Below, we state 4 reasons to buy the Mahindra XUV700 and 4 reasons to look elsewhere
There are many reasons to buy the Mahindra XUV700, the complete price list of which was released only recently. The SUV looks good, can seat up to 7 people, is crammed with features and comes with both petrol and diesel engines too.
As excellent as it may be, the XUV700 does have a few chinks in its armour and we are here to point them out. But, let us look at the good stuff first.
4 Reasons To Buy –
Design – Now, design is debatable and, yes, there are other SUVs out there which look better than the XUV700. But, the Mahindra car does look good thanks to the automaker adopting a muscular design that is also contemporary. People would be able to identify the car in an instant, which is a bonus.
Features – Writing a list called ‘Reasons to buy Mahindra XUV700′(?!) then take a look at the features the SUV comes with. Even the base MX grade features a 7-inch digital cluster, 8-inch infotainment system, LED tail lamps, smart door handles and Android Auto. Higher models have more goodies and the top model also comes with ADAS.
Powertrains – This is where the XUV700 is very strong. Customers get the choice of a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol (200 PS and 380 Nm) and a 2.2-litre turbodiesel in 2 states of tune (155 PS and 360 Nm; and 185 PS and 450 Nm). Both can be had with a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic gearbox. The engines are punchy and offer good driveability.
Price – The SUV is priced between Rs. 11.99 lakhs and Rs. 19.79 lakhs (ex-showroom, India) which covers models from the class of the Hyundai Creta, from the class of the MG Hector and Tata Safari and even the Jeep Compass to some extent.
4 Reasons Not To Buy –
Interior Quality – The cabin does feel premium and is a step up over the XUV500, but still leaves a bit to be desired, especially considering the cost of the top variants. One can find hard plastics, rough edges here and there. Mahindra could have also avoided using Piano Black and faux wood interior trim.
Missing Features – Despite being a well-equipped car, the XUV700 does not come with an auto-dimming IRVM, ventilated seats, paddle shifters and a full-size spare wheel. Also, the petrol model does not get all-wheel drive or drive modes and the second row seats cannot be slid back and forth, as a result of which the third row is anything but cramped.
Steering Feel – It has good engines and drives well, but the steering does not offer the kind of feedback that one experienced with the XUV500. Our very own Parth Gohil found it to be “a bit disconnected and artificial”. Nonetheless, the SUV remains a vehicle that is easy to drive.
Price – Now, I know that the same point is already present under the Mahindra XUV700 reasons to buy tag, but hear me out. The revealed asking price of the SUV is only for the first 25,000 customers, post which the car will likely cost more. Also, the optional Luxury pack is quite costly at Rs. 1.80 lakh and Mahindra is asking Rs. 1.30 lakh over and above the top-spec diesel AT to equip it with all-wheel drive, which is a bit steep.
