The Mahindra XUV700 petrol will get an automatic gearbox-equipped version of its entry-level MX variant, according to a Type Approval Certificate issued by ARAI. The MX trim is offered in manual form only in both petrol and diesel engine options, with an automatic gearbox currently only available with the AX3, AX5 and AX7 variants of the XUV700. This trim for the five-seater SUV is expected to arrive in the coming weeks.
- XUV700 MX AT expected to cost about Rs 15.80 lakh
- Gets 8-inch touchscreen, Android Auto and power windows
- To rival entry-level petrol-automatic versions of midsize SUVs
Considering that the XUV700's petrol-AT models are priced about Rs 1.8 lakh higher than their manual counterparts, the MX AT trim is expected to be priced at about Rs 15.80 lakh; the XUV700 MX petrol is currently priced at Rs 13.99 lakh. Those looking at the XUV700 petrol-automatic would be able to obtain it for about Rs 2.4 lakh less, as the petrol-AT AX3 trim is priced at Rs 18.19 lakh.
This base-spec XUV700 gets features such as an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto, four speakers, a 7.0-inch instrument cluster, tilt adjustable steering, a front centre armrest, power windows, follow me home headlights, powered wing mirrors and ISOFIX anchors. The most definitive way to tell the MX variants from the higher spec models are the 235/65 R17 tyres on the 17-inch steel rims.
However, it misses out on kit available with the AX3 trim such as the 8.0-inch digital driver display, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, two additional speakers, LED DRLs, a rear seat armrest and 60:40 split-folding rear seats.
With this new entry-level automatic trim, the XUV700 can potentially eat into sales of the current line-up of midsize SUVs, from the likes of the Hyundai Creta (Rs 15.82 lakh*), Skoda Kushaq (Rs 15.49 lakh*), VW Taigun (Rs 15.43 lakh*), Maruti Grand Vitara (Rs 13.60 lakh*), Honda Elevate (Rs 13.41 lakh*) and Toyota Hyryder (Rs 14.01 lakh*).
*Starting prices for petrol-automatic variants
All prices, ex-showroom, India
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
