Mahindra has been developing a petrol engine for its XUV500 SUV. The petrol engine will be based on the same engine block that is the foundation of the mHawk 2.2-litre diesel engine. While power figures are unknown, the new 2.2-litre petrol engine will have a choice between a manual and an automatic transmission. Sources tell us that the upcoming petrol XUV500 will only be available in a new G-spec variant.
A left-hand drive – allegedly, petrol-powered – test mule with an automatic transmission was spotted in Dubai a couple of months ago. The manufacturer will launch the facelift for the XUV500 with the same mHawk 2.2-litre diesel engine but with 170hp, a 30hp increase over the current engine. The petrol engine is likely to join thereafter.
The petrol XUV500 will directly rival the newly launched Jeep Compass.
A Scorpio facelift is also coming soon and depending on the response to the petrol XUV500, Mahindra will also offer the Scorpio with same motor.
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Dipan Sur
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Glenn Noronha
Dhruv Dhaka
