Why should you buy- Mahindra XUV500 petrol

Mahindra has launched a petrol version of the XUV500 and has priced it at Rs 15.49 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi). This petrol XUV500 is a part of Mahindra’s plans to diversify its range and in the larger scheme of things, open up their flagship SUV to a larger number of markets across the globe as well as buyers in the domestic market. This petrol version comes nearly seven years into the car´s existence and is being offered in one top-of-the-line G petrol variant.

What’s good about it?
You get a lot of kit for this price range. This includes climate control, 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, six-airbags with ABS and EBD. What’s more the XUV500 is a seven-seater vehicle and is the only petrol SUV to offer seating for so many for an ex-showroom price under Rs 20 lakhs. A petrol XUV500 also means the Mahindra badge is available for those who want the car but don’t drive enough to justify the need for a diesel engine.

What’s bad about it?
Mahindra has struggled with quality and the XUV500 has a long way to go. This is especially evident, when it is compared with the other seven-seat petrol option in this part of the market, which is the Toyota Innova. What’s more, you only get it with an AT, which is good in the crowded urban areas but it might be viewed as a drawback in smaller cities where a manual gearbox is still a preferred choice.

Quick facts
Price: Rs 15.49 lakhs
Engine: 2.2-litre
Output and gearbox: 140bhp/320Nm, Six-speed AT