[abirnale]

Originally Posted by rudra_shiv

Thanks, @abirnale. I still feel we could go with a full car repainting instead of spending hefty money for the PPF or Ceramic Coatings. The only place to me that requires attention is the piano black surfaces - The window Panel, Mirrors, Interior Door Handle, and the Center Console. I am also planning to do a wax polish (DIY) every 6months after nice shower.

Agreed! The paint quality on the 7OO is far better and doesn’t really need to worry like 5OO days. Every six months a wax/ wash and polish should be a good strategy instead of spending too much in one go.

Originally Posted by anony_drive

Is there any improvement in the performance of CarPlay? Does the music still lag sometimes in this latest build? Would you recommend this update to someone who doesn't face blank screen issue?

If things aren’t broken, what are you going to fix! the Apple CarPlay is more stable now but still gets disconnected, my iOS 16.3 Beta Phone becomes slow and cuts some pieces of audio when streaming music wirelessly. Sometimes the source doesn’t switch back to Radio after call is over (for call source stays CarPlay). This is definitely better than earlier but still not as desired. For a marginal gain, I wouldn’t make special visit to ASC and spend those 2 hours more there.

Originally Posted by Zinger_Winger

Just to check, did they do the soldering bit once you suggested it or were you the one to do it yourself within the workshop using their tools?

The ASC was recommending to disconnect the coupler and drive back to BLR. They did not first take the route of soldering. I raised objection to that - without ABS connection, Car will loose almost all safety cushion. No ESP, probably no AWD torque steer counter and god knows what else. For 650Kms return trip on relatively fast 6 lane NH48 , that’s definitely too much. So I kept asking what can you do differently, can you make a coupler like this? Can I get it outside and just cut wire, attach new coupler to the broken end? The Service Manager then jumped into the discussion with the idea of soldering it! Since I did not have any options, I blindly asked them to do whatever they can without worrying about any formalities to ensure I reach home safe. They exceeded my expectations and actually did a better than stock work - I am not going to touch it again until 40K service visit. Why fix something that is not broken - in this case better than the original!?

[abirnale]

There is nothing better feeling than the getting the car washed (the beauty soaked in water is unique combination, isn’t it?):



And then heading out to nearby lakes (for now - its exam season!).





With some common catches for the friday evening:















And then in the hope to clock more miles on the odometer, first birthday celebration is due too!

[abirnale]

There isn’t much action nowadays. Exam season is holding back from any driving holidays or trips. All we could do is find a couple of hours on late Saturday evening to drive on Bangalore - Hassan Highway upto Kiccha’s Halli Mane for a quick snack bite and return. The NICE road is in very bad shape - the ongoing construction has been causing havoc. Almost for about 10Kms the movement was restricted to one lane only. While on my return drive, due to holiday returning traffic as well as road construction, I ended up spending about 25 mins more than expected. The rest of the drive was more peaceful and fun.

Driving into the setting sun, seeing various colours in the sky was beautiful. Most folks were returning into the city while I was heading out - hence not much traffic to encounter. Some pics about this quick drive:











For those who wants to see what ADAS settings I use: see this video: This has been my default settings for past 20K + Kms. I have set thew ADAS menu as my favourite - just because sometime when the screen blanks out, system looses these settings. An easier way to get back the settings is to access ADAS with one click - and of course many more clicks thereafter to get to what you want! I wish this was more easier than what it is today.

https://youtu.be/Y2aA2qSM22E

And the quick animation for TPMS Tyre Fill Assist in action: Note that you should be have kept the car in P, and engine running to see this. A lot of air filling stations around my area have inconsistent calibration.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=9Q4rs8mbHt0?feature=share

And thus the odometer now stands at: 34,389kms!

[abirnale]

The RedSparkle aka Red Sabertooth ain’t a garage queen!







Exactly a year ago we took delivery - probably the first AWD in the state rolling on the Bengaluru roads. Since then, we have not looked back! Multiple home trips through highway have been just the routine drives. Munching 1500 Kms back to back on two days, is no challenge now. Maybe a dozen visits to ASC for past 35K kms and nothing much to complain, the car serves as descent all-in-one single car solution for me. Like I said earlier, 7OO is better than 5OO. And the price point at which I got it was just perfect. I am probably lucky that this car did not feature in any major recalls like LCA, Clutch or fuel lines related things. The car has it’s share quirks and sore moments. The area in which it excels and is second to none is mechanics. The gem of the engine which is mated to great AT with descent suspension and array of safety features makes up for ICE struggles! M&M will enjoy the leadership in this space for foreseeable future it seems - the competitors are big on gizmos and screens while M&M is attempting it with already solid mechanics on the car.

