Team-BHP - Mahindra XUV500 : Test Drive & Review

Its been a wonderful trip this year as well! A big thanks to parents, wife, kid for supporting my crazy drive ideas. A big thanks to Kumar HV and his team who travelled with us virtually for all the help needed and other highway enthusiasts for their support and motivating words that inspired a lots of confidence. http://bit.ly/17NrCd5 - A couple places like Chander Taal and Gue are not in there since maps couldn't route till those points!!
That's where the trip meter stands at the end of the trip!

Alrighty! I finally got some time to test drive the XUV 500 earlier today.
I shall sum up my notes, both negative and positive:-

- First time driving Diesel, Is clutch operation in diesel vehicles that un-smooth or was it just this vehicle. Not Heavy mind you but 'rough'.
- My test drive model was having break noise issues emanating from the rear. Braking itself seems satisfactory.
- Turbo kick in is nice but feels breathless fairly quickly and up-shift is required.
- Absolute Garbage gear shift. The gating is horrible.
- Very easy to drive otherwise, I thought I'd have trouble steering such a large vehicle in the city.
- There is simply no uniformity as far as Interior plastic quality is concerned it reeks cheap in some areas and acceptable in others, nothing outstanding as far as Interior surfaces are concerned.
- Seats are very comfortable and wrap you around them. Good back support, my passenger commented. I also liked the middle row seating.
- Good boot space when the seats are folded down, not so much with the last row up. This is acceptable.
- White only available in W8 variant according to Sales Rep. This I only mention for those who love the car in white like me : ).

In conclusion, I came away disappointed after the test drive but I still find myself very attracted to this car. Would buy.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maky (Post 3276599)

In conclusion, I came away disappointed after the test drive but I still find myself very attracted to this car. Would buy.

What other cars have you test driven/considered?

I would recommend you take a TD of the Storme and the Duster too, in case you have not yet shortlisted the XUV. It will give you a wider choice.

Quote:

Originally Posted by n.devdath (Post 3276762)

What other cars have you test driven/considered?

I would recommend you take a TD of the Storme and the Duster too, in case you have not yet shortlisted the XUV. It will give you a wider choice.

None so far this was the first. I will be taking a TD of the Duster, the Terrano as well.
I do not find myself attracted to cars made by Tata.

Hi All,

I wish to share my joy of booking an XUV500 with all the fellow XUV owners.

XUV 500 had always been a Dream Car for me. But due to the deficiency of vitamin M, it remained as a dream till now. I booked Ecosport Titanium in July and religiously waited for the 3 months bearing the long waiting period, Dealer's attitude, prize hike. But eventually got frustrated of all this and started chasing my dream again (XUV 500).

I was confused between two colors Satin White and Opulent Purple. Liked the Purple color but the walnut beige interior of white was pulling me towards it. Closed my eyes and I saw my Purple XUV500 with the special no. that I have already taken from andheri RTO.

Now, waiting for my dream car to be mine on my Birthday. What better gift can anyone get on his birthday than this..:D

XUV 500 W8
Dealer : NBS Andheri
colour: Purple

Have requested my SA to arrange the October manufactured vehicle so that I get the latest version with most of the niggles ironed out.

Thanks,

[quote=sbr_yash;3277487

Now, waiting for my dream car to be mine on my Birthday. What better gift can anyone get on his birthday than this..:D

XUV 500 W8
Dealer : NBS Andheri
colour: Purple

Have requested my SA to arrange the October manufactured vehicle so that I get the latest version with most of the niggles ironed out.

Thanks,[/QUOTE]

Congrats yash and advance happy bday.. Also

WELCOME TO THE OPULENT PURPLE CLUB !!! :)

FundaG

Today, I test-rode XUV500 W8 FWD variant at India Garage, Anna Salai, Chennai along with my wife. Reuben, XUV500 Experience Executive, also accompanied us. In fact, he suggested that we go for a big round all the way from Anna Salai [Mount Road] to the Beach Road via Island Grounds, and then through Dr Radhakrishnan Salai, Cathedral Road, Gemini flyover, and finally, back to Anna Salai. The total distance was about 13 km comprising bumper-to-bumper traffic at Anna Salai and relatively free Beach Road. I drove in the first 4 gears in different speeds. I did not find any turbo lag at all. The ACC was bone-chilling. The engine pulling power was excellent. I tried hard-braking at couple of places on the Beach Road and I did not hear any grinding noise. The braking efficiency was very good. My wife liked XUV500 very much, more than my Linea, due to comfortable seat and ACC! I find that XUV500 W8 FWD overtakes my Linea in all respects. I have almost decided in its fovour my next upgrade. Perhaps, I will do a couple of test-drives more before booking one. Arctic Blue is my favourite colour. :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by J.Ravi (Post 3277894)

I find that XUV500 W8 FWD overtakes my Linea in all respects. I have almost decided in its fovour my next upgrade. Perhaps, I will do a couple of test-drives more before booking one. Arctic Blue is my favourite colour. :)

I would say XUV5OO overtakes Linea in almost all respects. Linea has much better ride and handling and not to mention, much better steering feedback too.

It would not be fair to compare a SUV and Sedan in terms of ride and handling. I find the XUV steering feedback awefull compared to that of Innova, among a lot of other things. However it's the pride of ownership over a longer run that matter and I'm quite content.

@J.Ravi, there aren't many artic blue cheetah's roaming on Chennai streets and you'll probably figure in the TBHP sticker sighting thread, even with out the stickers.

Quote:

Originally Posted by J.Ravi (Post 3277894)

Congratulations. Reuben was the same person whom I dealt with during the purchase of the XUV for my father in law. At that time too he encouraged multiple test drives. Good to know of such sales managers. Car was delivered earlier this months and is a worthy upgrade from the Fiesta which he had. Few observations:

1. Never knew XUV's steering was hydraulic. Was under the impression that it was an EPS
2. Acres of space in the second row. But negligible in the third. Thought that at least the refreshed versions will have the ability to adjust the front seats.
3. Bone chilling ac
4. Could not figure out how to tune stations. Too complex :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by arvind71181 (Post 3278037)

Congratulations.

Not yet, arvind71181. :D Let me book first.

Quote:

Reuben was the same person whom I dealt with

Reuban was the sales executive assigned exclusively for XUV500 and Rexton only. He doesn't deal with the other products, according to him.

Quote:

But negligible in the third.

Our requirement is 5 max. I don't like to use XUV500 as people-mover.