Mahindra XUV500 (W201): First Impressions Pg.29 Onwards

[Gurrala74]

Re: Mahindra XUV5OO: "The Dark Knight" Buying and Ownership Experience [22K Kms Cross

@IR and other XUV owners

It happened that I have visited a M&M workshop yesterday to address the problems in a old bolero of my friend. I am really surprised to see lot of lot of XUV 500 came for servicing all most all colors !!

So out of my little time I was just chatting with few XUV owners who were taking the delivery of their vehicles after service, I have asked their impressions of XUV and all of them expressed the same view like XUV is really a superb SUV in all aspects and other things they told were

1.They all say it is VFM either it is W6 or W8, either it is a launch time model are the improved one.
2. They say space is superb and the seating comfort is really good
3. Vehicle is planted during high speeds like 130kmph,140kmph very stable in straight line and better than Fortuner too
4. They just can't compare XUV with Scorpio in any aspect
5. They all said that the ride quality is good on good roads, but on some bad roads it is not good like "Safari" as there were 2 or 3 previous Safari owners.
6. Comfort is very good in driving seat and in the second row
7. They are very much impressed with the features of XUV and most of their buying decision was based on this point.
8. They said that in corners at medium speeds also, it is little bit scary to control and it is bit bumpy and body roll could be felt.
9. Finally most of them mentioned their discomfort for lot of initial niggles, parts replacements quoting the price of the SUV, they expect it to be niggle free.

In comparison, they have praised Duster, but finally their heart says XUV and they know about Storm, but could not wait for its launch in Hyderabad.

This is my crisp one to one observation at that specific service center of M&M and should not be generalised and taken as a overall report on XUV performance

 

[Iron Rock]

Re: Mahindra XUV5OO: "The Dark Knight" Buying and Ownership Experience [22K Kms Cross

Gurrala Sir, yes very valid points all of them, I would elaborate a bit more on points 8 and 9.

1) Regarding 8 its also to do with the handling skill of a driver, most indian drivers are used to RWD SUV, whereas the XUV comes with FWD coupled with good torque band all through the range, you can easily get the front wheel to spin with the power on tap if you are not cautious with the clutch. FWD coupled with good torque simply equates to torque steer and torque steer requires steering inputs to manage/correct the power laid.
Not everyone can handle power without getting scared especially in such situations.
So you need to also adapt your driving style a bit towards this. Generally i find many drivers braking while on the curve and then accelerating again which is not the right thing to do IMHO. You should brake just before the curve begins and then accelerate gradually as you negotiate the curve - offcourse be in the right gears as needed. Also to add people always confuse g force and body roll , g force will be there as long as you are on earth on any car really. I am least worried about body roll in XUV really, least of the worries
Personally to me this is more about understanding ones car/its setup and adapting to it.

2) Regarding point 9 XUV initial niggles is well discussed topic on the internet thanks to 40k + XUV sold, you get to hear it more often than anything else. Yes there are niggles which shouldnt have been there, but unlike models like Duster which have been there for a while, XUV was an all new attempt for Mahindra and there are several firsts and dare i say it was a bit too ambitious given their roots. Yes the niggles are inexcusable but their ability/attitude to address them has been commendable too - so its a mixed bag for me experiencing all this first hand. Having seen how they have addressed it gives me confidence though - hope there are good lessons learnt for the future. Having said that hopefully the newer XUV owners will have very little to complaint.

 

[tornado78]

Re: Mahindra XUV5OO: "The Dark Knight" Buying and Ownership Experience [22K Kms Cross

Gurrala Sir, yes very valid points all of them, I would elaborate a bit more on points 8 and 9.

1) Regarding 8 its also to do with the handling skill of a driver, most indian drivers are used to RWD SUV, whereas the XUV comes with FWD coupled with good torque band all through the range, you can easily get the front wheel to spin with the power on tap if you are not cautious with the clutch. FWD coupled with good torque simply equates to torque steer and torque steer requires steering inputs to manage/correct the power laid.
Not everyone can handle power without getting scared especially in such situations.
So you need to also adapt your driving style a bit towards this. Generally i find many drivers braking while on the curve and then accelerating again which is not the right thing to do IMHO. You should brake just before the curve begins and then accelerate gradually as you negotiate the curve - offcourse be in the right gears as needed. Also to add people always confuse g force and body roll , g force will be there as long as you are on earth on any car really. I am least worried about body roll in XUV really, least of the worries
Personally to me this is more about understanding ones car/its setup and adapting to it.

2) Regarding point 9 XUV initial niggles is well discussed topic on the internet thanks to 40k + XUV sold, you get to hear it more often than anything else. Yes there are niggles which shouldnt have been there, but unlike models like Duster which have been there for a while, XUV was an all new attempt for Mahindra and there are several firsts and dare i say it was a bit too ambitious given their roots. Yes the niggles are inexcusable but their ability/attitude to address them has been commendable too - so its a mixed bag for me experiencing all this first hand. Having seen how they have addressed it gives me confidence though - hope there are good lessons learnt for the future. Having said that hopefully the newer XUV owners will have very little to complaint.