The highlights of the year that went by is the numerous long drives we did in this car during monsoon months, typical ferrying on highways to our home town and back, and our weekend explorations. The couple of off-road excursions around town while lake-hopping were fun too. All kind of roads taken, the car thrived, sometimes survived too. The RedSparkle is miles ahead from XUV5OO - I don’t really miss the Orange Cheetah. Having said that, this car isn’t something out of the world. It just happens to be well rounded package at descent price tag. What I love about the car most is its mHawk mill brilliantly mated with Aisin AT. by the way, this is the comparison with like minded back-benchers in the same classroom. Don’t count the german elites for comparison - or for that matter it’s European inspiration. Oh and obviously like everyone else - “my car is the best car”! By the way, this combination though powerful in terms of BHP and Torque, returns fantastic mileage if driven carefully. The problem with the car is, you wouldn’t notice it reaching triple digit speed in short span and there goes the FE for toss! See these overall figures:



If one drives with light feet (A peda as well as B), you should see better mileage, longer brake pad life. RedSparkle needed two sets of brake pads so far! Thats almost double of what Orange Cheetah used to!

This car is mechanically superior to it’s competition but otherwise just about it. The missing auto-dimming IRVM and the boot light is such an irritant. Hopefully the next facelift would include it. A mediocre list of accessories (mostly filled with gaudy chrome) is another complaint I have. The ICE is finally much more stable and “functional”. The last update is stable, includes Silverbox flashing as well as some more ECUs via their laptop tool. I am an iOS user and CarPlay is just works OK-OK. Android though is fantastic - the integration with second screen is superb. The Android ICE display now comes with tiles (can’t custom size it though), utilising the large screen very well and giving nicer clues on the second screen for navigation. I feel like using Android with car though it’s hard to carry two phones (iOS for all other use and Android for just Car). I am hoping that the minimum CarPlay does is - allows the google maps to be zoomed in and out using pinch touch gestures on the screen.







The RedSparkle is running the second set of tires - thanks to stock MRF wanderer that I had to change early, the conti will last for another 15K kms easily. And then the hunt for a better AT tires will be resumed. The last 35K run was not the perfect travel journey - mostly it included our hometown runs and going around the town for routine work. I am hopeful that our weekend explorations will continue and at least 1-2 long drives of about 5K kms will become realty this year. With that hope, sharing some more pictures for your viewing pleasure:



















Stay tuned for more updates!

[abirnale]

Annual stuff that car needs:

• Got the own damage part of insurance policy renewed. I had 35% NCB letter for previous car’s own damage part of policy. Used that over routine 20% NCB. The Tata AIG (existing) didn’t give any discounts. Just the NCB and with exact same coverage as earlier, costed 33k₹ and some change.
• Since this is a BS6 car, the first PUCC came with 1 year validity! The funny part is KA RTO hasn’t released the update to PUC center’s computer to display XUV7OO as an option. Instead these folks now select M&M car and > BS4 in their computer and complete the test.

I am yet to see the new court notification nor the renewal successful notification from RTO site/ SMS or on mParivahan app.

And meanwhile, some more random pics to make post worthy of visiting 😂

[rrsteer]

Originally Posted by abirnale

[b]

RedSparkle needed two sets of brake pads so far! Thats almost double of what Orange Cheetah used to!


The RedSparkle is running the second set of tires - thanks to stock MRF wanderer that I had to change early, the conti will last for another 15K kms easily.

Isn't this high wear and tear with respect to brakes and tyre wear considering the mileage of the car is just 35k Kms?

[abirnale]

Originally Posted by rrsteer

Isn't this high wear and tear with respect to brakes and tyre wear considering the mileage of the car is just 35k Kms?

You missed the earlier posts in the thread. MRF wanderers were discarded much earlier - because they are noisy, not high-speed friendly. And had one tire damaged badly. With a lot of cemented roads and triple digit speeds during summer, I changed it last year itself. The conti are now doing duty. I will change them when they age about 30-35k kms or until they show the signs of wear out.

