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In-your-face honeycomb grille: loud with loads of attitude |
21 November 2011: At first glance, it's jaw dropping. As it zips past, you can't help but admire its awesome road presence, muscular stance and impressive styling. A few years back it was unimaginable to think that an Indian manufacturer known for its tractors and rugged SUVs could build a vehicle this impressive. Put it on the road anywhere in the world, and it is guaranteed to get a second glance.
The XUV500 has been launched in India between Rs.10.8 lacs to Rs.12.8 lacs (ex-showroom Delhi). That's roughly $21,000 to $25,000. Compare this with the US, where you get a Mitsubishi Outlander for $18,000, a Volkswagen Tiguan for $22,000 and a Ford Explorer for $28,000. Shell out some more, and you get an Audi Q5 for $ 35,000.
On that note, let me share my thoughts on the vehicle which has wowed the industry and consumer alike (me included!). Of all the vehicles launched in 2011, the Mahindra XUV500 clearly stands out. It created a buzz in the auto world the moment its pictures were leaked online, and ever since everyone has been all praise for this handsome SUV. Sorry XUV.
Built on the monocoque technology similar to most modern SUV’s around the world; the vehicle has a better power to weight ratio, and a stable ride and performance. The front has a very in-your-face look, and that is no way bad. The honeycomb front with the snarling grille can however look messy to some. The LED lights at the bottom of the headlamp cluster look good from a distance, but when you look closer, they could have been a tad smaller and closely knit. This would have given a more seamless glow and blended well with the overall design flow.
The rear is a neat piece of design and I specially like the wrap around tail lamps. The insignia on the lamps are also a nice touch. Overall, the vehicle has an aggressive stance, and the hugely flared wheel arches with the 17" alloy wheels add to that muscled up look. The side profile is inspired by a 'leaping cat', but frankly I didn't really see the connect. Nevertheless, a brilliant design, which feels even better when you know it's all Made in India!
We walked in to the dealer for a test drive, and tragedy descended. The smiling receptionist told us that the test drive vehicle was not available. No fuel, you see. And tyre pressure also needs to be checked. And we are short of staff. So it cannot happen today. This on a Sunday afternoon, after we called and confirmed. And aren't dealerships meant to be geared up for the weekends when most families find time to do such things? Anyway, I had to meet the Manager and introduced myself (and it worked!) - he got into the act and miraculously the vehicle arrived and the test drive was arranged.
Customer Service Rating: 4/10.
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Swiss knife inspired ignition key |
The panel fit, trims, the flimsy grip of the door handles did not give a good feeling. Although the vertical door handles look different, they were not the most practical. And how I missed the reassuring clunk when the door closes! How do the German cars perfect it? This just didn't have adequate finesse and at best felt like a step-up Scorpio. Remember, at Rs.15.0 lacs+ (Delhi on road) for the top model, I am not being too demanding to expect a bit of luxurious indulgence.
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Impressive instrument panel |
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A very busy central console |
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6" LCD touchscreen infotainment system |
The back row seating is an excuse and meant only for kids below 10 or pets. Difficult to get in, and certainly not a great place to be in. Anyone with a mind of their own would refuse to sit in there. The view is restricted due to the high middle row seating and that makes it quite suffocating in fact. Individual AC vents are of little comfort. Anyone buying the XUV500 should therefore be mentally prepared that this is a 5-seater with lots of luggage space, which can transport seven people over short distances, if required.
Safety features include 6 airbags, ABS, ESP and hill descent control. The 2.2 mHawk engine is the same as the Scorpio, but here it makes more power at 140bhp. Torque is rated at 330NM and the engine has enough grunt to catapult the car forward. The 6 speed gearbox is neat and can make a significant difference on highways.
Many would say the XUV500 scores on its aggressive pricing, relative to other vehicles in the Indian market. I may be in a minority, but give it a thought – is this the benchmark pricing we have come to accept in India? Are we getting too used to high prices without really pondering deeper over what we are getting in return?
The on road (Delhi) price ranges from Rs.12.5 lacs for the base model to Rs.15.0 lacs for the top end 4WD variant. The W8 FWD model, which I tested is priced at Rs.13.5 lacs. A vehicle with comparative specs in the US would be atleast 30% cheaper.
If you compare the XUV500 with its segment competitor Tata Aria, it may have a clear head-to-head advantage. But I think segments are created by manufacturers. Consumers like us make much wider choices. What else could I do, if I didn't buy the XUV500? Go on a world trip maybe, and still save a lot of money? Save for education? And if I have to buy a vehicle, why not the Volkswagen Jetta or Chevrolet Cruze? Or better still, why not buy two - a Volkswagen Polo and a Verna within the same price.
So the question is, does the XUV500 give me a compelling reason to own it? Before the test drive, it did. But now, maybe not. Coz it tries too hard to do everything, does everything, but doesn't do it all perfectly.
Final Verdict: An awesome vehicle to envy, but an average one to own.
Vehicle Rating: 7/10.
Mahindra XUV500: from awesome to average in one test drive.
Reviewed by Raghav Sarma
on
Monday, November 21, 2011
Rating:

Spot on review. I also had the same feeling when I sat inside one of these, however was unable to pinpoint my discomfort with the interiors. You have summed it up perfectly:
ReplyDeleteAn awesome vehicle to envy, but an average one to own.
I had the same feeling! Overall, the car is phenomenal with its feature list and brilliant looks,but it loses out on small touches which could have made it a winner for Mahindra.
ReplyDelete