[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/43701617255/[/flickr]
The petrol engine offers uninspiring performance
Performance – The Mahindra XUV500 petrol gets a 2.2-litre engine which shares its block with the diesel engine. Producing 140 HP at 4500 RPM and 320 Nm from 2000-3000 RPM, this engine is very refined. It is mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox and there’s no option of a manual. Driveability isn’t that great, it just offers a satisfactory driving experience. The low end punch isn’t very strong but in the mid-range, the engine delivers a good amount of power. The top-end is quite flat and the XUV500 petrol redlines at just about 4500 RPM. The gearbox offers smooth shifts but fuel efficiency is limited to 6-8 km/l.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/43701621945/[/flickr]
Rear passengers do complain of a bouncy ride
Driving Dynamics – The Mahindra XUV500 drives similar to the diesel model. We were expecting the handling to be better but the petrol engine’s weight isn’t too different from the oil-burner’s. The SUV has a lot of body roll and the steering doesn’t offer great feedback. The suspension overcomes bad roads very easily but ride quality is quite bouncy, more so at the rear. The brakes have good stopping power but just like most other Mahindras, the pedal on this car too has a spongy feel.
