Beautiful Beast

Mahindra XUV 500, Test Drive Feedback:

First Impression: WOW, this looks big and sexy. The dealer's hardly had any idea about this beast, he was basically reading out the specs for me and it dint really help, so i decided to take it out and check out for myself.

Engine 2200cc, 140 bhp, 330Nm@ 1600-2800rpm (same engine as scorpio but tuned and increased power) - W8 4*2

Test drive From velachery main road to nanganallur ( approx 6kms) - not enough to completely judge the car but still below are my thoughts.

Things that I liked:

1. Looks, ground clearance and the interiors.

2. M&M have been smart in picking the best features from Fortuner, Endeavour and captive.

3. Very comfortable rear seats - spacious leg room.

4. Cruise control, ABS and airbags(driver and co passenger) in basic variant - I am happy indian car makers are making it a standard feature now a days.

5. A.C vents for all the 3 rows ( its a 7 seater - 2, 3 and 2).

6. sexy 17 inch alloy (R17, 235/65) and door handle.

7. Cosmetic features, LED lamps and other jazzy lights.

8. Very responsive steering.

9. I felt the ride quality was good and stable good handling.

10. turning radius- 5.6mts.

Things that could have been better:

1. Suspension naaah!! too hard! did try to take the shity roads of velachery, rear passengers started to complain about the bump and felt discomfort

2. Driver's seat - big guys will have problem shifting gears, the seat is so cuddly that you have to reach out to the gear stick. I think one will get it used to it but I just felt little uncomfortable to start off!

3. The diesel jinx- turbolag at 2nd gear!! could be a pain when driving in the city.

4. M&M have followed the Honda city strategy to reduce the weight of the car by using alot of fibre - means to customers? you go, bang your car and claim insurance :) you may not get the complete the claim.

5. No AT transmission

6. Honestly feel M&M could priced it more competetively - I understand this car falls under Segment D and competes with the likes of Fortuner, Endeavor and Captiva which are way expensive but improving the ride quality and ergonics they would have had a winner. But i still would suggest this car to anyone considering mahindra's reputation and the features that it comes with. See More

Curvy exteriors, interiors, handlingGear shift, turbo lag and suspension