New Mahindra XUV500 to launch in Australia in Q4

Mahindra has a considerable amount of presence in the Australian market as a utility vehicle maker. So it comes as no surprise that the new XUV500 is scheduled to launch in the land down under, just a day after its debut in India.

The updated XUV500 is now on sale in the Indian market. Although mechanically identical to its predecessor, the 2015 model gets a host of cosmetic updates and better equipped cabin. Exterior wise the front-end features a new chrome grille and projector headlamps. The fog lamps, too, have been updated with chrome bezels and LED strips. The latter treatment is similar to the one seen in the new Scorpio. The hood gets creases which give it a muscular look while the side profile of the vehicle displays the new 17-inch alloy wheels. Concluding the updates, the windows now get chrome linings for a more luxurious appearance.

Inside, the SUV gets a multifunction steering wheel, aluminium pedals, new ambient lighting and new illuminated scuff plates. Mahindra is also offering leather upholstery, a smart key and a 7-inch touchscreen with the BlueSense App.

The XUV500 is powered by the 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine. Delivering 140bhp and 330Nm of torque through a 6-speed transmission, the engine sends power to the front wheels in the 2WD models and to all four wheels in the all-wheel drive models.

The new XUV500 is expected to go on sale in Australia by the final quarter of this year. Later on, it will be joined by a 6-speed automatic model which is currently under development.

Source: CarAdvice