2015 Toyota Corolla
Australia’s general refusal to operate more than two pedals has seen India’s Mahindra react by introducing a new variant of its XUV500 SUV.
A six-speed automatic can now be optioned in the XUV500, if buyers decide that the standard six-speed manual is not for them.
The auto is available with both two- and all-wheel-drive XUV500 models, with prices starting from $31,900 for the 2WD model. This represents a $2000 premium over the manual-equipped 2WD XUV500.
"With its winning combination of aspirational styling, advanced technology, safety features, comfort and convenience, the XUV500 has created a niche for itself and has been a game changer in the premium SUV segment,” Mahindra President Pravin Shah said.
“It is our constant endeavour to offer advanced and accessible technologies to our customers. The XUV500 already has many technology firsts to its credit and now we have further pushed the boundaries with the introduction of the AISIN automatic transmission in the XUV500. I am sure that the XUV500 Automatic will be an instant hit with our customers in Australia.”
Along with the choice of transmission, the XUV500 also offers 17-inch alloy wheels, reversing camera, a 2.5 tonne towing capacity and a choice of six exterior paint finishes (Pearl White, Sunset Orange, Tuscan Red, Dolphin Grey, Moondust Silver or Volcano Black).
Power comes from the same 2.2 litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that powers the manual models, making 103kW and 330Nm. Fuel consumption in the new auto models rises to 7.4 l/100km over the manual’s 6.7 l/100km.
Inside, there’s a seven-seat layout with leather trim, a seven-inch infotainment screen with satellite navigation, Bluetooth phone connectivity and 702 litres of boot space.
Safety features include wireless tyre pressure monitoring, ISOFIX child restraint fittings, electronic stability control with rollover mitigation, hill-hold assist and hill-decent control.
The 2016 Mahindra XUV500 arrives in showrooms from June.
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MORE News & Reviews: Mahindra | XUV500 | SUVs
Pricing (excludes on-road costs)
2016 MAHINDRA XUV500
- W8 2WD Six-Speed Manual - $29,900
- W8 AWD Six-Speed Manual - $32,900
- W8 2WD Six-Speed Automatic - $31,900
- W8 AWD Six-Speed Automatic - $34,900
