Mahindra XUV500 2.2CRDe W10 Auto (2019)

[Blackfire]

 

Some design quirks remain, but the XUV500 has matured into a far more attractive offering than the overly fussy first efforts.

Indian brand Mahindra is one of the fastest-growing car companies in South Africa, with a rapidly expanding product line-up as well as a significant dealership footprint. The XUV500, however, is one of its oldest products – first launched here in 2012, it has been facelifted numerous times and late last year another round of upgrades were made. The XUV500 is a fairly unique proposition in South Africa, being a large SUV with 7 seats, but offered at smaller crossover (compact family car) prices.

The focus of Mahindra's most recent update was to improve the XUV500's visual appeal, as well as the technology and features on offer. This flagship W10 derivative, with all its bells and whistles, is priced about R65 000 below the cheapest automatic Ford Everest. That's an attractive saving... but should you rather stretch those rands? Or perhaps... you should rather opt for the even more affordable XUV500 W8? Let's find out.

 

Touch-screen infotainment system offers comprehensive functionality. Single-zone climate control a little disappointing.

If you like to drive a car with all the toys, then the allure of the XUV500 W10 will immediately be strong. The cabin boasts leather upholstery in addition to another step up in terms of overall material fit and finish. Sure, the basic architecture remains somewhat dated and there are places where it can't match the tactile quality of its more expensive rivals, but overall, there's not much in the cabin that feels cheap and "nasty".

The infotainment system is very comprehensive too: it comprises a 7-inch touchscreen that also doubles as a display for the reverse-view camera. The W10 further boasts voice command control and built-in navigation. A good-quality Arkamys sound system is fitted to this derivative and it offers USB/aux/Bluetooth support. Conveniently, mobile charging points are provided for the 1st and 2nd-row occupants. 

 

leather upholstery is standard on the W10 flagship. Steering is rake/reach adjustable.

Other creature comforts include an electrically adjustable driver's seat, cruise control, rake and reach adjustment for the steering wheel (some XUV500 derivatives only offer rake), automatic wipers and lights, push-button start and an electric tilt/slide sunroof.

On the safety side, the XUV500 W100 offers 6 airbags, tyre-pressure monitoring, ABS with EBD and an electronic stability system. Hill Hold and Hill-descent control are also fitted.

In summary, this is a full-house offering that lacks precious little in terms of spec. If we had to nitpick, we'd say that single-zone climate control in the front is a little disappointing, but then again, those seated in the 3rd row get their own air-conditioning controls... You can't have everything!

 

the XUV500's instrumentation is simple and clear, but you'll find the fuel consumption data on the infotainment screen.

When it was launched, the XUV500 was Mahindra's first monocoque product. So, unlike the Everest, Fortuner etc., the XUV500 actually doesn't ride on a ladder-frame chassis. In theory, then, it's better suited to normal use on typical tarred surfaces, but with a little extra ground clearance (the Indian firm claims a total of 200 mm) when needed. In recent years, Mahindra has also further fine-tuned the rear suspension (developed in conjunction with Lotus) for greater comfort and control and added significant sound deadening measures elsewhere in the structure.

On start-up, there's no hiding the somewhat gruff-sounding engine underneath the bonnet, but at cruising speeds, the XUV500 acquires a relaxed gait and is also impressively silent inside. The engine delivers 103 kW and 330 Nm, with the latter figure being available from 1 600 to 2 800 rpm. Mahindra doesn't quote claimed performance figures, but the XUV 500 has no trouble performing daily driving duties, though it's no ball of fire.

In general, it responds satisfyingly to throttle inputs and there is sufficient power for cruising at the national limit. A somewhat frustrating feature is the transmission lever gate – we struggled to quickly and accurately engage reverse, for example, when manoeuvring the XUV500 in parking areas. 

 

Rear seats fold flat into the floor, and middle row also folds down to create a long, flat load surface.

Out on the road, the ride is certainly softer than what you'd find in, for example, a Toyota Fortuner, but it's also somewhat less controlled, so there's significant body roll in the corners. This is unlikely to be a major concern to most owners who will appreciate the comfort, luxuries and... efficiency! 

That's right, Mahindra claims a consumption figure of 7.4L/100 km, which appears optimistic, but in reality, we achieved 8.1 L/100km, which is nonetheless excellent for such a large, spacious vehicle. We also used the XUV500's full carrying capacity on numerous occasions.