The XUV500 was comprehensively developed by Mahindra with one aim in mind – a world SUV to take on the big wigs of the automotive world. As soon as the XUV500 was launched in India, it set the cash register ringing for Mahindra so loudly that the company had shut bookings to cater to the existing demand. It also gave them the liberty to hike prices and the extra amount is not bogging down the interest around owning this vehicle.
During the launch of XUV500 itself, Mahindra had announced their plan of taking their latest SUV to European roads. Mahindra has now officially announced XUV’s first European market is going to be Spain.
The company plans to launch the XUV500 in Spain soon with two trim levels – W6 and W8. Under the hood will be a mHawk 2.2 liter diesel engine rated at 140 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque. It will be only available in a 6 speed manual variant with both 2WD and 4WD. Other features such as hill hold function, ESP, alloy wheels, a DVD player and a navigation system will also be present
XUV500 will compete against cars like the Dacia Duster in the European market. Ironically, Renault plans to launch the Duster in India very soon to compete against XUV500’s little brother Scorpio. If the Spanish market entry is successful, we will soon see the XUV in other European countries by 2013.
Even if the new Bolero’s TV spot does not cast a muscle-flexing or skin-flaunting celebrity, its definitely worth watching for the canine that serves its master very loyally!
Ssangyong unveiled four products today at the Auto Expo namely Rexton, Korando E, Actyon Sports and XIV-1. If you are a keen observer of the auto industry, you’ll immediately realize that these have all been shown at previous motor shows.
The Rexton will be launched in the Indian market within the next 6 months, brought through the CKD route. In 2011 Ssangyong witnessed a growth of 40% YoY and by entering India, they hope to put up a better performance in 2012.
The Korando E (White) displayed at the exposition uses a 120kw battery which gives it a range of 180km and a top speed of 150kph.
The XIV-1 Concept (Orange color) bundles together the attributes of a B-segment SUV with the affordable running costs of a small family car. The XIV-1 concept stands for ‘eXciting user Interface Vehicle.’ The car’s four seats can rotate through 360 degrees in addition to moving backward and forward.
The XIV-1′s audio system, the display of information on the dashboard and online communication can be controlled via the user’s smartphone. This is not a distant reality anymore as the iPhone and iPad with powerful applications will soon be able to take over many controls of the car.
Considering 2012 is touted to be the year of the SUVs, India’s largest SUV manufacturer surely has some trick up its sleeves. The company will use the auto expo to showcase the products from Ssangyong portfolio which they acquired last year.
Ssangyong Rexton and the Korando SUVs will carry the baton of SUVs for Mahindra. The Rexton is 7 seater off-roader that comes with a 2.7-litre direct-injected diesel engine which develops 184 PS of power and 402 Nm of torque. The Korando is a compact crossover powered by a 2-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine developing around 175PS of power and 360Nm of torque.
After the XUV500 resulted in a tornado of sorts, Mahindra will be keen to script a similar tale on the launches in 2012. The first of the many new models is the Xylo facelift that can be re-presented to sedan buyers just after its third birthday.
Mahindra’s busy testing the refreshed model in many parts of Maharashtra. An image clicked by our friends at TAI showed a clear lens segment on the tail light and plastic wheel arches leading to the side step. Up front, heavy revisions are expected but the camouflaged mules don’t help one bit in uncovering the changes.
Hence we rang in Shoeb R Kalania and asked him to play around with the Xylo’s front fascia. Here’s what Shoeb left us along with an image -
Expected changes:
Mahindra Xylo facelift exterior
1. New three-dimensional grill
2. Revised Front bumper
3. Different bonnet lines
4. Tweaked headlamps
5. Tail lamps with sections of transparent housing
6. New rear Spoiler
7. Blacked out B and C Pillars.
8. Rear bumper might see the inclusion of new reflectors.
Mahindra Xylo facelift upgrades
1. A new top-end variant, E9, with features borrowed from the XUV500 could be launched.
2. 4X4/mHawk, AT and more special editions in the pipeline
3. Petrol engines from Ssangyong calibrated for export model.
Generally here at IAB, we cover on stories pertinent to Indian context. Hence, the whole SAAB debacle was not at all covered by us. But some interesting development has made us turn our heads and take notice. Mahindra&Mahindra is now in private talks with the Swedish manufacturer to buy some parts of the company according to reports in the media.
Essentially, General Motors, the once big daddy of the automotive world, went bankrupt as soon as the recession struck United States. The company filed for bankruptcy and had to re-organize itself to come out of the red. As part of the re-organization plans, several brands owned by the company such as Hummer and Saab were to be hived off.
Saab had several offers from Chinese companies such as Youngman and Pang Da, but repeated cash flow delays and vetos from GM squashed that deal before it could get off of the ground. Finally, on 19th December SAAB filed for bankruptcy and has been in the process of selling off its business.
However, there is a twist to the story. Mahindra is not entirely interested in SAAB, but only interested in some parts of it. Saab’s most desirable assets would be its manufacturing capabilities, tooling and in-house technology.
Mahindra has just done the inevitable. After witnessing customers form tribes and idolize the XUV500, it announces a price hike across the range effective from Jan 1, 2012.
Mahindra had expressed during the launch that a price hike was being planned 2-3 months from release. Top executives discussed petrol engine and automatic transmission models but with the interest it has kicked up, variant or technology additions are not expected in the immediate future.
Mahindra XUV500 price increase by variant (ex-showroom Delhi)
W6 variant – By Rs 30,000/-
W8-FWD variant – By Rs 50,000/-
W8-AWD variant – By Rs 55,000/-
Customers who have booked a car and await delivery after January 1 will have to pay 50% of the hike. Bookings will reopen in January and 1000′s of deposits are expected to be made at dealers on the first day. The XUV500 reopen day buzz is set to mimic an Apple iPhone release.
During the launch of XUV500 itself, Mahindra had announced their plan of taking their latest SUV to European roads. Mahindra has now officially announced XUV’s first European market is going to be Spain.
