Is Mahindra testing the XUV500 facelift? - Spied

13/12/2014 - 12:37 | ,  ,   | Nithyanandh K

Automatic transmission in the offing.

A spyshot of what appears to be the Mahindra XUV500 has been uploaded by Exhaustvid Facebook page. From what can be observed, the partially camouflaged tailgate hides a chrome applique above the license plate enclosure, an element that has a black finish in the current model.

Mahindra XUV500 facelift spied rear
The chrome applique above the license plate is the only noticeable change from the existing model.

Earlier this year, while talking to a senior Mahindra official, we sensed that the facelift would launch sometime next year.

Though only the rear of the partly camouflaged test mule is available in a photograph, the publication reports that the car on test was equipped with different alloy wheels and a possibly revised front fascia.

The dashboard of the prototype was hidden completely, hinting that the facelifted XUV500 could feature more than a minor nip and tuck to the interior.

2014 Mahindra XUV500 Review front quarters
The facelifted car is not expected to be dramatically different from the current model pictured here.

With the 2.2-litre four-cylinder mHawk diesel engine making 140 bhp at 3,750 rpm and 330 Nm of torque at 1,600-2,800 rpm, the SUV has adequate performance on tap and hence only a minor efficiency tweak is expected.

The motor is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission sending power to the front wheels and the facelift could also get an automatic transmission. The top-end variant should continue to be available with 4WD.

The XUV500 is one of the best selling SUVs in India. In July this year, its cumulative sales crossed 1 lakh units.

Read our review of the Mahindra XUV500

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 Facebook]

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