New Honda Accord Diesel Review

Honda Accord Diesel in India 2012, New Honda Accord Diesel in India Review, Honda Accord Diesel in India Review, Honda Accord Diesel India Test Drive, New Honda Accord Diesel First Drive, 2012 Honda Accord Diesel in India Price, New Honda Accord Diesel 

The Honda Accord is the top model in the line of sedans from Honda Siel Cars India and is definitely a show stealer. The new Honda Accord Diesel is ready to hit the Indian market this year. Like other Honda cars, Honda Accord makes a statement with its style and a positive aggression with its performance, and as with other Honda cars, the public is awaiting a diesel engine for it.

Car sales in India have been booming and diesel cars have always been in demand due to their strong mileage figures. With the growth of the economy the car market has witnessed a bull run and the growth is unprecedented, but the cost conscious Indian remains attracted to the diesel engine.

The Honda Accord Diesel is an upcoming diesel variant of Accord series that is expected to be rolled out in the Indian market in  2011. The new diesel version of this premium luxury sedan will be carrying Honda’s recently developed 2.2L common-rail diesel engine which will be capable of producing a peak power of 134 hp along with a maximum torque of 347Nm. It is the same engine that is expected to be used in rolling out a diesel version of company’s sports utility vehicle Honda CR-V.

The overall features and design of the diesel version of new Honda Accord are expected to be similar to its petrol counterpart and the only difference will be the engine-system. Though the company is yet to disclose the pricing details of this model in the Indian market, the new Honda Accord Diesel is expected to be rolled out in the price bracket of Rs 20 to 25 lakh. The launch of a diesel variant will enable this luxury sedan to compete more promptly with the likes of Skoda Superb, Mercedes C-Class, BMW 3-series and the VW Passat. As the Honda Accord Diesel was recently spotted testing in the national capital, its launch can take place anytime next year.

Engine & Specification of the Honda Accord Diesel

As mentioned above, the new Honda Accord diesel variant will come powered by a 2.2L TDCi common-rail diesel engine. The powerful engine of this car will come capable of generating a peak power of 134 hp in combination of a peak torque of 347 Nm. The Accord diesel variant is expected to be launched in both manual and automatic transmission versions, carrying five-speed manual and five-speed automatic transmissions, respectively. The new diesel variant will come compatible with Euro-IV emission norms which assures a high fuel economy and considerably low emission level.

Performance of the Honda Accord Diesel

Being a high-segment sedan, the Honda Accord diesel brings high performance characteristics along with it. The same is expected to go true with the diesel version of the car. It will come blessed with highly advanced performance enhancing features like Drive-by-Wire technology, an F1 inspired electronically controlled Intelligent 5 speed paddle shift and shift hold control system for reducing unnecessary gear shift. In addition to this, the new Honda Accord diesel carries a unique Programmed Fuel Injection System that not only enhances the fuel efficiency but also enhances the performance of the car.

Exterior, Interior & Safety of Honda Accord Diesel

The current model of Honda Accord is the 8^th generation of this car which carries an elegant, bold and powerful look. The features like body color door mirrors, chrome finished door handles, alloy wheels and bold taillight clusters are expected to be borrowed directly from the petrol version of the car. Inside, the new Honda Accord diesel is expected to be carrying a range of new generation infotainment, comfort & convenience features such as luxury 4 spoke with aluminum color panel, noise & vibration reduction carpet, 6 CD Changer & MP3 Player with USB compatibility, auto door lock and many more. The highly advanced compatibility engineering (ACE) body and G-FORCE Control Technology (G-CON) ensures minimum damages in case of a sudden collision.

Honda Accord Diesel further boasts of stylish exteriors like Body Color Bumpers, strong bodyline and plush interiors like tachometer, alloys, 2 trip meters, ac with climate control, power window, remote control central locking, remote boot, remote fuel filler, rear defogger, rear armrest with cup holder, steering adjustment, leather seat, mp3 player etc. The top end models also feature standard safety features like air bags, parking sensors, fog lamps, traction control, EBD, ABS, ESP.

