First few days' driving impressions:
I am posting this here although I am an AT owner, since this seems to be the more happening thread.
Mods please move this to the AT thread if appropriate.
Impressions:
So far there are no unusual sounds or behaviours to note. The car seems pretty well put together and there is no body noise at all, not even the infamous 2nd row seat rattle. Mahindra was probably paying attention.
The level of dealer/manufacturer engagement is unusual. When I took delivery, a small screw fell out of the steering wheel cowling, and they were unable to fix it on the spot. Yesterday they sent a mechanic to my home to fix the issue. This is unprecedented after sales behaviour that I have never heard of except for much more expensive imports.
They also sent an executive to do a "home installation" type thing where he explained all the myriad features of the car. This again is a welcome initiative. As my brother-in-law said, this car has many of the features one might expect from an S-Class, so there is a lot to learn.
The drive is extremely comfortable. The power seat makes adjusting on the fly a breeze. Just wish they had power lumbar support too. Adjusting that knob is a pain.
I also bought the premium side step as an accessory, and it looks pretty good on the car. I do not feel the need to go aftermarket looks wise. THe step is also very sturdy. Since my work style is concrete to car to mud to car unlike some techie owners here (looking at you, jacobvarughese
), keeping the floors clean is a real concern, and the step gets a real workout when I get in the car from my office. It feels very sturdy, typical Mahindra. Seems like it was a very good buy.
This is my first SUV. My previous cars were a Swift (sold), a Vento 1.6 TDi HL in Shadow Blue (sold) that I absolutely loved and a Polo GT TSI that we absolutely enjoy.
Driving the XUV feels like sitting on a hill looking down at passers-by. The other day I passed a Vento and it looked so small.
Handling is good, considering the absolute size of the car. Nowhere near like a sedan but it encourages you to take tight corners and does so with aplomb. The Apollo tyres are pretty much OK is all I can say about them.
Take-off is slow compared to the little rocket and I am sometimes left wondering if we are moving at all
. But then this is a huge car compared to the TSI and nothing on the road matches the little Polo's acceleration. The engine howl even at stock is addictive.
Now I can rightfully claim that I have four monsters in the family, including the two kids.
One minor concern (?) is a slight judder when the car starts moving. It feels slightly underpowered at first but the picks up speed pretty smartly. Considering I have done only 500km in the past 5 days and I am taking it easy till I hit 1k, I think this might settle out as the 'box learns my style. Otherwise no complaints.
Cabin insulation is very good. I can only hear a low burble from the engine in normal running, which rises to a low growl when I accelerate. There is almost no engine noise to be heard at idle. Outside noise penetrates very poorly, leaving you feeling like you are spending a quiet evening in a good restaurant. That is good too.
Fit and finish are decent but nowhere near VW standards. The plastics feel a little tacky and the panels have unfinished edges and there are a few sharp edges here and there. I seriously wonder why our Indian manufacturers are not bothered to clean up the flash on the moulded plastic parts. Is it that they do not care? Also, the other day, I was surprised to see that one of the little plastic doodads on the left lower corner of the windshield had come undone. I was able to put it back in by pressing on the clips, but still... Little niggles that should not happen.
All things considered, I think this is a great car that could be better, especially with regard to the finer details like fit and finish and plastic quality.
We have not had time to go out on a long drive yet, but will do so ASAP, and report here.
The family however (including a 6-year old and a one-year old) are happy in the back seat. No puking so far, which means the ride must not be too bad.
Driving this thing is a pleasure.
On a related note, this is the HUD I purchased off eBay. Ordered on 23rd March and reached my by 2nd April, which is pretty fast from China.
I have not been able to take the time to attach it yet. Just found the OBD port under the steering column yesterday. Is there another one anywhere else?
Begging your pardon for the slightly disjointed writing style, but I am not a very good writer, and this must be my longest ever post on TBHP.
More later.