Mahindra has just expanded the XUV500 automatic range by introducing the SUV in lower-spec W6 variant. Launched at Rs 14.29 lakh, ex-showroom Navi Mumbai, the W6 FWD variant joins the existing range which now has four automatic variants namely W6 FWD, W8 FWD, W10 FWD and AWD.
The XUV 500 automatic features a 6-speed gearbox that works in conjunction with the familiar 2.2-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine. As expected, the addition of an automatic has reduced the efficiency of this 140bhp engine by around 13 per cent. The front-wheel drive model, in fact, is rated at 13.85kmpl.
The 6-speed automatic is made in Japan by a company called Aisin AW. This unit will eventually feature in a range of forthcoming Mahindra and SsangYong SUVs. It also features a manual mode with controls on the gear stick to upshift and downshift.
Compared to the top-spec W10 variant which is priced at Rs 16.8 lakh ex-showroom, the W6 automatic loses out on a few features and safety equipment including keyless start, voice command, reverse parking, side curtain airbags and ESP with rollover mitigation.
Interestingly, with ex-showroom prices ranging between Rs 14.29 lakh and Rs 17.40 lakh, the XUV 500 automatic sits in the same price bracket wherein you will find a lot of D-segment diesel automatic sedans including the Chevrolet Cruze, Hyundai Elantra, Skoda Octavia and the Volkswagen Jetta.