For Point 8: Yes there is torque steer in almost all diesel vehicles, especially in powerful turbocharged front wheel drive ones. The right procedure to take turn is BGS i.e.
Brake: Apply brake before reaching the corner to bring vehicle in the right most speed to take the turn,
Gear: Bring down or up the vehicle in the right turn as per the speed required to go into turn and
Steeering: After applying Brakes and slotting the vehicle in right gear than move your steering in the direction in which you want to take turn.

If possible, avoid changing gears between taking turns and look out for blind corners and try to foresee the view which is obstruct by any vehicle or 'A' pillar of your car.

So, back to cornering and ride quality of XUV: it is hard as comapare to Aria and Storme and thats one of the reason it handles corners better than Aria but loose out on pliant ride on all speeds.

Pont No. 9: Yes, i also expects that after paying 1.5 millions on a vehicle i will not get into the trouble or trap of initial niggles. This applies for all sorts of vehicles.

 

[Iron Rock]

Re: Mahindra XUV5OO: "The Dark Knight" Buying and Ownership Experience [22K Kms Cross

For Point 8: Yes there is torque steer in almost all diesel vehicles, especially in powerful turbocharged front wheel drive ones.

Pont No. 9: Yes, i also expects that after paying 1.5 millions on a vehicle i will not get into the trouble or trap of initial niggles. This applies for all sorts of vehicles.

Yes but in rear wheel drive turbo vehicles you dont need to battle as much with your steering column (when you are facing torque steer), the feel on the steering is more pronounced in FWD SUV, btw how many other FWD SUVs exist in India ?

Yes thats true about niggles, as an owner whether i buy a nano or a R8 i expect the machine to work flawlessly within its spectrum. But engineering realities are far from it.

 

[samsaw]

XUV 5OO raining in TAI Singh890,Shiba then crazycat wow great. XUV community is growing here in TAI :) Thinking to start XUV 500 fan club howzz that?

 

[Raja]

XUV 5OO raining in TAI Singh890,Shiba then crazycat wow great. XUV community is growing here in TAI :) Thinking to start XUV 500 fan club howzz that?

cool idea infact you must start a thread " post pics of your xuv" model ,year,month bought .

 

[samsaw]

cool idea infact you must start a thread " post pics of your xuv" model ,year,month bought .

@Raja sure actually currently I am accessing TAI from office so not able to upload the pics. And my laptop is not working :( so not able to do it from home. I have uploaded pics on FB.

So once everything is in place I will start it :)

 

[mukeshus]

Re: Mahindra XUV500 (W201): Blue Sense App for XUV5OO W8

Mahindra & Mahindra has launched the Blue Sense app for its XUV500. The app is supported on the W8 model and comes with a host of features. The app is supported on Android phones and connects to the XUV500’s infotainment system. Users will be able to control the infotainment system through the app and also access information related to climate control, TPMS (Tyre pressure monitoring system), fuel statistics. This will also enable users to keep tabs on important maintenance data.

Speaking about the app, Mr Rajan Wadhera, chief executive – technology, product development & sourcing, said, “The Mahindra BLUE SENSE® APP is designed to take user experience to the next level. This first-of-its-kind smart app will provide greater convenience, accessibility and information to the driver as well as co-passengers to ensure a safe, pleasurable and hassle-free driving experience. We have ensured that over 41000 existing XUV500 owners can also upgrade their XUV500 with the Mahindra BLUE SENSE® APP.”

Source:Mahindra launches new app for XUV500 | News | Autocar India

I am wondering whether Iron Rock had posted a review on the same?

 

[visran]

Re: Mahindra XUV500 (W201): Blue Sense App for XUV5OO W8

Mahindra & Mahindra has launched the Blue Sense app for its XUV500.

Pic's from the app launch event

 

[Iron Rock]

Re: Mahindra XUV500 (W201): Blue Sense App for XUV5OO W8

I am wondering whether Iron Rock had posted a review on the same?

Nope this is a new app which requires a 4.4 Infotainment update as well, its been available for dealership to download from mahindra but as the file size is big, my dealer is still struggling to get it downloaded (they are downloading it over a poor dongle i think! ) - i expect to get my hands on the update as soon as they download it

@singh890 may be you have the 4.4 update on your infotainment system and check this ?

 

[singh890]

Re: Mahindra XUV500 (W201): Blue Sense App for XUV5OO W8

XUV 5OO raining in TAI Singh890,Shiba then crazycat wow great. XUV community is growing here in TAI :) Thinking to start XUV 500 fan club howzz that?

That would be really great. I'll see if i can start a thread today once i am done with my meeting.

cool idea infact you must start a thread " post pics of your xuv" model ,year,month bought .

