“Thunderbolt” Mahindra XUV5OO Detailed Review (5 Years Report)

[bhvm]

Re: “Thunderbolt” XUV 5OO Detailed Review (Decals, Audio, LED, Mods++)

Folks the Vehicle is back!
Here is my report after 30min Test drive-

1)Mild screeching sound from brakes
2)The Touchscreen Crash Issue has Re-appeared as told by dad I am really angry now! Aaaarrrgghhh~!!
3) The clutch feels very Up (towards me). After driving the Blue boy all the time, I've frankly forgotten if the clutch pedal is meant to be about 1.5 inch up compared to brake pedal. Please confirm guys!
4) Total FE on MID is 13 KMPL, which means in real life 12~12.5 KMPL
5) A Panel behind IRVM had fallen off, I could fix it though.

6) Everything else working fine and well.

 

[shreeni0403]

Re: “Thunderbolt” XUV 5OO Detailed Review (Decals, Audio, LED, Mods++)

The clutch feels very Up (towards me). After driving the Blue boy all the time, I've frankly forgotten if the clutch pedal is meant to be about 1.5 inch up compared to brake pedal. Please confirm guys!

Even I have it this way from day one. I was surprised and asked during delivery because this is not the case on my Ritz. M&M guys said this is how it is in XUV.

Will wait for others to confirm as well.

 

[bhvm]

Re: “Thunderbolt” XUV 5OO Detailed Review (Decals, Audio, LED, Mods++)

To-
GUPTA.SANJOY@mahindra.com
CUSTOMERCARE@mahindra.com
s.senthil@mahindra.com

Sub-Repeated Failures of XUV 500

REF- My Email to you dated 29 July 2014

Dear Mahindra,
I own an XUV500 W8 with the details as below-
XUV 500 W8 w2d
Chasis No-*********
Engine no-*********
Sale date- **-04-13

I am disappointed to note that I have been facing repeated Failures in one way or the other.

1)Last week, My family was on a Long distance trip away from home and the Clutch pedal Failed. sad to see such thing happen with just 32k kms on odo and totally new vehicle. The passengers were senior citizen aged 70+ and most of them women.

Whats more agitating that, This was a known issue and Mahindra has NOT informed us about the issues-
Mahindra XUV500 SUV Crossover Clutch Recall in India | Cartoq - Honest Car Advice
Mahindra XUV 500 recalled over faulty clutch - AutoPortal
Clutch Problems In Mahindra XUV 500,Recalling Affected Units - MaDrives

It also seems a common report on Various forums- (Please open each Link)
XUV 500 niggles and their solutions - Page 153 - Team-BHP
http://www.theautomotiveindia.com/f...ch-plate-flywheel-gone-bad-twice-49k-kms.html
XUV 500 niggles and their solutions - Page 153 - Team-BHP
XUV 500 niggles and their solutions - Page 153 - Team-BHP


I'm exactly angered by knowing that Mahindra used my family as test subjects without replacing the parts during regular service or offering a recall. The Problem was solved but In my case, The entire clutch was not replaced and only certain cylinder was replaced. Is Mahindra waiting that the Clutch and flywheel shall fail On road trips and keep me stranded before replacing?
We have already incurred Waste of Time and Stay charges for the above.

2) The brakes have started Squeaking since yesterday

3) You Might remember that I had complained about the Touchscreen/Console turning OFF abruptly. I have already visited various service centers away from Home (Total travel 2.5k KMS) for the issue and I am sorry to say that the issue comes up again.

4) The Plastic panel behind IRVM (that hides Light Rain Sensor) Just fell off during drive. I was able to fix it but shows poor quality build.

Sir,
Being a Member for "The Automotive India", we do have long term relation with Mahindra and their cars, But such issues are killing my faith in The car. My thread is here-
http://www.theautomotiveindia.com/f...detailed-review-decals-audio-led-mods-23.html

I hereby demand that-
1) The warranty on my Vehicle be extended to atleast 5 years free of charge.

2) Compensation be paid for the Time waste, Diesel and Stay charges that i have incurred due to Failure of vehicle.

