Good Value for Money SUV on Indian Road- Updated

Exterior This is a sure shot head turner and at times, you would be stopped by enquisitive passer by to know more about the car. Those who miss the logo take it for granted that is a foreign import. The looks are imposing and you get your right to overtake the moment they see you in their rear view mirror.

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort) Again superb by Mahindra standards. Only some plastics like light switch console needs to be better and I am sure Mahindra will take care of it in next production cycle.

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox Engine is powerful and has returned me a FE of 13.4 in city and 14.8 with full time AC on. I have driven it at top speed of 150 kmph effortlessley, with enough power left to rev it further.

The gear box needs some improvement as the gears are little hard and I was told they would be better after first servicing. Now the gear shift is marginally better. Putting the reverse gear requires some practice and patience though.

The vehicle is a breeze to drive on highways on 5th and 6th gear and engine becomes very silent on these two gears. Also one can drive anywhere between 40 -120 on the 4th gear without any engine knocking.

Ride Quality & Handling Ride quality is much refined compared to scorpio but not similar to innova. Needs some improvement on shock absorbers. They are relatively harder and one can feel the same on rough patches of the road. The vehicle is comfortable with high speed turns for the vehicle of this size and bulk. Features like cruise control make this vehicle a pleasure to drive on highways. Hill accent and decent is wonderful features for ghats without risk of overheating of the brakes. However offlate I am facing problem of hard brakes.

Coming to the breaking section, the vehicle performs wisely when there are 'Idiots of the road' who dont care for their life and others as well. Thanks to XUV's 4 discs, ESP, EBD, etc.. Good news is that Mahindra has listened to its customers and not giving improved brakes to the customers under warranty.

Final Words Mahindra has brought a 'Game Changer' on the road. They have been successfull in delivering a package which has a imposing design, reliable performance, and very good value for money for a Indian customer who has been wishing to buy a foreign SUV but held back by price.

Please do not compare this car with Fortuner or Captiva. You would be disappointed.

Areas of improvement If they make the middle row of seats movable like the front row, one can accomodate 3 people on the last row as well. Currently only kids can sit in last row and middle row is left with excess leg room. This can be utilised better by equipping the middle row seats with sliding capability to push them in front. I will update the review after getting new set of brakes

 I can provide more information to anyone who is seriously thinking of buying it. You can write to me on tusharphule@gmail.com

Looks, FE, FeaturesSeating in last row, Boot space, Suspension