Sure, the Mumbai-based manufacturers of the Mahindra XUV700 have always been able to build and sell you an excellent tractor. But what about a refined, efficient and desirable automobile? Well, after several attempts across various segments, we believe the Mahindra XUV700 is its best effort to date …
Cutting to the chase, the new 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine isn’t from some old-gen Mitsubishi. Designated ‘mStallion’ and replacing the old ‘mHawk’ range, it is developed in-house by Mahindra and delivers respectable outputs of 149 kW and 380 Nm of torque. There’s a pleasing whoosh as the turbocharger spools up, and zero to 100 km/h is dispatched in a respectable sub-10 seconds. Meanwhile, the fuel economy sits on the right side of 10 l/100 km, even if it’s higher than claimed. Moreover, the test unit you see here is the seven-seater AX7L, and it’s finished off in self-explanatory Black Edition garb for R627 900. So, what do we think?
MAHINDRA XUV700 BLACK EDITION
Making waves in the sub-R650k SUV segment, it boasts a modern and sophisticated look thanks to its bold new grille and sleek LED headlamp arrangement. As tested in Black Edition guise, it enjoys the all-black treatment to its 18-inch alloy wheels and trim pieces. Better still, for a brand always aware of practicality, the XUV700 offers ample space for both passengers and cargo and is available in both a five-seater and AX7L seven-seater. We loaded the vehicle up with a full complement of six passengers (plus driver) and everyone was thoroughly impressed by the usable space.
Moreover, this all-bells-and-whistles family SUV is jam packed with features, being the top-spec offering. A large touchscreen infotainment system, 360-degree cameras, digital driver instrument cluster and panoramic sunroof make for excellent standard specification at the asking price. There’s also adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance. However, we didn’t enjoy the calibration of these systems quite so much. Plus, the Mahindra’s stop-start engine system proved very frustrating. But more about that a little later …
TECH TROUBLE
In terms of the user interface, however, there’s some work to be done for the Indian firm. While the touchscreen is a prominent feature, we found the digital infotainment system itself confusing to operate. We suspect it may have been due to the split-second delay in its responsiveness, but it’s often difficult to know if the system has accepted your input. Switching between the on-board and Bluetooth-enabled Apple CarPlay controls is more difficult than it should be, too. Frustratingly, many of the menus arrive in a kind of digital dead-end, with no clear way to move back or return to a home screen. In general, we believe that while the Mahindra XUV700 is packed with cool features, the user experience could be more refined to help access all of them. And, hopefully, the brand will continue to improve its user-friendliness in future updates.
Nevertheless, the interior itself is a welcome adaptation to Mahindras we’ve evaluated in the past. There are far fewer rough edges and unfancied trim pieces than you’ll find in its predecessor. The comfortable seats are a combination of cloth and leatherette and offer plenty of adjustment in each row. Better still, the majority of the controls enjoy a premium look and feel which makes the XUV700 a genuinely comfy space to spend time.
STOP-START SYSTEM
Having said that, one thing we cannot neglect to mention is the erratic stop-start system for the engine. It’s designed to save fuel by automatically shutting off power when the vehicle comes to a complete stop. However, due once again to a lack of responsiveness, its implementation in the XUV700 is less than stellar. If left activated, you can essentially have the car stall on you at a set of traffic lights, posing a significant safety hazard on the road.
Likewise, there can be other conflicts with the stop-start system, like discomfort from the air conditioning turning off. As well as some abrupt reactions through the gearbox. Worse still, if you forget to turn it off at the beginning of every journey, and only try to do so when stationary, it invariably switches the engine off altogether. You must then shift the gearbox to park and fire the engine again from the ignition button. Frustratingly, this happened to us on several occasions. And each time you drive the vehicle it reengages. So, being able turn it off permanently – or not have it fitted at all – needs to be addressed.
THE VERDICT
In a constrained new-car market that’s tall on price but short on value, the Mahindra XUV700 AX7L offers a lot of car for the money. Traditionalists may argue that Mahindra still has to iron out a few kinks and prove its durability, but we’re suitable impressed by the XUV700. The once-agricultural underpinnings of the subcontinental brand are steadily becoming a remnant of the past. And, despite a few oversights, it impresses with a newfound ambition and sophistication that’s hard to overlook. If you’re in the market for a seven-seater family carryall, be sure to ADD it to your shopping list. Even if all it does is shed a light on what other manufacturers are charging double or sometimes triple for …
THE FIGURES
- Mahindra XUV700 AX7L Black Edition
- Price: R627 900
- Engine: 2.0-litre turbo petrol
- Transmission: 6-speed auto, front-wheel drive
- Power: 149 kW and 380 Nm
- Fuel Economy: 6.2 l/100 km (claimed) / 9.0 l/100 km (tested)
- Performance: 0-100 km/h in 9.2 seconds (tested)
WOULD YOU BUY A MAHINDRA?
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