Sir, I do love my vehicle and want to keep it for another 7 years atleast, But please do Humbly look into the 1000s of Niggles that people are facing and restore our faith in Mahindra. All the Positive notions will be noted on our forums.


Thanks,
Contact details-
*********


My earlier Mail to them-

> From:
> Sent: 29 July 2014 09:41
> To: GUPTA SANJOY
> Cc: CUSTOMERCARE
> Subject: Fault not cleared even with 5 visits
>
> To- Mahindra Customer care,
> gupta.sanjoy@mahindra.com
> customercare@mahindra.com
>
> Dear sir,
> It is disheartening to know that my complaint was not even replied, let
> alone solved. It is mentioned on your website that a reply will be provided
> within 6 hours. It has been over 7 DAYS and total lack of communication from
> your side is not inspiring.
>
> Kindly read the complaint and solve it.
>
> Thanks.
>
> Here is the original mail-
> Dear sir,
> I have an Mahindra XUV 500 W8 which has a strange fault in The center
> Console (esp Touch screen.) At random moments when driving, There is a loud
> 'POP' sound from speakers and the Touch screen goes completely off. As a
> result, all the Functions related to the center console Eg- GPS, Music
> system, Bluetooth, AC Controls, Tyre sensor, Fuel info Goes OFF. This is a
> very scary scenerio when we are peacefully driving but the console goes off
> without any reason and the Loud POP sound makes one startle or loose
> control. Sometimes parking the vehicle for 1~2 hour solves the problem but
> the Trouble repeats again and again.
>
> To solve the issue, i have been visiting your Authorized service centers
> since 1.5 year. A Major hassle is, I live away from the service centers and
> i have to travel 170+170 Km (to Nashik) just for the service center.
>
> The Silverbox was replaced twice regarding the issue, but has not cleared
> the Problem. Many times the problem is not re-created or Understood as it
> usually happens after 3~4 hours of driving the vehicle or at random.
>
> You are kindly requested to-
> 1) Pay for the travel and time costs of my past futile visits as Service
> centers are to far away and I waste entire day for the visits.
> Also the problem was not solved.
> 2) Rectify the Problem immediately at My doorstep, or replace the CAR if
> Rectification is not possible.
> 3) Provide a courtesy vehicle until my issues are resolved.
>
> Rough service details-
> May 2013- Satpuda Automobiles Jalgaon- problem not understood
> or re-created
> 30 JUL 2013 Satpuda Automobiles Jalgaon- Silver box Replaced
> 25-10-2013- Ratnaprabha Motors- Aurangabad- problem not understood
> or re-created
> Late 2013 Aakash Motors, Dhule- problem not
> understood or re-created
> 15 Mar 2104- Satpuda Automobiles Jalgaon- problem not understood
> or re-created
> June 2014- Jitendra Motors, Nashik- Silver box replaced.
>
> I'm afraid i don't have exact dates of Silver box replacement as Invoices
> were not provided for the same.
>
> Problem symptoms-
> 1)Flikering in Touchscreen display
> 2)There is a loud 'POP' sound from speakers and the Touch screen goes
> completely off (Black). As a result, all the Functions related to the center
> console Eg- GPS, Music system, Bluetooth, AC Controls, Tyre sensor, Fuel
> info Goes OFF.

>

 

[bhvm]

Re: “Thunderbolt” XUV 5OO Detailed Review (Decals, Audio, LED, Mods++)

I had forgotten to Upload the scan of Complaint which my Mom wrote at the service center.
Here it is-

 

[manuman]

Re: “Thunderbolt” XUV 5OO Detailed Review (Decals, Audio, LED, Mods++)

3) The clutch feels very Up (towards me). After driving the Blue boy all the time, I've frankly forgotten if the clutch pedal is meant to be about 1.5 inch up compared to brake pedal. Please confirm guys!

Well, it depends whether you are left footed or right footed

On a serious note - the clutch pedal is designed to be slightly up compared to other pdeals - almost on the same level (or closer) to the dead pedal. This is to enable quick and smooth switch between clutch and dead pedal, of course. My Hyundai Accent had a dead pedal, and that's when I realized the clutch was at slightly higher plane.