Overview of Honda Accord Diesel Exshowroom Price (Delhi Rs.) 2,200,000 Transmission Type Diesel Engine Displacement(cc) 2000cc (1500-3000 ) Maximum Power 134bhp Maximum Torque 347Nm Mileage-City(kmpl) 15.00 kmpl. Mileage-Highway(kmpl) 19.00 kmpl. Fuel Type Diesel Fuel Tank Capacity(litres) 70.00 Seating Capacity 5

New Honda City in India Review 2012, New Honda City Price

New Honda City 2012 in India, New Honda City in India review, 2012 New Honda City in India Review, 2012 New Honda City India Test Drive, New Honda City First Drive, 2012 Auto Expo

2012 New Honda City in India Price, New Honda City

The first generation Honda City was introduced in 1996, quickly responding to the growing needs for automobiles in Asian markets associated with economic growth in the region. The Honda City which is produced in seven countries and enjoyed by customers in 39 nations around the world has been given a new lease of life. A product of Honda Siel Cars India Ltd, the third-generation City is a hot favourite as the luxurious sedan offers a lot to its potential buyers - new engine, new design, more grandeur, increased cabin space, and of course, top-notch performance. Honda City has been regarded a prestigious brand in India since its launch in 1998. It maintains a significant market share in its class and the latest model has taken it popularity to a much higher level.

Exterior

The front is definitely inspired by the likes of the European Honda Civic and the Honda FCX Clarity. The headlamps feature reflector lense instead of the more expensive projector type, which is expected at this price range. The Rear of new city looks like a mini-ish BMW 3-series with aggresive looking bumper and tail lights. The refined aero-dynamics of Honda City heighten its presence wherever it goes. The new car is longer, wider and sturdier as compared to its previous model. The height of the new City has been lowered by 15 mm, with ground clearance remaining the same. The sleeker and sturdier body shape is enticing.

Interior

Everything is laid out nicely, and there is a quality feel to all the controls. The plastics are hard, but in a solid and chunky sort of way. The steering wheel is now adjustable for reach as well as height, which is a really excellent feature for this segment of the market. Another nice touch is the iPod compatible USB connector. Although the Jazz already has this, the City has a very nicely integrated system. The display section of the audio system is hinged, opening to reveal a short USB cable which will accept your iPod cable.

There is a little felt-lined compartment for your iPod. Once installed, you can control your iPod via the car's audio system. The City doesn't have a CD player, so you need an iPod, or other compatible MP3 player to take your songs with you. Still, it's nicely done.

Engine

The brand new edition of Honda City is powered by highly developed 1.5L, 4 cylinder new generation i-VTEC engine, which assures class-leading output and excellent fuel economy. The engine churns out a power of 118 PS @ 6600 rpm and a maximum torque of 146 Nm @ 4800 rpm. The engine is E10 compliant and has Euro IV emission levels, which reduce the negative impact on environment. Honda has launched the eagerly awaited new Honda City facelift in India at a startling price of Rs. 6.99 lakh for the base corporate variant. The new 2012 Honda City facelift is in its sixth generation and will be available in four variants : Corporate, E, S and V with the City V variant sporting an automatic transmission as well as a sunroof.

By positioning the base City Corporate at a killer price tag of Rs. 6.99 lakh, Honda India have put together a right mixture of affordability and features in a premium sedan. This move will also ensure that the new City continues to do good sales wise until the arrival of Honda’s diesel engine somewhere down the road in 2013.

Coming back to the new 2012 Honda City facelift, Honda India has bundled quite a load of features into the new City to increase its desirability in the Indian market. Apart from cosmetic upgrades like the electric sunroof, chrome-plated front grille, updated front bumper, 10-spoke alloy wheels and turn indicators on rear-view mirrors, the new City also gets cruise control and a sun roof (top end only). Safety features on the new 2012 Honda City include Dual front SRS airbags, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist.

