XUV500 - Big on features, low on quality

I have the XUV for 5 weeks now and I have already visited the dealership multiple times to get problems fixed. Personnel at India Garage, Mysore are courteous and have addressed all problems so far. However, the fact that I have to take a brand new vehicle to the dealership so many times is discomforting.

1. Wheels not aligned and not balanced - Within the first 600 kms, I realized the wheels were not aligned and un-balanced, since the vehicle kept dragging to the left and would wobble. Dealership fixed it, but definitely a surprise for a brand new vehicle.

2. Crashing noise in second gear - sounded like two metal parts were rubbing against each other. The noise vanishes once you gain speed. Took it to the dealership, took the mechanic for a test drive. He was able to experience the problem as well, but couldn't identify the root cause. They have done a transmission oil flush and the problem seems to have subsided. However, I will have to watch for it, for few more days.

3. Vehicle wobbles in second gear - this happens occasionally. Got tyres rotated. Problem has subsided, but still lingers. 

4. Inside rearview mirror kept falling off - India Garage guys fixed it easily with fevikwik :). Good God, Pidilite makes quality products, unlike Mahindra. 

5. Whistling noise when I hit the gas pedal (accelerator pedal). To me, it appears the silencer is leaking. But the dealership thinks it is the turbo. Will drive for few more days and see.

XUV is a sturdy vehicle and has excellent road grip. It offers tons of features, not found is most other SUVs available in India. However, it appears Mahindra has compromised on quality, to get in all the features at that price point. Quality of the vehicle is much much more important than its features.

The ride quality isn't good on bumpy, pot holed roads. XUV just throws off passengers seated in middle and third row seats. Of course, the road grip is great even at 140 kmph. But, there are very few roads in India where one can maintain that speed for a major stretch of journey. Most roads barely have asphalt left on them after a rainy season. 

I can't help compare the ride quality and driving experience to an Innova and a Honda City since I get to drive them as well, frequently. Innova is a closer competition to XUV and definitely handles the ubiquitous pot holes and bumps much more gracefully than the XUV. Overall, Honda comes out on top, in terms of quality of the vehicle and driving experience; no wonder Honda vehicles are world class. In spite of Toyota's quality problems in the US last year, Toyota vehicles are way ahead of Mahindra.

Though XUV is loaded with features not found in most other vehicles in Indian auto market, the "value for money" feeling quickly evaporates once you find out quality was compromised. Mahindra has a long way to go in making quality automobiles that are globally competitive. 

Good road presence, tons of features - GPS Nav, Audio, steering mounted controls, nice interiorsBad build quality, engine problems, tire problems, gearbox problems.