Likely to get an automatic gearbox.
A test mule of the upcoming Mahindra XUV500 facelift has been spotted by MotorBeam reader Cibhi near Bangalore highway. The vehicle, seen with camouflaged front end, rear applique, and wheels, running temporary Chennai registration plates (where Mahindra's R&D centre is located), also sports a sunroof.
The vehicle is likely to be launched this year, although the company is yet to confirm that.
As for the changes, apart from a revised front-end, rear with a new spoiler and updated applique over the registration plate, new position for the XUV500 badge, new alloy wheels, refreshed interior, and the above mentioned sunroof, the updated XUV500 could also get an optional automatic gearbox. Mahindra could use a Aisin 6-speed automatic gearbox as seen on the recently launched Ssangyong Tivoli.
Also, a diesel hybrid variant based on the 2014 show car, the Mahindra XUV500 Hybrid Concept, could also launch with or soon after the facelift. Mahindra had mentioned that concept cars (like the hybrid concept) won't just be confined to the show floors but will be converted to production models, which increases the likeliness of such an addition to the line up.
Also read: Mahindra plans new test track, manufacturing plant in Tamil Nadu
Launched in 2011, the Mahindra XUV500 is currently offered in 2WD and AWD versions. It's powered by a 2.2-litre mHawk engine that makes 140 hp and 330 Nm, and comes mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox.
[Source - Motorbeam]