2012 new Honda City variants and price in India :
Honda City Corporate – Rs 6.99 lakh
Honda City E – Rs 7.7 lakh
Honda City S – Rs 8.2 lakh
Honda City V (Manual) – Rs 8.7 lakh
Honda City V (Auto) – Rs 9.74 lakh
Honda City V (Manual) with Sunroof – Rs 9.5 lakh
Honda City V (Automatic) with Sunroof – Rs 10.22 lakh

New Toyota Fortuner in India Review, Toyota Fortuner in India Review 2012

 Toyota Fortuner in India 2012, New Fortuner in India Review, Toyota Fortuner in India Review, 2012 Toyota Fortuner India Test Drive, New Fortuner First Drive, 2012 Auto Expo

2012 Toyota Fortuner in India Price, New Toyota Fortuner

Toyota has launched the facelift version of their high selling SUV Fortuner, at the 2012 Auto Expo. The SUV is now available in two more variants – 4x2 manual transmission and 4x2 automatic transmission. There are no changes under the hood, and the SUV is still powered by a 3.0-litre diesel producing 171PS and 343Nm of torque. The Fortuner is also available in two new colours – silver and gold, along with the new black and beige interiors.

Fortuner 4x2 launched is available with manual and automatic transmission Fortuner gets a new touch screen DVD player with reverse camera for parking assistance. On the exterior the SUV gets HID’s, redesigned headlamp and taillamp cluster and a new grille. Another important information revealed at the Auto Expo is that the Innova and Fortuner now share same platform, which means this SUV can be mass manufactured in India; and may see significant price reduction in the future.

Toyota claims that the 4x2 Fortuner has created a new segment, IMV (Innovative Multipurpose Vehicle) in the Indian market. Here are the prices (ex-showroom Delhi) for 2012 Toyota Fortuner.

Fortuner 4x2 manual: Rs 19.99 lakh.
Fortuner 4x2 automatic: Rs 20.69 lakh.

Fortuner 4x4: Rs 20.99 lakh.  Toyota has already got its Fortuner out of the blocks and into the markets and it is common knowledge that it is doing extremely well. The car company wants to extend their lead over their competitors by giving the people another car to marvel at, resembling but not identical to the previous Fortuner model, the new 2012 Toyota Fortuner 3.0 D4-D model. The car manufacturers unveiled their latest this January amidst tough competitors like Nissan, Ford and Mitsubishi. The Toyota SUV with its automatic transmission variant performed extremely well, caressing through the rugged testing grounds and this leaves much to hope and expect from its two wheel drive variant.

The changes:Before we go into the functioning and performance delivered by the car, we would like to dwell on the exciting new changes that have been brought upon. First there is a marked difference when viewed from the front, in comparison to the predecessor of this 2012 Toyota Fortuner. The larger grille has got a more of embossed feel than before; the headlights have taken an angular slant to give it that edginess. The front bumper has been replaced and restyled to notch up that style quotient.  Coming to the sides, you would immediately notice the difference in the alloy wheels. The intercooler on the bonnet now has got a wider intake as well and finally in the rear end, the noticeable difference is in the tail lamps that have also stylized it into slanted clear-lenses. On the interiors, the cabin has got some remodeling work done to itself. The interiors have more of a hybrid feel similar to the Toyota Innova or the futuristic Hyundai Hexa Space. The center console packs in itself a touch screen control that has integrated itself to the car’s functioning. The technology aspect has notched up several degrees inside the Toyota; the steering wheel houses the controls of a Bluetooth telephony function.

Best SUVs and MPVs at the Delhi Auto Expo 2012 Review

Best SUVs and MPVs at the Delhi Auto Expo 2012 Review, True to its billing of being the biggest automobile show in the India, the platform of the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo has been made full use of by both domestic as well as international auto makers to launch their future range of cars. We take a look at some of the best SUVs and MPVs that have highlighted their presence at this event.

