Mahindra XUV500 launches in Australia; A powerful twin turbo variant in the works

14/06/2012 - 11:45 | ,   | Kaustubh Shinde

Mahindra XUV500 for Australia rear three quartersAfter much speculation on the Australian debut and the favourable results in the ANCAP crash test, the Mahindra XUV500 has finally made its Australian debut.

The front wheel drive W8 version is launched for an entry price of AUD 29,900 (16.58 lakhs INR). The all-wheel drive version will set you back by $32,900 (18.24 lakhs INR).

The XUV500 is launched with an intent to start a price war. The closest competitor to the XUV500 in Australia is the Holden Captiva (Chevrolet Captiva in India). In Australia, the diesel Captiva is available in both 2WD and AWD and is priced at $35,490 and $39,490, respectively.

Thus, the XUV500 enters the land down under with a sizable price advantage. The price difference is essential because Mahindra has hardly any brand value in Australia.

The XUV500 is launched with a 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine churning out 140 bhp and 330 Nm of torque. Equipment list include Italian leather upholstery, satellite-navigation with a high-resolution colour LCD touchscreen, Bluetooth phone and music streaming, LED parking lamps, tire pressure monitor and twin exhaust tips.

We would also like to remind our audience that the XUV500 received a 4 star safety rating from ANCAP, highest ever for an Indian auto manufacturer.

Mahindra XUV500 for Australia front fasciaMahindra XUV500 for Australia dashboard

Our friends at CarAdvice have heard from an insider that Mahindra also has plans to launch a twin turbo version of the XUV500 generating a mountainous 171 bhp and 400 Nm of torque. However no official confirmation is available on the same.

The biggest drawback for the XUV500 in the Australian market is the lack of an AT option which many Australian motorists and petrolheads have expressed in the comment boxes of various articles we've posted on the XUV500. Mahindra should fix this soon as they are said to be in talks with companies (including Hyundai) to outsource a 6-speed auto box.

[Source: CarAdvice.com.au]

You might also like