The New Age XUV 5OO Road Test Review

I guess it would be my luck that I was driving the W10 variant of the XUV. The top end W10 version has been packed with all sorts of driver aids. It comes with ABS & EBD, Hill Descent Control, Hill Hold Control, Tyretronics and ESP with roll over mitigation. All of those proved very handy with every feature kicking in just when it was required. At first I was a bit nervous taking on a few obstacles but the AWD (All Wheel Drive) XUV 5OO was at home and at par with the elements thrown its way. The independent suspension system worked beautifully even on rough stretches of grass land and pothole laden roads. The 235/65 R17 tubeless tyres were quite handy when it came to a few high speed stints on the open grass lands. The tyres gripped the ground well and the ESP kicked in every time I would over steer. The W10 variant also has a roll over mitigation programme with the ESP. Thus every time the ESP sensors would detect an anomaly in the vehicles movement patterns it will break individual wheels and reduce the driving torque to prevent a roll over.

At the heart of the XUV is a mighty 2179cc mHawk140 diesel motor. It produces 140bhp @ 3750rpm and churns out a massive 330Nm @ 1600-2800rpm. In layman’s terms the XUV is quick despite its size and weight. The vehicle can go from 0-60kpmh in a matter of 5.4 seconds. The 5th generation VGT is quite refined giving an almost uninterrupted flow of power. The 6-speed synchromesh manual transmission is smooth to say the least and gears fall seamlessly into place. While on tarmac the disc and calliper type brakes are efficient and any previous braking issues have been resolved. The independent suspension with anti-roll bars in the front and rear facilitate a smooth ride and minimise body roll. Like the cheetah, the XUV is not only fast but agile as well. It is quick through the corners and handles well at high speeds. The ESP ensures adequate traction and a stable ride. 

The fun doesn’t stop there, the XUV is packed with many more handy features like a push button start/stop, passive keyless entry, 6-way power adjusted driver’s seat, a voice messaging system, brake energy regeneration, reverse parking camera with dynamic assist, fully automatic temperature control, steering mounted controls with voice command and cruise control, electronic sunroof with an anti-pinch function, etc. On the exterior of the new XUV you have a re-designed headlamp cluster with static bending projector headlamps which illuminate corners while turning. The XUV also has a follow me home and lead me to vehicle function. The re-designed head lamps and tail lamps look more aggressive than the previous options and have a sportier feel. On the inside you have a 7 inch colour touch screen infotainment system which is quite easy to operate and facilitates USB, Bluetooth and iPod connectivity seamlessly. It also doubles up as a GPS system and a reverse camera with dynamic assist and grid lines. The vehicle also offers internally adjustable and retractable ORVMs with Logo projection lamps, rain sensing wipers, light sensing headlamps, fully automatic temperature control and an electronic steering lock.

One of the benefits of owning the XUV 5OO is the versatility it offers. It is not just a comfortable vehicle for your daily commute but can also be used for camping, off-road adventures and other such activities to break the daily grind. This is one vehicle which will never leave you wanting for more and dares you to take the road less travelled. Packed with a host of handy features it also offers butch style and a brawny engine. The new age XUV 5OO is all bang for your buck with a starting price of Rs. 15,99,000 (ex-showroom Delhi).