Ford EcoSport:

Ford Motors has unveiled its much awaited compact SUV, the Ford EcoSport at the Delhi event. Though the maker has not yet disclosed any information about its price, market expectations are that the vehicle is going to be offered at aroundRs.7 Lakh to Rs.9 Lakh. The car uses a 1L petrol engine, which has a capacity of delivering a maximum power 120PS and peak torque 170Nm. This latest Ecoboost engine that the vehicle is using will increase the fuel efficiency of the vehicle by 30% whereas its CO2 emission is 20% lesser. A diesel variant of 1.5L is also going to be launched at a later date.

Tata Safari Storme:

Tata Motors has used the platform of the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo to unveil its latest SUV, the Safari Storme. The iconic Tata Safari has now undergone complete redesigning to suit the requirements of contemporary SUVs. The car has been designed to create a strong impact in both performance and styling. It has been provided with a power packed 2.2L common rail 16-valve DICOR engine that has the capacity to generate maximum power and peak torque of 140PS and 320Nm respectively and has been mated to a five-speed manual transmission.

Mercedes-Benz M-Class:

The 2012 Delhi Auto Expo has provided an excellent opportunity for Mercedes-Benz to generate a cool and young image for itself. Working on the same lines, the auto maker launched the Mercedes-Benz M-Class in a glittering ceremony at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi, where the Auto Expo is being held. The car has a compact and sharp look. Its bonnet has been redesigned and along with its LED lights, the car gets a younger look. Its V6 2987cc diesel engine generates maximum power of 258Bhp and peak torque 620Nm. It achieves a 224kmph peak speed.

Toyota Innova:

The latest Toyota Innova SUV has been unveiled at the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo. It has been provided with an improved front grille, new headlamps and fog lamps, freshly designed alloy wheels, an improved bumper, an in-built camera, steering wheel wrapped in leather, DVD, touch screen, Bluetooth along with controls mounted on the steering. The car is expected to be priced in the range of Rs.9.40 Lakh to Rs.13.19 Lakh. The latest design has been provided with a D4D 3.0L diesel engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.

Mahindra Rexton:

Mahindra has unveiled the Rexton, which has been manufactured by its subsidiary company SsangYong. The SUV is expected in Mahindra showrooms within six months. The Mahindra Rexton has been designed for off-road travel and has been provided with a direct injected 2.7L diesel engine, which generated a maximum power of 184PS and peak torque of 402Nm. The SUV will accommodate seven passengers and has been provided with the most advanced safety features.

Maruti Suzuki XA:

Maruti Suzuki surprised a lot of experts by unveiling its concept SUV, the X-Alpha, on the first day of the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo. Dimensionally, the car looks similar to the Gypsy, which was a favored car for many years on Indian roads. But, this car has a more muscular and brawny design compared to the Gypsy, which it is expected to replace on Indian roads. The production version of this car can be expected in the next couple of years. It is expected to be priced in the range between Rs.8 Lakh to Rs.12 Lakh, when it is launched.

Maruti Ertiga:

Maruti Suzuki has revealed its first indigenously made MPV the Maruti Ertiga using the platform provided by the2012 Delhi Auto Expo. The Maruti Ertiga can comfortably accommodate seven passengers and has been provided with its latest K-Series 1.4L petrol engine, which is equipped with the feature of variable valve timings. It has also come out with another variant using a turbocharged 1.4L diesel engine. The segment in which the Ertiga has been launched does not have many strong competitors and hence, it can create a category for itself. Maruti has priced this car aggressively at Rs.5.7 Lakh, but its top-end diesel model comes at Rs.8 Lakh. Its headlamp has a resemblance with the Swift whereas the rest of its exterior has been inspired from the Ritz.

