Mahindra Reviews

Leaps don't come larger than the Mahindra XUV700's over its worthy if basic XUV500 predecessor. Benefitting from a shift to quality, refinement and driving capability, the all-new mid-sized SUV arrives as a clean slate proposition, to woo away Mitsubishi Outlander buyers with impressive looks, packaging, safety and value. Our first taste in India reveals a shockingly well-rounded family runabout.

You may never have heard of them, but Mahindra is a giant in its home market of India, and now it wants to properly conquer Australia, too. Its first real salvo in a new model offensive is a six-seat, diesel-powered 4WD called the Scorpio.Is it a cut-price alternative to the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Ford Everest? Andrew Chesterton put it to the test, both on- and off-road, to find out.

The Mahindra Group is a $20 billion Indian conglomerate based in Mumbai. It consists of more than 150 companies and has an expansive global reach across 22 different industries in more than 100 countries. Its diverse operations include aerospace, construction/farm/industrial equipment, defence, energy, IT, logistics, real estate and many more.

The S10 is the best-equipped of the Mahindra PikUp family, sitting above only the S6 in the two-model range.

The S6 is the cheapest way into a Mahindra PikUp, sitting below the better-equipped S10 in the two-tier line-up.

The Mahindra PikUp is a no-frills work truck designed for those who value hard-working function over flashy styling form. It's tough and simple, but the standard spec is close to bare bones.

The W6 isn’t just the cheapest way into the Mahindra XUV500 range, it’s about the cheapest way into a seven-seat SUV in Australia.

The W8 occupies the second (and top) rung on the XUV500 ladder, sitting above only the W6 in the two-tier line-up.

Mahindra hits the target in terms of price, but does it deliver on design and build quality? A new petrol-powered XUV500 aims to lift the brand further up the crowded seven-seat SUV ladder.

Once you get past the predictable jibes and the plasticky smell inside, the new Mahindra XUV500 is something decent from the big |Indian manufacturer - light years ahead of the rather horrible Pik-Up ute.At $30,000 - $33,000 for front wheel drive and all wheel drive respectively, buyers get plenty of vehicle for the money, but no bargain basement prices.The new compact XUV (SUV) is pitted against some classy competition in the small soft roader segment and arrives fighting, loaded with goodies that add considerably to its appeal.It's an entirely new vehicle on a new platform with a new powertrain from Mahindra itself which also happens to own Korean outfit SsangYong.You can already see discernible cross pollination - coming from the SsangYong side into Mahindra. The engine feels just like a SsangYong to drive and bits of the interior including the door locking system are familiar. The monocoque body is about the same dimensions as a RAV4 and it's slightly larger inside allowing for a third row of seats for seven pews in total.That's a lot of bods in a not very big vehicle but they all fit pretty well thanks in part to the upright rear roof section and tailgate. The car looks impressive on the street, certainly not as hokey as the Pik-Up.This one is quite pukka especially from the front and sides. To their credit, Mahindra developed their own styling for XUV and it's distinctive. But the interior is outdated in style and function, looking years old - like earlier Korean and Malaysian efforts in its design, materials and function.Despite being a throwback there's plenty of modern technology like voice control, Bluetooth and satnav among a generous list of goodies. The faux woodgrain is a tad tacky and the dash panel fit is only OK. You'll need spectacles to see the tiny writing on the controls that dot the cabin capped by a set of retro looking but high-tech dials sticking up in front of the wheel.Mahindra has put attractive two-tone leather upholstery into the vehicle along with climate control, tyre pressure monitor, auto headlights and wipers and a reasonable audio system. Some touch screen functions are provided.The engine is an in-house effort as is the six speed manual-only transmission. XUV is sold in two variants - front wheel drive and all wheel drive and only one high spec' W8 level. The diesel is a 2.2-litre with variable geometry turbo and is good for 103kW/330Nm output - no complaints there. Fuel economy is a respectable 6.7-litres/100km from the 1785kg all wheel drive model and on demand system.Safety rates four stars from ANCAP thanks in part to six airbags, stability control and roll-over mitigation system.It's an interesting thing to drive, good in parts like the curate's egg. There's a daft engine stop/start system that can be easily tricked into stopping and then not starting again without a full shut down. But the engine itself has plenty of pull from low in the revs aided by pretty good gearing from the rubbery shifting manual box.Our test vehicle had an annoying drivetrain rumble from 80-110kmh. The Mahindra is a reasonable thing to drive, bit coarse, bit old school actually. But it is practical, has an excellent turning circle and easy to fold flat seats. We reckon 1000km range would be achievable.