Mahindra introduce improved XUV700 into SA market
The new Mahindra XUV700 steps into the highly competitive and growing market for medium-sized luxury SUVs with a host of technological innovations, powerful engines and a stunning new design in its favour. Here are the details.
The all-new XUV700 is designed to offer a stunning and unique visual signature in a market filled with generic SUVs and to proudly display the new Mahindra “Twin Peaks” logo.
From the outside, the new model incorporates distinctive design elements such as accentuated wheel arches, a strong wedge-shaped body with large windows and big, sculpted lights.
Inside the cabin, there is modern technology at every touchpoint. Mahindra’s team of engineers and technology specialists has created a “sci-fi tech” cockpit with several innovative features. These include a new Superscreen that combines two 10.25” high-definition screens into one for an immersive display of vehicle and entertainment information.
The engine range includes a new 2.0 litre mSTALLION GDi turbo-petrol engine with 147 kW and 380 Nm of torque and a brand-new 2.2 litre CRDe turbo diesel mHAWK engine with up to 136 kW and a powerful 450 Nm of torque.
The new Mahindra XUV700 arrives in South Africa as the new flag bearer for the Global New Car Assessment Programme’s Safest Drives initiative.
Designed with a unique tubular ring structure and high-tensile steel for the greatest structural integrity, the XUV700 received a full five-star safety rating for adult occupants and four stars for child safety.
While the XUV700 is still very new to the global market, it has already proven its durability and reliability credentials. In India, the XUV700 set several new Indian National Records in a 24-hour Speed Endurance Challenge where different versions of the diesel and petrol engine XUV700 models all covered over 4 000 kilometres in 24 hours. In doing this, the XUV700 broke the previous endurance record by over 1 000 kilometres, with no mechanical issues or breakages.
Also worth a look: the Mahindra-Volkswagen Forge India's Electric Future and the Mahindra Xuv700.
FAQ
Q: What does the Mahindra XUV700 cost in South Africa?
The Mahindra XUV700 starts from around R599,900 for the base petrol model and goes up to R749,900 for the top-spec diesel variant with all-wheel drive, making it competitive against rivals like the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest.
Q: Is the Mahindra XUV700 reliable and worth buying?
The XUV700 has proven its reliability credentials by breaking Indian endurance records, covering over 4,000 kilometres in 24 hours, plus it comes with a 5-year/100,000km warranty that shows Mahindra's confidence in their product.
Q: How powerful is the Mahindra XUV700 engine?
The XUV700 offers two engine options: a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol with 147 kW and 380 Nm, and a more powerful 2.2-litre turbo-diesel with 136 kW and 450 Nm of torque, both available with manual or automatic transmissions.
Q: How safe is the Mahindra XUV700 compared to other SUVs?
The XUV700 earned a full 5-star safety rating for adult occupants and 4 stars for child safety from Global NCAP, putting it ahead of many competitors in the medium SUV segment for crash protection.
Q: What technology features does the Mahindra XUV700 have?
The XUV700 features Mahindra's "Superscreen" with twin 10.25-inch HD displays, advanced driver assistance systems, connected car technology, and premium sound system that rivals more expensive German SUVs.
Should You Buy It?
The best value-packed luxury SUV under R750,000 in South Africa is definitely the Mahindra XUV700. At R599,900 for the entry-level model, you're getting 5-star safety, proven reliability, powerful engines, and tech features that would cost you R200,000 more in a Toyota Prado or Ford Everest. The XUV700 is a solid yes if you want premium SUV features without the premium price tag, though consider the diesel variant at R679,900 for better fuel economy and that massive 450 Nm torque figure that'll make short work of weekend getaways to the Drakensberg.