Nissan Evalia:

Nissan, the auto major from Japan, has unveiled its seven-passenger accommodating Evalia using the platform of the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo. The Evalia has evolved following the partnership between Nissan and Ashok Leyland. The vehicle is going to be produced at its Chennai manufacturing unit. Bollywood heartthrob, Ranbir Kapoor, who is also the brand ambassador of the company, was present during this event. The Nissan Evalia is expected to hit Indian roads by the middle of 2012.

Chevrolet Tavera Neo 3:

Chevrolet, which has registered a strong presence at the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo, used this event to unveil the latest variant of its Chevrolet Tavera, called the Neo 3. The car has been provided with a larger headlamp, alloy wheels, and its latest bowtie emblem adorns both the rear and front of the car. The exterior has been provided with an additional chrome finish along with two-toned color graphics. The Neo 3 has been given a steering wheel having 3 spokes. A latest Audio System has been provided to this MPV. Storage space has been enhanced with its twin glove boxes. It has enhanced the power of the engine, which is now a TDCi 2.0L diesel variant having direct injection for delivering optimum mileage. Power windows have been provided to this car along with defogger on its rear window.

Hyundai Hexa Space:

Hyundai Motor used the forum of the Delhi Auto Expo to unveil its Hexa Space Concept MPV, which is going to accommodate eight passengers. Optimum utilization of space in this car has been achieved by hexagonally shaping its seats. Hyundai has designed this concept car to target the urban consumers in the age group of 30 to 40. However, it might take three or four years for the production version of this vehicle to come out.

Both these new SUVs are likely to land under the price range of Rs. 10 lakh. Maruti Suzuki India also brought in its XA Alpha compact SUV concept. Mahindra also showcased four SangYong SUVs in India out of which Rexton and Korando E are expected to hit the Indian roads by the end of this year. It is a clear fight to grab the top spot in the SUV segment of the Indian car market between the domestic automakers and the global auto giants.

Indian auto manufacturers such as Mahindra, Tata Motors and few more companies like Premier & Force Motors are already locking horns with auto firms Ford, Toyota, Audi, BMW and Skoda. And the launch of so many SUVs at the Auto Expo 2012, this scenario of the Indian Auto market will become more interesting.

Who knows, this might be just a sign that the Indian car market is maturing and many global car makers are investing their money into the SUV segment of the market. Some of the most loved SUVs in India comprise ofTata Safari, Mahindra Scorpio, Mahindra Bolero, Toyota Fortuner and BMW X1.

Hyundai Eon Review Hyundai Eon Mileage Average And Fuel Economy Eon launched in India

Hyundai Eon Review Hyundai Eon Mileage Average And Fuel Economy Eon launched in India

13th-Oct-2011: Hyundai India led every car maker to bite nails before the launch of Hyundai EON. Hyundai’s dream project finally came into effect, or it can be said that ‘India is ON’ when it launched its eagerly awaited small car Hyundai EON today in Gurgaon at Kingdom of dreams. The car has been rolled out in 6 trims, Hyundai EON D-Lite, Hyundai EON Dlite (O), Hyundai EON Era, Hyundai EON Magna, Hyundai Eon Magna (O) and the top-end model Hyundai Eon Sportz. The base variant of the hatchback has been priced very affordably at Rs 2.69 lakh, while the top end variant costs Rs 3.71 lakh to one’s pocket. Surely the festive season will act as a protein supplement for the sales of Hyundai EON. The hatchback which has already garnered 8,000 bookings so far needs no more publicity and fame. The host of features in such a price ambit are themselves speaking for the car and literally daunting the team of rivals headed by ‘Maruti Alto’

