2015 Mahindra XUV500

A version of the XUV500 with an automatic transmission. Mahindra and its Korean subsidy, SsangYong, have tied up with Aisin AW of Japan for a new gearbox, which now drives the XUV500, the Korando and the Tivoli, and will be used in all the future premium products of both the brands.

Mahindra is offering the XUV500 automatic for prices starting at Rs 15.53 lakh (ex-Delhi). The company was planning the move for a while, but was waiting for the new six-speed transmission from Aisin AW of Japan. Here is a quick download on the XUV500 AT and our first impressions from a short spin inside the Mahindra facility.

India loves big cars, and if it is going to be stylish and feature loaded, we will adore it even more. Mahindra, one the oldest SUV manufacturers in India, seems to have understood this concept quite well. When they finally came up with their first monocoque SUV, the XUV500, they ensured that it had the right mix of brawn and brain. History books were rewritten as we witnessed the success story of the XUV500. It has been ruling the Rs 12 to Rs 15-lakh SUV segment ever since its launch four years ago. However, products need to change with time to avoid becoming outdated or obsolete and Mahindra has hence launched facelifted version of the XUV500, showing that it likes to stay abreast with the changing times and the look of the new car is proof for this train of thought. We spent some time with the 2015 XUV500 to find out if Mahindra has got it right again or if they have gone a bit too far!