Good advise bro.

Nope this is a new app which requires a 4.4 Infotainment update as well, its been available for dealership to download from mahindra but as the file size is big, my dealer is still struggling to get it downloaded (they are downloading it over a poor dongle i think! ) - i expect to get my hands on the update as soon as they download it

@singh890 may be you have the 4.4 update on your infotainment system and check this ?

How do we check what version is our Infotainment currently using?

And if it is not updated then i'll tell my brother to get it done in their next trip to Delhi.

 

[Iron Rock]

Re: Mahindra XUV500 (W201): Blue Sense App for XUV5OO W8

How do we check what version is our Infotainment currently using?

And if it is not updated then i'll tell my brother to get it done in their next trip to Delhi.

With the key on press mute and seek(>>) simultaneously and that would open up a hidden menu

 

[S Class]

Re: Mahindra XUV500 (W201): Blue Sense App for XUV5OO W8

With the key on press mute and seek(>>) simultaneously and that would open up a hidden menu

Thanks. Will ask this to get done.
BTW, the first hand feedback which I got from Nagpur XUVs, W6 & W8 is they do pretty well on highways, handling is good for an UV but on bad roads, it can't soak it properly. The thuds are heard & felt inside. Seems this is universal as both are facing same probs.
And my bad, till date never seen single of these 3 XUVs in flesh. The trip to Nagpur also got postponed. Will be going there in late Jan 13 now.

 

[arubhu]

Re: Mahindra XUV5OO: "The Dark Knight" Buying and Ownership Experience [22K Kms Cross

@IR and other XUV owners

It happened that I have visited a M&M workshop yesterday to address the problems in a old bolero of my friend. I am really surprised to see lot of lot of XUV 500 came for servicing all most all colors !!

So out of my little time I was just chatting with few XUV owners who were taking the delivery of their vehicles after service, I have asked their impressions of XUV and all of them expressed the same view like XUV is really a superb SUV in all aspects and other things they told were

1.They all say it is VFM either it is W6 or W8, either it is a launch time model are the improved one.
2. They say space is superb and the seating comfort is really good
3. Vehicle is planted during high speeds like 130kmph,140kmph very stable in straight line and better than Fortuner too
4. They just can't compare XUV with Scorpio in any aspect
5. They all said that the ride quality is good on good roads, but on some bad roads it is not good like "Safari" as there were 2 or 3 previous Safari owners.
6. Comfort is very good in driving seat and in the second row
7. They are very much impressed with the features of XUV and most of their buying decision was based on this point.
8. They said that in corners at medium speeds also, it is little bit scary to control and it is bit bumpy and body roll could be felt.
9. Finally most of them mentioned their discomfort for lot of initial niggles, parts replacements quoting the price of the SUV, they expect it to be niggle free.

In comparison, they have praised Duster, but finally their heart says XUV and they know about Storm, but could not wait for its launch in Hyderabad.

This is my crisp one to one observation at that specific service center of M&M and should not be generalised and taken as a overall report on XUV performance

Hello

The XUV owners are very correct . XUV being a monocoque construction is bound to be comfortable and pleasurable in terms of driving comfort even better than a fortuner which is a ladder on frame chasis
Small niggles can always be corrected later but one thing to note is that premium of around 10-12 Lakhs which can be saved by not opting for other SUV which are less on features ,but charge hefty amounts in the name of quality and what not .

Amit

 

[manojodungat]

Another Test Drive review of XUV 5OO,this time on south African roads

We were only too happy to barrel up and down the passes on end in the XUV – which displayed fair amounts of agility and body control for its size – but by the time we were heading back, it was nightfall, we were in the largely lonely countryside and we were in South Africa.

Despite being a fairly large vehicle, the XUV doesn’t feel hulking great from the driver’s point of view. What it does best is to eat up the miles with ease, with the torquey 2.2 mHawk on boost, the cruise control locked and with Mark Knopfler’s Gibson on the radio. We only wish the motor felt less diesel-like, more free-revving and generally creamier.

Boss,for that you will have to wait for the petrol variant which I heard Mahindra is working on.

This piece of tarmac hugs a coastline that most would’ve seen only in the movies and mixes driving fun with heady scenic scapes like few other places. Much to everyone’s surprise, the XUV managed to hold its own when pushed through a fast set of corners and since there were four journos to a car, we appreciated the space and the comfort it provided. Pity that Mahindra can’t pass on the cost advantage like they do in India because of the South African duty structure. As a result, the XUV5oo has got formidable competition in the form of the Hyundai iX35, the Honda CR-V, the VW Tiguan and the likes.

The food is nigh on perfect, made ‘the way our fishermen like their women to make it’. The XUVs enjoyed their novelty status by the harbour as tourists tried to figure out what brand it really was. ‘Looks quite good, eh?’ was the usual response.

source:
Mahindra XUV drive - Paradise city