 Hyundai EON Mileage, Average And Fuel Economy Hyundai EON is parading all round the country to spread the word that the car gives phenomenal mileage that will bring cheers to EON customers this Diwali. An ARAI certified mileage of 21 kmpl is something which can drop many jaws seeing the size and price of the car. The highly awaited Hyundai’s hatchback Hyundai EON comes powered with 814cc, 3 cylinder petrol engine which is capable of producing peak power of 56 bhp@5,500 rpm and 76 Nm of maximum torque at 4,000 rpm. This mighty engine in all 6 variants is coupled to a five speed manual gearbox. The hatchback is quite fuel efficient and the engine is designed in such a way that it becomes most fuel efficient car in its segment. Moreover the Alternator Management System present in top variant reduces fuel-consumption and meliorates overall performance. Hyundai EON possess all ability to beat Maruti Alto which offers a mileage of 20.2 kmpl. Something exceptional like this is enough in a mileage-ridden country like India.                                                                                                                                  

First Drive Mahindra XUV500 Review, Test Drive. Mahindra XUV500 launched in India at price tag of Rs. 10.8 lakh

First Drive Mahindra XUV500 Review, Test Drive. XUV500 launched in India at price tag of Rs. 10.8 lakh

First Drive Mahindra XUV500 Review, Test Drive. Mahindra XUV500 launched in India at price tag of Rs. 10.8 lakh. Following the official unveiling of Mahindra’s flagship SUV, the SUV500 on the 29th of September,2011, the details we all have been waiting for have been revealed. Today the company announced the pricing of the new SUV500. The base variant of the SUV is priced at Rs 10.8 lakh with the mid-range model at Rs 11.75 lakh. Mahindra also offers a four-wheel drive variant which will cost Rs 12.88 lakh.

The Mahindra XUV500 SUV comes with the 2.2 Liter common rail turbodiesel engine that produces 136 Bhp of peak power and 326 Nm of peak torque. This engine will be mated to a six speed manual transmission with the 5th and 6th gears being overdrive gears for high speed mile munching. The Mahindra XUV500 rides on 17 inch wheels and features disc brakes all around. Both front wheel drive and four wheel drive variants of the XUV500 SUV will be available.On the inside passengers will be treated to automatic climate control, leather seats and a digital infotainment console which also comes with a built in GPS function. Cruise control also included in the package. As far as active safety features are concerned the SUV gets six-airbags, Electronic Stability Program, Traction Control and ABS. The SUV rides on huge 17-inch wheels and the top-end variant gets four-wheel drive. The XUV500 can seat 7 in comfort including a third row of seats which can accommodate 2 persons.

We’ve just gotten behind the wheel of the new XUV500, Mahindra’s most important SUV since the Scorpio. This thoroughly modern SUV is the first Indian SUV to be built around a car-like monocoque chassis. This of course means it is lighter than a traditional ladder frame SUV, has a modern car-like independent suspension and most importantly plenty of useable space between the long 2700mm wheelbase as well. 

Under the hood:

The XUV gets the familiar 2.2-litre mHawk engine with a variable geometry turbocharger similar to the one in the Scorpio. However, it now makes more power and torque – 140bhp and 33.33 kgm of torque – and is placed transversely. Mahindra is offering two versions – a front-wheel drive version and an all-wheel drive one. We drove the latter and we’re impressed. The mHawk engine was always known for its responsiveness, strong mid-range power and refinement and there’s more of the same here. There is a hint of lag below 1500 rpm, the turbo kicks soon after and the engine pulls cleanly to its redline. The meat of the power though is between 2500rpm to 4000rpm – keep the engine spinning in this range, and you will find effortless performance. With its easy to use six-speed manual gearbox, cruising at three digit speeds is a piece of cake and apart from a hint of turbo-whistle the engine is refined.  The XUV’s lighter weight also helps its sprightly performance and fuel economy as well. The ARAI fuel efficiency figure for the XUV is a class-leading 15.1kpl. 

Ride and handling:

The XUV’s suspension is a very luxury saloon-like MacPherson struts up front and multi-link independent setup at the rear. With the performance on tap, it’s a good thing that the XUV doesn’t display any of the Scorpio’s wayward high-speed manners. It feels stable in a straight line, the steering gives you a lot of confidence and the XUV’s lower center of gravity and longer wheelbase goes a long way in making you feel more secure. The XUV is uses a full-time all-wheel drive system that detects wheelspin and directs torque to the wheels that have grip, so it feels quite secure around corners as well. That said, the XUV is no hardcore off-roader – there’s no low range transfer case, but it does have a differential lock and hill descent control for light off-roading duty on the four wheel drive version. 

