Hybrid and AT variants will also join the lineup.
Spyshots of the refreshed Mahindra XUV500 posted till now showed a camouflaged rear end, hinting that changes could be reserved to that part of the vehicle. However, these latest spyshots from MotorVikatan show a prototype with a camouflaged front, hinting that further design changes are indeed a possibility.
Further traces of camouflage on the instrument binnacle and alloy wheels bring out speculations that Mahindra engineers could have carried out changes to these areas as well.
The XUV500 facelift, along with new variants such as an automatic transmission variant and possibly even a hybrid, is expected to launch this year. Mahindra showcased the latter at last year's Auto Expo, and company officials firmly stated that show cars are not merely concepts, but are intended to make production.
Also read: New Mahindra Scorpio S4+ variants launched with airbags and ABS
The SUV is powered by a 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel engine with 140 bhp and 330 Nm on tap. Currently, Mahindra sells the XUV500 only with a 6-speed manual transmission, but a 6-speed automatic could be added to widen the car's reach and audience. As before, Mahindra will continue selling 2WD and 4WD variants of the car.
Competitors: Tata Safari Storme, Renault Duster variants, Nissan Terrano variants, Skoda Yeti
Expected Price: INR 11-16 lakhs, ex-showroom
Launch Date: 2015
[Spy image from MotorVikatan]
