New 2013 Mahindra XUV500 review, test drive

The Mahindra XUV500 shares its 2.2-litre mHawk engine with the Scorpio, the key differences being the motor’s transverse placement to drive the front wheels via a transaxle. The six-speed manual gearbox is mated to a dual-mass flywheel that minimizes transmission rattle at low speeds. Power jumps from 120bhp to 140bhp, thanks to a new ‘S-vane’ BorgWarner variable geometry turbocharger and a higher-pressure fuelling system. These changes have also bumped up max torque to 32.63kgm available between 1600-2800rpm in the SUV.

There is a hint of lag under 1500rpm at which point the turbo kicks in. Thereafter, there’s a significant surge of power that lasts till about all the way to the 3500rpm. Driveability is quite impressive too, and overtaking slower cars is pretty effortless. The XUV500 sprints to 100kph in a brisk 12.34 seconds; 20-80kph in third gear is dispatched in 12.36sec and 40-100kph in fourth in 13.26sec.

The mHawk engine is one of the strengths of the XUV and the punch it delivers both in the city and on the highway is a good reason to buy it. The short first and second gears make it quick off the line, while sixth gear allows you to cruise lazily all day long. But, the driving experience is hampered, especially in the city, by the notchy ’box that takes a fair bit of effort to drive the gears home and the action feels rubbery as well. The clutch is a bit on the heavier side too and this despite the recent improvements to the system to make it more progressive. The XUV500 scores well with fuel consumption figures returning 10.2kpl in the city and 14.3kpl on the highway. The relatively low kerb weight, tall gearing and some clever engine tuning have made the XUV the most fuel-efficient vehicle in its class. This only adds to its affordable and down-to-earth appeal.