Our short test drive allowed us to drive over only a few rough patches, but these were enough to reveal that the XUV is both pliant and comfortable. However there is some amount of side to side movement, especially over uneven patches.

Style, substance?

The design is very forward looking too and, undoubtedly, the styling is the clearly the talking point here. For a start, the stance of the car is spot-on. Almost Mitsubishi Outlander like in the way it carries its weight, the long wheelbase, tapering roof and rising beltline makes this car look quite dynamic and modern. The best part however is that the stand-up awkwardness of the Scorpio is gone, and that’s fantastic. 

Still, look closer and you’ll see a lot of fussy detailing all over the car. The nose especially has too many cuts, the wheel arches are a touch oversized and the rear is especially exaggerated with those fake strakes on the D-pillar. There are some appealing touches though, especially the Range Rover Evoque like rising beltline and blacked out pillars.  

On the inside:

The XUV has a tough build. The doors open and close with an impressive thunk, the insides have a hard wearing feel to them and the design is quite impressive as well, blending both traditional and modern quite nicely. There’s the typically large Mahindra wheel, a pair of impressively detailed deep dish dials and the ‘V’ shaped central console has a touchscreen on top. And like any good SUV there’s plenty of storage space here too.   

And it’s comfortable on the insides too. The seats are large and supportive, cabin space on all three rows is phenomenal and this makes the XUV a great car to spend long hours in. The second row bench however is not mounted on rails, so you can’t slide it forward to give third row occupants more space. What’s nice however is that the floor is flat and the central console does not intrude into the middle passenger’s space on the second row. With seven passengers however there’s absolutely no luggage space. 

Attention to detail and levels of fit and finish are also a bit disappointing. There are plenty of shiny plastic parts, some joints and shutlines are visible in places and some buttons feel poorly made as well. 

Mahindra has piled on the features however. This top-end W8 version gets a unique feature – voice commands for the audio system. Other standard goodies are the reverse parking sensors, air-con vents for all three rows, Bluetooth connectivity and a touch-screen system with satellite navigation (it’s got voice guidance in eight regional languages). This top-of-the-line version has plenty of safety features too. There’s ESP or anti-skid control, you get tyre pressure monitoring and with six airbags you should be pretty well protected. It’s also got a touch-screen system, satellite navigation, alloy wheels and remote locking.  

True value

Mahindra has taken a giant leap forward with the XUV500. It’s spacious, comfortable and attractive. But the best bit is that Mahindra has given it a shatteringly competitive price. The base two wheel drive W6 starts at Rs 10.8 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) going onto Rs 11.9 lakh for top end two wheel drive W8. There’s only one four wheel drive version, the top-end W8, for Rs 12.88 lakh. However, these are introductory prices and may go up in two or three months. 

With the XUV’s combination of frankly unbelievable pricing, long equipment list and strong diesel engine, it’s clear that Mahindra has got another winner on its hands.

• Value for money
• Comfort and equipment

• Some fussy styling elements
• Doesn't quite match global standards

Price Range (in lakhs)*
Ex-showroom Price	10.8-11.9 lakh (FWD), 12.88 lakh (AWD)
ENGINE
Fuel	Diesel
Displacement	2179cc
Power	140bhp at 3750rpm
Torque	33.65kgm
Transmission
Gearbox	6-speed manual
Chassis & Body
Length	4585mm
Width	1890mm
Height	1785mm
Wheel Base	2700mm
Wheels	17-inch alloy
Tyres	235/65R17
Suspension
Front	McPherson type with anti-roll bar
Rear	Multilink type with anti-roll bar
Brakes
Front	Disc
Rear	Disc