Why the Mahindra XUV700 is a smart choice for Aussie families

There’s no shortage of great SUVs ready to take on family duties.

But in an increasingly competitive market, there are some that are standing that little bit taller, even nudging the big-name brands to one side.

Enter the Mahindra XUV700, one of the best-value mid-sized SUVs in a field of stellar rivals.

From a proven manufacturer known for its immensely capable off-roaders comes a suburban-focused SUV that aims to pamper at every turn.

The newcomer packs plenty into a stylish package that seats up to seven and also happens to drive impressively well.

Exceptional value is at the core of the Mahindra XUV700 and it all starts with its impressive price tag, at just $36,990 drive away.

That not only undercuts key rivals by thousands of dollars – it also packs in the sort of upmarket equipment and technology that is typically found on the options list.

That includes stylish 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, a 1.3m-long Skyroof panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control air-conditioning, rain-sensing wipers, tyre pressure monitors, and plush leatherette seats, with a powered driver’s seat with memory positions for different drivers.

For another $3000 (just $39,990 drive away), the Mahindra XUV700 AX7L adds a 360-degree camera, driver’s knee airbag, blind-spot monitoring system, wireless phone charging, electronic park brake and illuminated vanity mirrors. And when the sound of whinging and the “are we there yet” get all too much, you can crank up the 12-speaker immersive 3D Sony sound system that turns the cabin into a concert hall.

The Mahindra XUV700 also packs in one big feature that families will love: a third row of seats. Whereas most mid-sized SUVs are limited to five occupants, the XUV700 can take up to seven.

Do you get roped into ferrying the sports team around to games? Or maybe you can find yourself stuck for space when the in-laws visit? The XUV700 is perfect for those occasional times when you need a family car that will step up.

That it does it in an SUV that doesn’t have the everyday bulk of some reinforces the thinking with the XUV700.

And accessing that third row is also easy enough for the little ones. Pull a lever and the backrest folds along with the entire seat base, making for quick access.

It’s indicative of the engineering nous at the very core of the XUV700.

It’s smart under the skin, too.

The Mahindra XUV700 is powered by an advanced 2.0-litre four-cylinder direct injection turbocharged engine driving through an intelligent six-speed automatic transmission.

With 149.2kW it’s among the more powerful in its class. And 380Nm of torque ensures there’s ample muscle where it’s needed most – in the middle of the rev range.

That not only makes the XUV700 a fantastic companion around town but also sets it up beautifully for effortless highway cruising.

Set the adaptive cruise control and let the smooth and responsive drivetrain do the rest.

Throw in crisp cornering manners and a cosseting ride and it makes for an SUV that pampers on every trip.

For those who know Mahindra that’s perhaps no surprise given the extensive development and engineering, much of which was carried out on local roads.

The XUV700 was, after all, tested over more than 50,000 kilometres to ensure it lives up to the expectations of families, in turn creating a car that delivers on comfort and driving enjoyment as much as safety and reliability.

Safe, too

Speaking of which, the Mahindra XUV700 ticks all the latest safety boxes.

As well as airbags all around – there are as many as seven in total – there’s a list of the latest advanced driver assistance systems. That includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Smart Pilot Assist, Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition and High Beam Assist, which can automatically switch between high and low beams without blinding other drivers.

Importantly, all that cutting-edge safety tech has been calibrated to work with the driver as required, helping out where it makes sense but staying in the background when everything is under control.

It all adds up to easier and safer driving – especially on those long journeys.

The Mahindra XUV700 comes with a long seven-year warranty and seven years of roadside assistance. This means if anything goes wrong in the first seven years or 150,000km of ownership it will be covered by the factory.

Not that anything is likely to go awry.

It’s worth keeping in mind that Mahindra has decades of experience engineering cars for the toughest conditions – and the most demanding customers.

The Indian manufacturer is a global powerhouse with a rich history of engineering cars for every environment – from rough tracks and country roads that snake off into the sunset to busy city streets!

And with a network of 67 dealers across every state and territory, there’s always help at hand if anything does go wrong.

It’s not just about tough genes in the Mahindra XUV700.

It also comes packed with technology, much of which is housed within the 10.25-inch infotainment Superscreen and matching 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.

The vibrant and bright central display features customisable tiles that allow you to arrange the screen to your preference. Smart thinking, done well.

Delve deeper into the menus and there’s a dizzying array of features.

Yet at the same time, user-friendliness is at its core.

A selection of fixed buttons and a rotary selector dial make choosing things that little bit easier.

Arguably the Mahindra XUV700’s biggest asset is its attractive looks.

The stylish nose with its satin-chrome grille and distinctive LED headlights give the car a classy yet approachable face.

Purposeful proportions and arrowhead taillights round out the sophisticated look.

And that design ethos flows through to the cabin, too, where high-quality surfaces create an upmarket appearance. And it’s attention to detail that runs deep.

The door handles fold flush against the car, for example, not only adding to the upmarket aesthetics but also helping reduce aerodynamic drag, in turn improving efficiency.

When parked, the exterior rear vision mirrors also fold in to reduce the chance of being hit by passers-by.

It adds up to a seven-seat family-focused SUV that is the smart choice in a busy market segment – especially in an era when budgets are tight.

From value and safety to technology, space and comfort, the Mahindra XUV700 stands out in a crowded SUV field.

So head down to a Mahindra dealer to experience the latest impressive offering from this fast-growing global powerhouse. Find out more about the Mahindra XUV700 right now.