Mahindra has added the option of an automatic gearbox to the XUV500 W6 variant. Priced at Rs 14.29 lakh, this variant becomes the cheapest trim in the XUV500 range to come with an automatic gearbox.

The XUV500 AT features a six-speed torque converter automatic gearbox that’s mated to a 138bhp 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine. This new variant is the fourth model in the AT line-up that includes the XUV500 W8 AT FWD, the W10 AT FWD and the W10 AT AWD.

The XUV500 W6 AT rivals the likes of the Hyundai Creta diesel SX+ 1.6 AT and the Renault Duster AMT. With this price tag, the new variant is cheaper than the Hyundai Creta 1.6 diesel AT (Rs 14.79 lakh), but more expensive than the Duster diesel AMT (Rs 11.95 lakh and Rs 13.15 lakh).

With the W6 AT, Mahindra has aimed squarely at Hyundai's popular Creta diesel AT, as it comes equipped with similar features. These include a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, projector headlamps, automatic climate control voice recognition and SMS readouts, power-folding wing mirrors, rain sensing wipers, cruise control and dual front airbags.

However, there are a few differences. The XUV500 W6 AT comes with cruise control but misses out on alloy wheels, whereas the Hyundai Creta diesel AT doesn’t get cruise control but gets alloy wheels.

With the addition of the automatic gearbox in the lower W6 trim, not only has Mahindra widened its XUV500 AT line-up, but has also aggressively played the price-to-size game in an attempt to dethrone rivals.

(All prices ex-showroom, Navi Mumbai)

Mahindra XUV500 AT vs Hyundai Creta diesel AT comparison