THE Mahindra XUV700 pronounced (seven-double-oh) is all powered.
I had a chance to take it for a test to NW for weekend, and it did not disappoint but be warned: don’t play music without the engine idling, I had to ask my neigbour for a jumpstart.
Yes, it does not warn you like other brands. But from then on, this Indian new unibody platform made- is super on the road.
The XUV700 is powered by a 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine that produces a generous 149kW and 380Nm, from 1 750rpm. Power goes to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic gearbox.
As we negotiated bad roads and potholes in the evening using Potchefstroom route, my Gran, cousin and her elder sister enjoyed the punchy aggression, comfort and power it boast.
The suspension is way too perfect and compliant for such roads.
What also caught the attention of all and sundry were pop-out door handles, “cool hey”, remarked some ladies as they walked-by at the nearby grocery store.
As for a cabin- its big enough for taller passengers- so is the digital age with a large dual-screen cockpit and many high-end features.
The combined screens for the high-definition infotainment system and digital instrument cluster each measure 26cm, but the system thankfully hasn’t swallowed everything into its digital vortex as the ventilation system still has separate controls further down. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are also part of the deal.
The seven-seater SUV also boast synthetic leather seat upholstery (loved the cream white seats), six-way power seat adjustment, dual-zone climate control, reverse camera, auto headlamps, six airbags and a whole slew of driver-assist gadgets, including adaptive cruise control, smart pilot Assist, auto emergency braking, lane keep assist, high beam assist and traffic sign recognition.
The exterior is fitted with 18-inch Diamond Cut alloys.
Retail price start at R475 000 to R560 000 for the top of the range AX7 L and comes with the option of a 3 Year/ 60 000KM or 5 Year/100 000KM service plan.
Verdict
Performance 1-10 (5)
Fuel 1-10 (4)
Image supplied (The latest Mahindra XUV700 is tops).