I drove a Scorpio earlier, and when I switched to XUV, the clutch felt great! So if one is used to a Sedan, the SUV / diesel car clutch could feel difficult.

The other possibilities one could feel uncomfortable with clutch are - big foot/shoes, or seat height/position (sorry if it sounds silly).

@bhvm: I will message Mr. Mahindra on this, immediately. Lets hope he responds quickly.

 

[bhvm]

Re: “Thunderbolt” XUV 5OO Detailed Review (Decals, Audio, LED, Mods++)

I got call from one of the higher guys at mahindra, He said he needs more time to study my case and will get back to me soon. He also mentioned that problem will be cleared at my place rather than making 350KM runs to nashik etc. Wow!

@manuman,
Thanks a Ton Bro!
I am okay with the clucth, maybe as i drove after driving i10, I had a shift in perception. Clutch feel is good.

 

[manuman]

Re: “Thunderbolt” XUV 5OO Detailed Review (Decals, Audio, LED, Mods++)

@bhvm: after my tweet, Mr. Anand Mahindra triggered someone to contact me on twitter this morning. Can you pass on your contact details, vehicle details, thru PM? alternatively, give me your email id and I will pass it on to Mahindra folks to take it forward with you.

 

[bhvm]

Re: “Thunderbolt” XUV 5OO Detailed Review (Decals, Audio, LED, Mods++)

@bhvm: after my tweet, Mr. Anand Mahindra triggered someone to contact me on twitter this morning. Can you pass on your contact details, vehicle details, thru PM? alternatively, give me your email id and I will pass it on to Mahindra folks to take it forward with you.

Thanks a ton,
I have sent you the details.
BTW do share twitter links/Screenshots as we are eager to read whats going on!

 

[CarLoverJosh]

Re: “Thunderbolt” XUV 5OO Detailed Review (Decals, Audio, LED, Mods++)

Dear bhvm, good to know that Thunderbolt is fine! BTW, where is the comparo between W4 and W8? Waiting for it.

@bhvm: after my tweet, Mr. Anand Mahindra triggered someone to contact me on twitter this morning. Can you pass on your contact details, vehicle details, thru PM? alternatively, give me your email id and I will pass it on to Mahindra folks to take it forward with you.

Hey, sorry to go a little off topic but i really beg you to ask and find out if there is a confirmed facelift. I know that it is coming but please just once ask him is possible.

 

[bhvm]

Re: “Thunderbolt” XUV 5OO Detailed Review (Decals, Audio, LED, Mods++)

Dear bhvm, good to know that Thunderbolt is fine! BTW, where is the comparo between W4 and W8? Waiting for it.

Ah sorry It just slipped outta my mind.
Here it is-

1>HUGE difference in Interior Plastic. I mean everything feels like cost cutting. The steering wheel, Dashboard, Door handles, Seats, Center console and switches, everything is so different!

He went for custom made leather seats later on, However the Original leather seats on W8 are just fantastic

2> His W4 provides more efficiency (14~14.5 KMPl) that my W8 (12.5~13.5 KMPL). Surprising as he's a speedy driver. His chauffeur suggested as there are less functions than w8 (Airbags,Leather seats,Electronics,Sensors) the W4 may exhibit a lower Electrical and mechanical load on the engine hence better FE.

3> Very poor headlamps on W4. The lack of Fog lamps also made a huge difference.

4>His car had much more rattles and squeaks than mine. Tyres lasted only 35k Kms. However I could attribute that to his speedy driving rather than Mahindra.

5>Poor sound quality from non-Touch Factory HU. But it surprisingly plays all formats from USB and AUX.

6>The Bumpers, Side skirts and plastics are Black on W4. He custom painted them to Silver and it sticks out like a sore thumb. He said he got em painted from SVC itself but the paint finish was very poor IMO. Also He painted the lowest end of Plastic as silver (they're matte black on mine) which looks funny.

