[mpksuhas]

^^ Regarding the stone guard, it was added to bye-pass the 'SUV cess' which was included in 2013 budget (IIRC).

This shaved off ~ 30K or so from the on-road price of the car.

[SDP]

Originally Posted by Sran

When xuv was launched in 2011 the GC was 200 mm, in late 2013 it was reduced to 165mm. It was due to some 3% tax on vehicles with more GC and its classification. Xuv successfully evaded the tax and saved some 30,000 per vehicle.

https://www.cartoq.com/all-indian-ca...hanks-to-arai/

Thanks! I am aware of this development and timeline.

Your original comment sounded as if the XUV's ground clearance has been reduced "now" in the 2nd generation i.e. the 2020 version. That's why I asked the question.

If the GC has anyways been 165mm since last 6 years, what was the point talking about it in the 2nd generation XUV thread?

I think, it was misleading.

See how the entire thread has derailed and talking about the GC now (which hasn't really changed for the 2020 edition)?

[RavenAvi]

Motorbeam caught up with a test mule of the next-gen XUV500 recently.

[fusionbang]

Originally Posted by RavenAvi

Motorbeam caught up with a test mule of the next-gen XUV500 recently.

Does not look like new gen XUV, compared to the pictures posted in the initial threads. This vehicle looks completely different in terms of length of the bonnet and height of the vehicle.

[loki]

While the previous set of spy pics were too similar to the current gen XUV500, this latest one is slowly looking similar to the 2019 Ssangyong Korando. Hmm...

Here is a pic for comparison:

[Reinhard]

So either the XUV500 is going low-rider in next generation...Or we are seeing an "Alturas G2" in the making courtesy Korando.

[CARDEEP]

I drove a XUV500 automatic last Saturday, while the power delivery was good, the ride was pathetic, as one could feel each & every (even the smallest) undulation on road. Moreover, the engine note was too high for my last impression with AVL 2.2L block I drove in the Safari 2.2. I believe this issue in this vehicle was an exception.

To add on the cumulative mileage as per vehicle display was 12.9 kmpl for a vehicle primarily driven in South Delhi & NCR.

Coming to interiors, I can now compare to Tata Harrier & would definitely prefer latter for not just novelty but also better in fit & finish.

So I hope the upcoming XUV500 has better dynamics, interiors & the engine note is quieter (unlike this case).

[BANDHAV]

Originally Posted by CARDEEP

I drove a XUV500 automatic last Saturday, while the power delivery was good, the ride was pathetic, as one could feel each & every (even the smallest) undulation on road..

Ride quality is the most major Chink in the armour for this rather VFM product. Build quality being the 2nd one.

To add on the cumulative mileage as per vehicle display was 12.9 kmpl for a vehicle primarily driven in South Delhi & NCR..

My current nos are 14.1 kmpl. Pretty decent for a large vehicle.

[padmrajravi]

Originally Posted by CARDEEP

I drove a XUV500 automatic last Saturday, while the power delivery was good, the ride was pathetic, as one could feel each & every (even the smallest) undulation on road. Moreover, the engine note was too high for my last impression with AVL 2.2L block I drove in the Safari 2.2. I believe this issue in this vehicle was an exception.

It may not be an exception. I remember the same from my XUV automatic test drives. XUV AT roars in the first two gears and makes a very different sound compared to manual one. The manual one is lot more silent in first two gears. It may be that the ECU is set up to a rev higher in the automatic version. Even though both are based on the same block, the sound of XUV AT engine is very different from Tata's version. NVH in auto version was a major reason for me to drop it.

[TusharK]

Mahindra body shell spotted. Is this the next-gen XUV500?

Thanks to BHPian Mad Monkey for sharing these images with other enthusiasts!



A few days back, a body shell of an SUV was spotted while being transported. The packaging has Mahindra logos on it, which suggests that it could be the next generation XUV500.



Earlier spy images have also indicated that the new XUV500 could get a redesigned exterior with flush-fitting door handles. It is likely to get a new grille and an upright front fascia.



Under the bonnet, the new model is expected to get a BS-VI compliant 2.2-litre diesel engine producing 177 BHP, while transmission options might include a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic.

Link to Team-BHP News

[RavenAvi]

Spotted by a Rush Lane reader on the Chennai - Kanyakumari highway.

The images were clicked when the test mule was on NH 45, between Chennai and Chengalpet on Chennai – Kanniyakumari highway.
Along with the new gen XUV500 test mule, there was also a test mule of the current XUV500 BS6 variant. These new spy shots show that the second gen XUV500 will see some changes in design as compared to its current counterpart though it will retain its basic silhouette.
These design tweaks expected include a more upright nose, a wider front grille and smaller headlamps. While the earlier gen model sported ‘cheetah claw’ handles, the upcoming XUV500 will get regular flush door handles. Though it is not yet confirmed if these will be with a power operated pop out function or whether they will be of a lever type arrangement.

[wheelguy]

Second generation XUV500 interior spied, looks inspired from Kia Seltos.

Source: Motorbeam

[Reinhard]

Originally Posted by wheelguy

Second generation XUV500 interior spied, looks inspired from Kia Seltos.

And yet, very Mahindra in one particular aspect. Very little depth! Look how close the fascia is from the windshield. Its become a Mahindra trademark now a days.

A nice catch this picture! And the steering wheel is all new too. It maybe the camera angle but it looks seriously flat at bottom! As if someone was serious & angry when flattening it. Looks like a bent water pipe! Very thick & chunky. It will be a delight to hold if properly leather wrapped (which it seems to be!).

EDIT - Would such a flat bottom steering wheel be actually good in a large SUV? Flat bottom wheels are okay IMO for cars with "fast" steerings. Where the lock to lock turns actually need very few wheel turns. Its not the case in SUVs (shouldn't be even) & multiple turns are required. Wouldn't this flat bottom be a distraction in those dreaded U turns at junctions with non functioning traffic signals?

[ram87pune]

Originally Posted by wheelguy

[b]Second generation XUV500 interior spied

Some observations from this spy shot

1. There is no auto dimming IRVM.

2. The touchscreen looks pretty big and definitely a bit like that on the Seltos.

3. The passenger side door handle is popped open. Don't know how ergonomically friendly it will be to operate.

4. The AC vents are placed a bit too low.

5. The steering wheel looks to be lifted from the Marazzo.

[karthick_b]

Here are my observations :
1) That is indeed a flat bottom steering.

2) Anybody notice the tall gear lever. It does look like an auto box.

3) The outside door handles are pull type handles, something similar to those found on the Tesla Model 3.

4) Huge touchscreen ICE, perhaps even a 10.1 inch one. But I reckon there will be one row of physical button to control the ICE.

5) Also, if you look closely at the top passenger door window, there is what looks to be a retractable sun blind. Neat touch.

6) Huge all digital instrument cluster. I don't think there are any physical dials in there.