The brake pad wear, yes! Too fast compared earlier car or for that matter any other car I owned so far. I just wish they last for another 5k kms at the least. Changing every 25k kms is acceptable to me. Not that I am complaining about cost but it is the hassle I would avoid as much as I can.

[Shobhitsaxena]

Originally Posted by abirnale

You missed the earlier posts in the thread. MRF wanderers were discarded much earlier - because they are noisy, not high-speed friendly. And had one tire damaged badly. With a lot of cemented roads and triple digit speeds during summer, I changed it last year itself. The conti are now doing duty. I will change them when they age about 30-35k kms or until they show the signs of wear out.

Enjoyed looking at the pictures and looking forward to more. Want to know, how is the driving experience off-road/broken roads? If you could share after the tyres change has that improved or not as well?

[Transmission]

Originally Posted by abirnale

Attachment 2417008

Stay tuned for more updates!

Thanks for your detailed and continuous usage, review updates Avinash!
If things go according to plan I am due for an AWD delivery in Sept 2023 - and your (and Mudhalapattai's) ownership threads were important in sticking to that decision over time.

I see that your TPMS readings are about 40psi - was that after a long highway run or do you normally keep it that high (in which case any particular reason?)

Wishing you many 10's of thousands of kilometres of safe and enjoyable drive

[rudra_shiv]

Originally Posted by abirnale

The RedSparkle aka Red Sabertooth ain’t a garage queen!

This car is mechanically superior to it’s competition but otherwise just about it. The missing auto-dimming IRVM and the boot light is such an irritant. Hopefully the next facelift would include it. A mediocre list of accessories (mostly filled with gaudy chrome) is another complaint I have. The ICE is finally much more stable and “functional”. The last update is stable, includes Silverbox flashing as well as some more ECUs via their laptop tool. I am an iOS user and CarPlay is just works OK-OK. Android though is fantastic - the integration with second screen is superb. The Android ICE display now comes with tiles (can’t custom size it though), utilising the large screen very well and giving nicer clues on the second screen for navigation. I feel like using Android with car though it’s hard to carry two phones (iOS for all other use and Android for just Car). I am hoping that the minimum CarPlay does is - allows the google maps to be zoomed in and out using pinch touch gestures on the screen.

Stay tuned for more updates!

Hey Avinash! Glad to know you liked this latest Coolwalk of AA.

It is very true that CarPlay needs good improvement, especially in terms of its connection stability and at least map having pinch to zoom or at least Apple developing a optimized Apple Maps (which is not going to happen anytime soon).

Between what is the tire pressure you are maintaining while driving as 2 people and do you feel it is slightly transferring undulations inside with 2 and well planted + wonderful suspension with 5-7 ppl onboard?

Do share your thoughts.

And I maintain 32 for F & R with 2 and 35 if 5+ are on board.

[Karaboudjan]

Heartiest congratulations to you @Abirnale! Have been following your thread since the time of your delivery. This is the most comprehensive and one stop thread related to XUV700 AWD. I own the same model in Midnight Black.
The suspension of this car is something which I am in love with.
Happy motoring and many more mile munching for you!

[abirnale]

Originally Posted by Karaboudjan

Heartiest congratulations to you @Abirnale!
…
I own the same model in Midnight Black.

Thank you for the kind words and congratulations on your AWD too. I am sure you are having fun with car!

Originally Posted by Shobhitsaxena

Want to know, how is the driving experience off-road/broken roads? If you could share after the tyres change has that improved or not as well?

Generally the ride is good due to weight and suspension. The Conti set is far better than stock MRF - no doubt. They are still not as great as I used to feel on the Michelin on earlier car. Because I am comparing on the same car with stock tires, there is obviously sea of difference. The grip is better for sure. Noise is less, too. The off roading on these tires is always scary if the road has lot of gravels and sharp stones as i fear the damage more than anything. These are are H/T, for off-road to be good, you should have A/T, if not M/T. The Car’s AWD helps in various tricky situations - this is marginally better than having just FWD. To counter torque steer, or to give that adrenaline rush on moving fast from standstill or move confidently through some mild slush and those steep inclines. Beyond that, don’t expect too much from the AWD to take you anywhere - in my experience all i can say is I never got stuck anywhere so far during all my explorations to farms, lakes, etc. But also note that I am generally careful to gauge the situation before jumping into it.

