Fresh Mahindra XUV500 launched

Fresh from releasing its new PikUp and upgraded Genio utes, Mahindra Automotive Australia has launched a revised Mahindra XUV500 range priced from just $25,990 drive-away.

The Indian car-maker says that makes the entry-level version of its medium SUV "the best value seven-seat vehicle on the Australian market".

Apart from the entry-level front-wheel drive W6 FWD, which undercuts top-selling seven-seat SUVs like the Toyota Kluger by about $20,000, the revised XUV500 range also includes the W8 FWD ($29,990 drive-away) and the all-wheel drive W8 AWD ($32,990 drive-away).

All three models are powered by Mahindra's own 103kW/320Nm 2.2-litre mHawk four-cylinder petrol engine, matched as standard with a six-speed Aisin automatic transmission.

Mahindra Australia is yet to confirm a local launch for the upgraded Euro 6 emissions-compliant XUV500 diesel range now on sale in Europe, although a handful of 2017 XUV500s powered by Mahindra's superseded 2.2-litre mHawk 140 diesel engine remain in dealer stock priced at $29,990 drive-away (2WD) and $32,900 drive-away (AWD).

For now, Mahindra says its all-petrol 2018 XUV500 line-up covers 70 per cent of the seven-seat SUV market and that the XUV doesn't pretend to be anything other than a car for families on a budget.

However, it does claim the XUV500 sets the benchmark for interior space and comfort, as well as braked towing capacity (2.5-tonne with a genuine tow kit) and cargo space (702 litres with the rear seats folded).

The base XUV500 W6 comes standard with safety features including traction/stability control, anti-lock brakes, six airbags including side curtains for the first two rows, seven three-point seat belts, three Isofix child seat anchors, mechanical rear-door child locks and rear parking sensors.

Also standard is premium black fabric trim for all seven seats and head restraints, front and rear air-conditioning, rake/reach adjustable steering wheel, centre console bin cooler, 6.0-inch LCD screen, six-speaker DAB/CD/MP4 audio and a multifunction steering wheel with cruise and audio controls.

A height and lumbar adjustable driver's seat, automatic wipers, conversation mirror, self-levelling and static bending projection headlights with daylight running lamps, front/rear foglights and follow me home lights complete the W6 equipment list.

Stepping up to the W6 brings a 7.0-inch colour TFT screen with reversing camera and satellite-navigation, full leather trim, LED tailgate camping light and electric folding wing mirrors.

AWD versions of the car-style monocoque-platform XUV500 incorporate an Interactive Torque Management system that automatically distributes torque between the front and rear wheels.

Genuine factory accessories for the XUV500 include a 2500kg tow kit, side steps, stainless steel nudge bar, illuminated scuff plates, rain visors, plastic boot liner, driver's seat coat hanger, roof rack, headlight covers and a three-row carpet mat set.

The Mahindra XUV is available in six exterior paint colours: Pearl White, Sunset Orange, Tuscan Red, Dolphin Grey, Moondust Silver and Volcano Black.

Drive-away pricing includes Mahindra's five-year/100,000km limited warranty with five-year roadside assist and three-year capper-price service program.

The XUV500 comes with a four-star ANCAP crash test rating based on the independent safety authority's less stringent 2012 scoring regime.

2018 Mahindra XUV500 pricing (drive-away):
W6 FWD petrol auto — $25,990
W8 FWD petrol auto — $29,990
W8 AWD petrol auto — $32,990