The Beast with the Beauty

XUV 500 when was launched in 2011 and created a hover all around the globe especially in the Indian market. Whenever we hear the word sports utility vehicle (SUV) the first thing that comes to our mind is big in proportions, big in comfort, big in space, big in fuel consumption. People who ride in such cars are often called as big people because only a handful of people can afford such cars. But Mahindra made it possible for all kind of people to be called as big people by launching XUV 500 which was bIG in all sorts. It immediately became the darling of the aspirational middle-class who seemingly wanted an SUV with loads of creature comforts and modern features, and all that at an attractive price.

In terms of styling XUV 500, Mahindra & Mahindra have raised their standards out of their SUV handbook. The XUV looks very aggressive, dominant and imposing. The XUV is curvy rather being a traditional boxy SUV.

Now, four years down the line, Mahindra has introduced a comprehensively updated 2015 XUV500 facelift in the country with a host of upgrades.

It is certainly a facelift in the cosmetic sense. But the good news is it is also an upgrade on the mechanical side.

The Cheetah-inspired design is retained on the 2015 Mahindra XUV500 facelift but it gets a comprehensively revised front fascia. Changes include a new gloss black grille with chrome inserts and a contoured bonnet. The bumper is redesigned with a skid plate while the fog lamps are positioned higher and get L-shaped chrome enclosures.

You also get new static bending headlights with S-shaped LED DRLs that double as parking lights. You also get new 10-spoke alloy wheels and chrome window surrounds at the sides; while the rear gets a chrome bar over the number plate enclosure.

Mahindra has added new logo projector lights on the ORVMs that flash 'XUV500', which are a quirky first. The XUV500's immense road presence continues to be flattering and translates well inside the cabin.

The 2015 XUV 500 has retained the layout from the older model but gets improved material quality and new black and beige colour scheme. The new range-topping W10 variant is loaded with tech onboard including electric sunroof, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with GPS and video playback; reverse camera with zoom function, keyless entry, push button start, 6-way adjustable driver’s seat, blue ambient lighting and auto up-down driver’s side window.

There is chrome that runs along the windowsill line that's also new. But most of these features will likely be offered ion the higher spec variants. Speaking of which, there is now an all-new W10 variant on the car. This has a sunroof and 17" alloy wheels that Mahindra says was feedback it got from buyers of this car. The existing 3 variants W4, W6 and W8 will stay on - though all carry the basic styling and all mechanical changes. All-Wheel-Drive will be optional on the W8 and W10.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the XUV500 returned 10 km/l with a bit of a heavy foot, so expect 12-13 km/l under sedate driving conditions. The ARAI certified fuel efficiency figure stands at 16 km/l.

The 2015 Mahindra XUV500 stands true to its global SUV title in the latest iteration and emerges as an extremely compelling package. The styling has got better and the changes lend a fresh appeal to the SUV.

There is ample of power under the hood to keep you happy in the city or on open roads, while the cabin comes loaded with features along with ample of room to seat 7 in comfort. The XUV 500 facelift will also strike the right bells with the pocket by being the value for money offering it is and that certainly makes it a winner for me over any other car.