Mahindra has since its entry to the South African market in 2004 sold 75 000 vehicles here and made a name with its eye-catching and affordable Indian assembled vehicles. This one takes the cake for magic features. It even boasts four smart door handles, which are kind of invisible but comfortably pop out of their housings with keyless unlocking, before automatically retracting again when driving off!
Actually, with its quality feel and comforts we felt privileged ‘driving off’ to Langebaan for a weekend breakaway – in the top specification of three models, the AX7 at a remarkably affordable R560 000 for an SUV, with its stylish white leatherette upholstery. The other two variants are, respectively priced at R475 000 (AX5, five seats) and R525 000 (AX7, 7 seats) and also not lacking in the look-and-feel department.
All feature 17” diamond cut alloy wheels, a Skyroof panoramic glass roof and a super screen – a combination of two high-definition HD 26 cm digital screens for the digital cluster with user-friendly infotainment systems and detailed driver information.
With its new “Twin Peaks logo”, the Mahindra XUV700 – pronounced as “XUV seven double O”, sits on an all-new platform. It was originally supposed to supersede the predecessor XUV500, but Mahindra later decided to change its designation to better represent its upmarket aspirations “with a contemporary design, advanced technology, world-class safety (including four to seven airbags), nifty performance and sophisticated dynamics.”
The more aggressive front grille is flanked by LED clear-view headlamp clusters, LED daytime running lights and sequential LED indicators.
The body now comprises enhanced high-tensile steels for toughness and torsional rigidity while reducing overall weight and contributing to improved fuel consumption.
The standard 2-litre mStallion turbo-petrol engine delivers a handy 149 kW and 380 Nm torque via a nifty six-speed automatic transmission and front wheel drive.
According to the trip computer this translated to fuel consumption of around 6 litres/100 km during agile city driving with light and direct steering but jumping up to 12 F at quite pliable but surefooted higher speeds on the open road. Meanwhile, the well-proven Mahindra 2.2-m Hawk turbodiesel engine and six speed manual gearbox is already available in other countries and should make its welcome way here.
Lively petrol power is available for overtaking – which should also apply with a full passenger complement on board, although those two rear extra seats are naturally on the cramped side, with limited luggage space.
But it’s a totally different story with the seats six and seven folded flat.
For a compact crossover, the XUV700 offers surprising space, with advanced driver assistance systems like Smart Pilot Assist,adaptable cruise control and Lane Keep Assist in the two top models.
The entry model alone boasts 20 special features, to which another 23 are added in the AX7 and another 12 in the test-driven AX7–L. Please don’t ask me to describe all!
I must mention the handy blind view monitor in the form of side view camera images – almost like rear view mirrors – in the instrument cluster when the indicator is activated – in addition to continuous digital video recording and 360º surround view.
The AX7–L boasts a potent Sony 12-speaker sound system, while all models come standard with wireless Android Auto and Apple Carplay compatibility. Simply a lekker little car! No wonder its practicality and price won it the 2022 Car of the Year Award in India.
The XUV700 boasts a comprehensive 100 000 km service plan and 150 000 km mechanical warranty, both for five years, with more than 70 service centres and dealerships in South Africa today, including in Paarl.. Mahindra recently also launched the redesigned, medium-sized Scorpio N 4X4 SUV, a ladder-frame 7-seater with 2.2 F turbodiesel engine for more adventurous moves.
