Domestic auto giant, Mahindra & Mahindra is exultant with its iconic Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), XUV500. The company has recently declared that it has sold 75,000 units of this car in a span of 2 years, since its global launch. It is a laudable achievement for the home grown car maker as its SUV has been a primary choice for off-roading enthusiasts since it incepted Indian auto market. Reports suggest that Mahindra & Mahindra is a top-notch brand in country's SUV segment and a similar feat has been accomplished by it yet again. The company has been present in India from a long time and is renowned for its commercial vehicle portfolio.
Mahindra & Mahindra Limited Automotive Division Chief Executive Pravin Shah quoted in this regard, "We are overwhelmed by the enthusiastic response from customers to the XUV500 that has led to impressive sales of more than 75,000 vehicles in just over two years since its launch. This is a benchmark for sales among high-end SUVs.” Another exclusive achievement that comes to limelight is that Mahindra XUV500 had also bagged first spot in Customer Satisfaction survey in SUV segment, conducted by TNS automotive India, in 2012. Interestingly, making of such a car by an Indian auto maker was such a huge deal that renowned wildlife and entertainment channel Discovery had video-graphed the making of this car in its documentary called “Inside Out”.
Mahindra XUV500 is considered as an authentic SUV, available with an option of 2-wheel and 4-wheel drives. It is incorporated with an mHawk140, 5th generation Variable Geometry Turbo charger (VGT) diesel engine of 2.2-litre capacity. It belts out a power output of 140 bhp with 330 Nm of peak torque. Coupled with a 6-speed synchromesh manual transmission, it reaches 0-60 kmph in 5.4 seconds with ability to reach a top speed of 175 kmph. This car is also efficient on mileage and returns a 15.1 kmpl, Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) tested figures. Also with a good ground clearance of 200 mm, this SUV can easily traverse through uneven turfs. The independent suspension of McPherson and Multilink type at front and rear, respectively, helps this car to easily engulf potholes.
The company had recently launched an entry level W4 variant in the existing line-up of Mahindra XUV500, which was priced at Rs. 10. 90 lakh, ex-showroom. Along with, the W6 and W8 versions are priced in the bracket of Rs. 12.10 lakh – Rs. 14.70 lakh. Industry experts are of a view that it is the astute marketing strategy of the auto maker that has made its creation cost-efficient and extremely likeable in its respective segment. Although this SUV faces stiff competition with Tata Safari DICOR, the former has completely vanquished the SUV segment with its dynamic looks and high-octane performance. Experts believe that Mahindra XUV500 will continue its success streak in the coming time as well and it will be difficult for other auto engineers to match the unparalleled feats of this car. Seemingly, another news is soon envisioned when Mahindra XUV500 will break the 1,00,000 sales milestone as well.
