mahindra fans gleeing with joy, but the competition is destined to have sleepless nights.

Speaking about the competition, the XUV500 is set to take on a host of players, not just in the SUV/Crossover category, but some sedans as well. The prime competition being the Tata Aria, however cars such as the Skoda Laura, Toyota Corolla Altis and Chevrolet Cruze plus high end models of the Tata Safari and the Toyota Innova are also bound to fall prey to the stellar pricing of the XUV500. Mahindra has displayed a very mature outlook on the market and the case in point being that even if you make a good product, don’t get overwhelmed by the efforts and expect a premium. Despite the knowledge that the XUV500 was generally perceived to be a vehicle that would debut above the Rs 14 lakh price point, Mahindra obviously didn’t fall into the trap and have gone about business in the manner that they have always followed. Once again pricing has proved to be the key and the XUV500 has taken the value for money proposition to a whole new plane. Incidentally, the vehicle itself boasts of a number of innovations and firsts.

The XUV500 is the first vehicle from Mahindra to feature a monocoque construction. The company has done away with the typical body on ladder frame build and has gone in for a modern construction method. Moreover, this is the first Mahindra to feature a transverse mounted engine and therefore it is also the first front wheel drive Mahindra SUV. No doubt, the vehicle has been put together with a number of global trends in mind.

 

Mahindra has obviously unleashed their entire army of designers and engineers on the XUV500 for it boasts of great build quality, refined and well fitted interiors and great ergonomics. It’s a visual delight and it promises to be quite the vehicle to drive as well. Available in three models, the XUV500 is powered by a 2.2 litre CRDe mHawk engine that makes 140 BHP @ 3750 rpm and 330Nm of torque @ 1600-2800 rpm, which is mated to a six speed gearbox. It can be availed either as a 4x2 or a 4x4, however all models come with ABS with EBD and airbags as standard safety features.

 

A new league of SUV domination is set to take over the market in coming months and I pretty much vouch for the fact that the dominator will sport a Mahindra badge and an XUV500 moniker on the rear!

*(ex-showroom Delhi invitation pricing)