Mahindra & Mahindra that launched the XUV500 facelift on May 25, 2015, is now working on the petrol version of the SUV. A test mule of the Mahindra XUV500 petrol has been snapped in Chennai. The petrol version of the SUV will certainly help the company tap the global export markets such as Russia, America, Australia and Middle East. In the Indian market as well where the gap between petrol and diesel prices is reducing, the petrol variant might attract buyers.
Though, there is no clarity about the engine that will be used for the XVU500 petrol variant. According to reports, Mahindra will take the bottom block of the 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine for developing the petrol unit. It’s the same engine that powers the existing model of the SUV. Since, the home-grown automaker is associated with SsangYong for development of the petrol powertrains, the XUV500 petrol variant might get an all-new engine.
Transmissions on offer could be a manua and a new 6-speed automatic – AWF21 – which has been designed for traverse engine applications. This gearbox is also used by Volvo, Land Rover, Renault, Fiat, Ford, Alfa Romeo and several other auto brands. Similar to its diesel counterpart, the XUV500 petrol will get the AWD (all-wheel drive) system only on the top-end model.
Features on offer could be a touchscreen infotainment system with USB, Bluetooth and GPS, a smart key, six airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), electronic stability program (ESP), four disc brakes, etc.
Image Courtesy - TB
