Mahindra XUV500 : Test Drive & Review

[raj_5004]

Originally Posted by kaiserketkar

What is that last switch beyond the hill descent control? Why would you need a switch for seat belts?

Passenger Air Bag OFF switch.

[ramkya1]

Wow!!! What at review, so much anticipated and rightly so. Thanks for the in depth insights.

Last weekend did a A'bad -Mumbai run on the MhHWAK, at 120-130 KMPH it had to grind at 3000-3200 rpm and was starting to strain; very nice to see the XUV could do 150 @ 2500 without strain, very commendable + the steady drive as reported!!

They have a winning machine, but are going to be shafted by the front-end software for sure!!! From what I have seen, the front end sales guys / teams are clueless about Customer Service, customer expectations and are mostly used to dealing with truck driver, passenger carrier type crowds. They need to treat the 10-15L customers differently as the expectations are very different. If M&M change gears now, they could be on the top of the heap in a few years.

--Ramky
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[Silhouette]

Originally Posted by revved_up

Fantastic review guys and totally agree, this one is a game-changer!


I think that might be the passenger airbag off switch.

Thats not a switch ! thats just to indicate whether passenger airbag is switched off or on.

[bullock-Car]

thanks for an excellent review, with minutest details which matter to user, I saw XUV 500 in terminal 3 at delhi on 1st oct, everyone was curious and saw pilots and other peeping and exclaiming, I am a die hard saloon fan but XUV was tantalising.
A real game changer from Mahindra, i think they have lived to the hype and their logo, but replicating the machine is one thing and keeping long term reliability (particularly electronics) and good service standards will be the things to watch out for.

[Rocky_Balboa]

A deluXe, eXact, eXpert, eXcellent and fiXing eXamination - Thanks Manson, GTO and others. This was a much awaited review and as usual You've delivered the best.

Some quirks I have:
1) W8 badge only on the right-side!!?
2) I think the effort required to close the doors from inside, stems from the door-handle placement.
3) White scuff-plates!!! Yuck.
4) Not even a grill for the aircon vents below the front seats!! Isnt it easy for debris from footwear to get into it!
5) I thought Micro-Hybrid was a lot less confusing name than Start/ Stop. Especially with the Keyless Start/ Stop features offered these days.

Some questions and observations from me, would appreciate Your comment.
1) I thought the LEDs in the handlamp assembly were white!
2) Does the infotainment provide time-display in a bigger font?
3) Whats the exclamation button next to back in the infotainment screen?
4) Does the GPS have an external antennae?
- my phone-GPS wouldnt lock easily from inside my car
5) How swift was the response to voice-commands?
6) Why have a ECON button, when AC can be switched off?
- Wouldnt the blower come to life without switching the AC on! (thats the way in my swift)
7) Not even a custom option for the equalizer?
8) I thought the +500 rpm lines in the tacho, should have been a tad smaller - confusing to look at otherwise.
9) Do all the electricals work with key in ON position, and engine not running?
- all these electricals would load the battery, wouldnt they.
10) BTW any insight to the battery capacity?
11) I found engaging the 1st notchy as well, but didnt find clutch pedal inconvenient in the short-drive.
12) I thought I was one of the few who loved the external noise insulation.
- almost thought I had a hearing problem reading other BHPians comments on it.
13) Wish the umbrella pocket was a bit more dedicated with a channel for the dripping water.
- Looks like You guys did keep a wet-umbrella or is the angle that's fooling my eyes!
14) Does the 3rd passenger in the middle row get only a lap belt?
- How safe is a lap-belt!
15) I liked the layout in the engine-bay, with all fillers on one side.
16) How did You find the bonnet weight?
- I found it light-weight and didnt feel the need of a hydraulic lift
17) How did You find the bonnet-hold knob quality?
- I was a little skeptical about using it
18) How did You find the head-light throw in the night?
- Would love to see the cornering lights in action (pics)
19) Did You guys try removing the spare?
- I felt the quality of the spare-wheel unlocking button was substandard

Looks like a well-spent 650 crores with attention to details like hiding the exposed-metal and wires, in the footwell. As You said it, an affortable Xuv that can take the road at ease.
I want one in Green to replace my SwifDy.

[NIP]

Another superb review guys...thanks for the effort Manson!! So, as I expected, the review is quite positive about the vehicle. I especially love the fact that its got almost zero turbo lag and no body roll. Been driving a scorpio for 7 years now, and it still rock solid...no real issues so far, and I would expect the XUV to be the same. This will be my upgrade for sure! That green colour is just awesome!!

[Warhound]

Originally Posted by R.I.P

What i fail to understand is how were they inspired by a cheetah.

Neither is it lean as a cheetah, nor does it look like one from the front. I mean from which angle do they think it looks like one?

Look closely, The grill is the nose and the weird shapes all around it are supposedly 'whiskers'

[Santoshbhat]

Thanks for the fantastic and detailed review of the XUV500. You guys are just setting the benchmark for automobile road test reviews.

The price comes as a pleasant shock given that it comes loaded with so many features in a package that includes a competent and powerful engine and sorted out suspension. It goes to show how localisation helps to bring down costs. Makes us feel that we have been overpaying for our VWs, Hondas, Toyotas etc... Seeing such a competent product roll out of a homegrown company like Mahindra fills my chest with pride.

[sanjaykk]

Spotted an XUV5OO near Mekhri Circle (Bangalore). It was light blue color and had registration number plates. Looks like deliveries have started.

[Roshun]

Originally Posted by raj_5004

Passenger Air Bag OFF switch.

It's just a warning lamp for the front passenger seat-belt. It's not a switch. It goes off when the passenger straps up. Funny part is it remains on when there's no passenger as well!

Cheers,

[KK Sitaram]

Kudos Mahindra. My Xylo in 20 months has done 30k kms, yes there were small niggles but overall the ownership has been more satisfying than my Accent GLE. Ex You We is sure a game changer and I eagerly await some ownership reviews to decide on my next steed.

[raj_5004]

Originally Posted by Roshun

It's just a warning lamp for the front passenger seat-belt. It's not a switch. It goes off when the passenger straps up. Funny part is it remains on when there's no passenger as well!

Cheers,

Oops, sorry. My bad. You are right.

Does it not have a weight sensor in the seat like in the Innova?

[Silhouette]

Originally Posted by Roshun

It's just a warning lamp for the front passenger seat-belt. It's not a switch. It goes off when the passenger straps up. Funny part is it remains on when there's no passenger as well!

Cheers,

Thats not a switch ! thats just to indicate whether passenger airbag is switched off or on.

[rkbharat]

Wonderful reviews team. Very sad that you could not try your hands on AWD.
I will be eagerly waiting for TBHP review on AWD capabilities.

[ashis89]

First of all,thanks for this excellent review. You have done a great job. The thread is very detailed and comprehensive.

Now the XUV. From what I got from the review,its a great product. It's good to see Mahindra make such world standard products. The overall design is good but the front end looks quirky. Also the lower portion of the front bumper gives the front end a mellowed look. The fog lamps are also very small. The rear doesn't appeal me. The tail lamps seem inspired from the GV.
The engine is a real gem. Overall,M&M has a winner in its hand. IMO,M&M shouldn't have gone in for cost cutting. It should have offered better quality interior at a slightly higher price. I am sure customers won't mind the premium.