Originally Posted by Transmission

I see that your TPMS readings are about 40psi - was that after a long highway run or do you normally keep it that high (in which case any particular reason?)

Originally Posted by rudra_shiv

Between what is the tire pressure you are maintaining while driving as 2 people and do you feel it is slightly transferring undulations inside with 2 and well planted + wonderful suspension with 5-7 ppl onboard?

Thanks guys for the questions and appreciation too. I keep N2 36 cold start, all around regardless of the load. We are generally four people on board most of the times except when I am commuting for work. This pressure is arrived at after several trial and errors with filling at nearby air filling stations, comparing with pump displays vs MID, checking the ride quality on various roads through our commute and trips and with varying load. For me, this number seems to be sweet spot to tackle majority if not all situations. This is neither bumpy, nor too high for me. When i drive hard on highways, I see the temperatures rising to 40-41. Typically around afternoon 2pm or so. The same wasn’t the case with MRF. There I used to keep all around 35 N2 for cold start and they used to rise to 38-39 mostly. Just to be cautious all the time, I typically scroll the MID displays through the FE and Tyre Pressure widgets.

By the way, most of the filling stations show 1-2 PSI lower than what sensor show in my case. There could be marginal error in reading - so the trial and error is to ensure that I get what I like for ride at the same time, keeping an eye on situation in case if things blow off, literally!

[dolphinjazz]

First of all congratulations for this milestone. 35k in a year is a lot of driving.
I always enjoy reading this thread, may be the most illustrated thread on XUV700 AWD. Even when I searched for XUV700 off-roading, then also this thread popped up.
hope to see more updates.

[abirnale]

Earlier during the week, I was called by ASC Chrome Motors to bring the car for a general check - they are running a free mPlus 75 Point Checks for all cars. I wasn’t having any time over weekdays and hence went on Saturday. I also wanted to check the brake-pad life remaining before I take a long drive in about a week.

It was a quick 45 min visit to the ASC. They were super efficient and as usual got the car attended, checked and returned in less than an hour. It always helps having scheduled an appointment and letting the SA know that Red Sparkle is coming!

While at the ASC, I sighted a AX5 car with 7D kind of mat that were procured from the dealer at the time of purchase. The car also had the boot mat - it was super nicely tucked in and without leaving any gaps, it was plush fitting. With the help from the owner and a friendly mechanic, I borrowed the boot mat and tried fitting in my AX7. I always wante to buy it but was never sure of its snug-fit nature on AX7. Turns out, this boot mat is not at all feasible for AX7 with perfect fitting. It will leave gaps towards second row or towards tailgate rendering it almost useless as small items will continue to fall through the gaps on the floor and third row.

See the images below:




Same mat in AX7 (my car):


There is a styrofoam base inside AX5 last row in place pf third row of AX7. That base is bolted on to floor to the same mounting mechanism as seats. On top of the styrofoam moulded base, they have a hard sheet - similar to the one that covers the tools section on the 3 row setup. This sheet has a small extension at the end which rests against the back of second row. This ensures zero gaps anywhere in the boot area. On top of this, the 7D mat sits plush.

The last time when The Red Sparkle had cut sensor wire, it was rejoined and taped with usual black electric use tape. To make that work better, I procured the automotive wiring loom tape from Amazon: Automotive Wiring Loom Harness Cloth Fabric Felt Tape - https://amzn.eu/d/0aGevDI We applied this on the connected wires - this is heat resistant as well long lasting.




Anyway, after the general checkup and usual checkout, I was handed out a surprise gift for attending the service camp! They told me that I am their “sensible” customer. I was humbled to hear that. When I bought the car I had handed over some gifts to the sales manager and the dealer business head of the unit. This was reverse - ASC Chrome Motors handed over something to me! I thanked the team and left to return back again in short time for 40K Km Service!




Stay tuned for more updates.

[revsperminute]

Beautiful thread Sir, so nice to see the car being properly put through its paces. Drove a friend’s XUV AWD just now which is around the 18k Kms mark and I found the tyres to be quite skittish even under 7/10ths driving. The traction control kicked in twice while accelerating on a flyover. Although this bit of road is quite poor traction wise (a humble Polo chirps its tyres well into 2nd gear), I found it a little concerning.

Now, my friend uses his car on a lot of concrete highways at high speeds which may have lead to the tyres wearing out prematurely. How has your experience been with tyre wear on the 700 AWD?