Mahindra XUV 500 facelift to feature voice messaging system

Mahindra's new XUV 500 is due for a launch and some specifications have already been leaked before the official unveiling, planned on May 25. The SUV will get a new voice messaging system (VMS) apart from the cosmetic changes as speculated before.

The cosmetic changes were earlier unveiled through the spy-shots taken at a stockyard. The front of the refreshed car boasts of a new chrome grille, headlamps with new S-shaped LED DRLs that are similar to the ones on the new Scorpio. The design of the front bumper is the same, but sports fog lamps embellished in chrome to add to the bling factor. Another change comes in the form of a new design pattern for the alloy wheels. A chrome registration plate enclosure can be seen at the back of the vehicle.

VMS is the latest feature in the cabin of the new XUV 500. This feature is expected to be similar to the one in the Scorpio, which is basically an automated voice message to warn if a door is open, if the hand brake is engaged and notify the passengers to wear the seat belt. With some additional features that will be revealed soon, the luxury and plush factor in the cabin of the XUV 500 has been increased with the use of better quality materials in the interior.

The updated XUV 500 is expected to be powered by the same 2.2-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged diesel engine seen under the hood of the present vehicle and produces 140bhp of power. The six-speed manual transmission will be continued from the current version. There are speculations that the six-speed automatic gearbox from the recently launched SsangYong Tivoli compact SUV might be introduced.

Mahindra and Mahindra recently began teasing the facelifted XUV 500 through their official website and now are letting out the details slowly before the launch. Stay tuned to CarWale to keep a tab on the details of the new XUV 500.