7> Performance is Top notch , maybe even better. He overtakes Audis and BMWs at 180 KMPH

8>Lack of Little titbits like gear indicator, Absence of storage space above touchscreen. (which is weird as lack of touchscreen should have made more room)


These observations come from 1 Hour drive at Night on a mix on Highway and village roads. The ODO and age of our vehicles is about the same

 

[manuman]

Re: “Thunderbolt” XUV 5OO Detailed Review (Decals, Audio, LED, Mods++)

As expected, Mr. Anand Mahindra has delegated the action to Mahindra Customer Care, who is promptly responding though (coming from big boss...).

@CarLoverJosh: I am trying to get hold of Pawan Goenka who is the head of Mahindra Automotive. It would be nice to connect with him and ask all related questions.

I dont know how to share the twitter content here. I shall try taking a screen shot and paste it.

@bhvm: I have responded to your PM. I will be travelling for next couple of weeks in different time zone, hence expect delay in my response.

 

[CarLoverJosh]

Re: “Thunderbolt” XUV 5OO Detailed Review (Decals, Audio, LED, Mods++)

Ah sorry It just slipped outta my mind.
Here it is-

1>HUGE difference in Interior Plastic. I mean everything feels like cost cutting. The steering wheel, Dashboard, Door handles, Seats, Center console and switches, everything is so different!

He went for custom made leather seats later on, However the Original leather seats on W8 are just fantastic

2> His W4 provides more efficiency (14~14.5 KMPl) that my W8 (12.5~13.5 KMPL). Surprising as he's a speedy driver. His chauffeur suggested as there are less functions than w8 (Airbags,Leather seats,Electronics,Sensors) the W4 may exhibit a lower Electrical and mechanical load on the engine hence better FE.

3> Very poor headlamps on W4. The lack of Fog lamps also made a huge difference.

4>His car had much more rattles and squeaks than mine. Tyres lasted only 35k Kms. However I could attribute that to his speedy driving rather than Mahindra.

5>Poor sound quality from non-Touch Factory HU. But it surprisingly plays all formats from USB and AUX.

6>The Bumpers, Side skirts and plastics are Black on W4. He custom painted them to Silver and it sticks out like a sore thumb. He said he got em painted from SVC itself but the paint finish was very poor IMO. Also He painted the lowest end of Plastic as silver (they're matte black on mine) which looks funny.

7> Performance is Top notch , maybe even better. He overtakes Audis and BMWs at 180 KMPH

8>Lack of Little titbits like gear indicator, Absence of storage space above touchscreen. (which is weird as lack of touchscreen should have made more room)


These observations come from 1 Hour drive at Night on a mix on Highway and village roads. The ODO and age of our vehicles is about the same

Thanks for the comparo! IS it possible to have some pics of the W8 and W4. interior and exterior differences only

As expected, Mr. Anand Mahindra has delegated the action to Mahindra Customer Care, who is promptly responding though (coming from big boss...).

@CarLoverJosh: I am trying to get hold of Pawan Goenka who is the head of Mahindra Automotive. It would be nice to connect with him and ask all related questions.

Thanks please, keep on trying would love to hear a reply from him about the facelift.

 

[vishnu vichu]

Re: “Thunderbolt” XUV 5OO Detailed Review (Decals, Audio, LED, Mods++)

Nice, well packed informative thread

Sad that the slight niggles are worrying you.

How is the vehicle doing now ? Any response from the service centre ?

 

[bhvm]

Re: “Thunderbolt” XUV 5OO Detailed Review (Decals, Audio, LED, Mods++)

I contacted the Guy who called me yesterday,
He is arranging certain parts for The Infotainment so that He can get it replaced. He did'nt comment anything about clutch.

Vishnu,
I'm glad you liked the thread,
The vehicle has not been driven since that day I had the night drive. I am planning to make some business visits On Monday and will update you accordingly.

CLJ,
I don't have the W4 pics at the moment. Maybe next time i will meet my friend I can snap it and send it to you. W8 pics are in the beginning of thread.

 

[kinshuk.arya]

Re: “Thunderbolt” XUV 5OO Detailed Review (Decals, Audio, LED, Mods++)

Yo BHVM any tips on long rides? more than 1500km in a single stretch?