Indian automaker Mahindra has introduced its flagship offering, the XUV700, in Australia. It is available in two petrol-powered variants – AX7 and AX7 L. Where the former has a price tag of AUD 36,990, the latter, at AUD 39,990, costs AUD 3,000 more. And regardless of the derivative one settles for, the XUV700 has a 7-seat layout.
Unlike in India, where the Mahindra XUV700 is available with multiple powertrains, it arrives in Australia with just one – a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The powerplant pumps out 200hp and a peak torque of 380Nm, which should be plenty for the 1.8-tonne people haulier.
The standard features list is impressive. It includes two 10.25-inch high-def displays, one each for infotainment purposes and the digital instrument cluster, support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a six-speaker sound system, panoramic sunroof, six airbags, flush door handles, 18-inch alloy wheels, powered driver’s seat with memory function, dual-zone automatic climate control, auto headlamps and wipers, tyre pressure monitoring system and ADAS. That last one comprises adaptive cruise control, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition and Automatic Emergency Braking, among others.
The range-topping derivative ropes in additional features, such as a Blind View Monitor, a 12-speaker sound system, a 360-degree surround-view camera, an electronic parking brake, telescopic adjustment for the steering wheel, electric exterior door handles, wireless charging, a knee airbag and ‘Stop and Go’ function for the adaptive cruise control.
Mahindra offers the XUV700 in five colours – white, black, red, silver and blue. And by default, the SUV comes with a 7-year/150,000km warranty and a 7-year membership for roadside assistance. It is unclear whether Mahindra would consider introducing more seating layout options for the XUV700 in Australia or the choice of a manual transmission. But do you think it is priced well enough to give the competition a run for their money?
