Optimus: Mahindra XUV500 W8 FWD. Long Term Ownership Review

[Akash]

Re: Optimus: Mahindra XUV 500W8 FWD. 20,000 Kms Completed

Oh man. Good to see the updates in this thread. Currently, after browsing through so many ownership experiences of the TAI members, I find myself so attracted to this SUV. It wont be a lie if I say that this is indeed my favorite SUV available in India!

 

[dhoom9]

Re: Say Hello to Optimus: A Tuscan Red Mahindra XUV5OO W8 FWD

Congratulations, & have many more safe & happy miles to come.

In highbeam mode both remain ON i was worried with the flash function only.

In my all cars, In High beam mode (light stick towards floor), only high beam are lit, in low beam mode (light stick in middle), only low beam are lit, but when you flash / deeper ( temporary pulling light stick towards steering wheel, that is towards roof of car) both beams are lit temporarily, till you allow stick to fall to mid position, that is of low beam.

So flasher / deeper cause all four beams to lit, some feel that is too much light, & hence they shift light stick between low beam & high beam, rather than flash from low beam position. Might affect the life of gear stick but don't want to flash eyes of driver of the opposing lane vehicle.

Nice escapade Kinshuk, the tyres are the biggest culprit usually, especially so in xuv, with those treads you dont stand a chance in 1/2 inch of slush especially if its a slight incline.

Scorpio is heavier than xuv - its actually the tyres which make the biggest difference offroading - front wheel and rear wheel drive largely influences vehicle control. if its clayish mud/slush, XUV doesnt stand a chance ! and in offroading pictures can never ever help you figure if any other vehicle can pass through it or not - it might look simple, but end up difficult or even vice versa. The best mantra is explore with caution and with experience you will keep on learning !

Sirji, do you think that F8 AWD variant of XUV500 can make any big difference in such conditions? AWD model might win in some conditions where FWD fail or give trouble, as with my T-Rex (Rexton RX6), where initially I was using 4L switch to cross small patch of muddy road to my farmhouse, I can now easily cross that even in 4H (=TOD) mode, even during rain / after rain.

 

[kinshuk.arya]

Re: Optimus: Mahindra XUV 500W8 FWD. 20,000 Kms Completed

they're doing well.. I won't suggest messing with size as it could affect advanced functions like tpms, rollover mitigation, abs and stability control.

I know and I dont even want to but the issue is that geolanders 17 inchers comes only with a 265 section. I dont think ABS and TPMS should be disturbed as ABS works on a disc inside the wheel and tpms just mentions the pre recorded air pressure, so if I know its correct than I dont have to worry about that.

Regarding stability it would only improve I think and maybe others can comment on rollover mitigation disturbance.

Oh man. Good to see the updates in this thread. Currently, after browsing through so many ownership experiences of the TAI members, I find myself so attracted to this SUV. It wont be a lie if I say that this is indeed my favorite SUV available in India!

Hi Akash,
Since I am not touring anywhere right now the monthly travel has reduced a lot in the past 4-5 months, hence very less to update. plus there is no major issue actually not even minor ones to bring to light.

All in all one of the best decisions of my life (not financially)

Congratulations, & have many more safe & happy miles to come.
In my all cars, In High beam mode (light stick towards floor), only high beam are lit, in low beam mode (light stick in middle), only low beam are lit, but when you flash / deeper ( temporary pulling light stick towards steering wheel, that is towards roof of car) both beams are lit temporarily, till you allow stick to fall to mid position, that is of low beam.
So flasher / deeper cause all four beams to lit, some feel that is too much light, & hence they shift light stick between low beam & high beam, rather than flash from low beam position. Might affect the life of gear stick but don't want to flash eyes of driver of the opposing lane vehicle.
Sirji, do you think that F8 AWD variant of XUV500 can make any big difference in such conditions? AWD model might win in some conditions where FWD fail or give trouble, as with my T-Rex (Rexton RX6), where initially I was using 4L switch to cross small patch of muddy road to my farmhouse, I can now easily cross that even in 4H (=TOD) mode, even during rain / after rain.

@dhoom9, In XUV with light Stalk at High beam both the Low beams and High beams turn ON, in case of dipper only the High beam comes on and Low beam turns off.

AWD should have tacked that situation easily that is what I think but then again I dont have any experience regarding off roading.

 

[bhvm]

Re: Optimus: Mahindra XUV 500W8 FWD. 20,000 Kms Completed

you got the beams wrong folks...
dipper are the low beams (round lens ) called projectors.

during normal driving with high beams, both the low beams and high beams are on.

but when you flash only high beams are engaged (projectors go off )

 

[Iron Rock]

Re: Say Hello to Optimus: A Tuscan Red Mahindra XUV5OO W8 FWD

Sirji, do you think that F8 AWD variant of XUV500 can make any big difference in such conditions? AWD model might win in some conditions where FWD fail or give trouble, as with my T-Rex (Rexton RX6), where initially I was using 4L switch to cross small patch of muddy road to my farmhouse, I can now easily cross that even in 4H (=TOD) mode, even during rain / after rain.

Sirji, personally i think of tyres very highly when it comes to offroading situations, its the thing which makes the maximum difference.
An AWD XUV will be better than the FWD in such cases, but you need to remember with highway treads, you can make your tires a chocolate donut in 10 secs - thats the problem XUV will face. Hence you will need to plant your tyres at the right position when driving offroad, offroad driving is a lot of brains and calculations (rather than brawn which is the general perception).

My sumo is RWD but i had put ZGP radials with wider tract just to get better traction in mud, its helped a lot to tackle minor farm muddy episodes.

 

[kinshuk.arya]

Re: Optimus: Mahindra XUV 500W8 FWD. 20,000 Kms Completed

Hey IR and BHVM,

I did some research on the Yoko Geolanders for XUV, the issue is the 17inch Geos have a 265 section which will increase the diameter of the wheel+tyre by more than 5% which is not advisable. Advisable limits are +/-4% in that category I came across Hankook Dynapro HL (RA25 Tread pattern) it is 255/60 - 17. Any ideas or reviews about the same?

 

[bhvm]

Re: Optimus: Mahindra XUV 500W8 FWD. 20,000 Kms Completed

search for'tyre upsize calculator' when you can input default parameters and get a safe upsize recommendations. I would also worry about front tyres hitting the sidewalls or wheel wells. the tyres are pretty large as is.

how about apollo hawkz at? used them on fortunr as well. they're cheap and do 80 percent as good as geolanders for grip...

 

[kinshuk.arya]

Re: Optimus: Mahindra XUV 500W8 FWD. 20,000 Kms Completed

search for'tyre upsize calculator' when you can input default parameters and get a safe upsize recommendations. I would also worry about front tyres hitting the sidewalls or wheel wells. the tyres are pretty large as is.

how about apollo hawkz at? used them on fortunr as well. they're cheap and do 80 percent as good as geolanders for grip...

Even I was worried about the tyre hitting the bumper or the inside wall at least while turning, there is not much space in there.

Havent heard the reviews of the Hawkz much, but would be quite a good option it seems and I could save at least 10k for 5 tyres.
Apollo Hawkz A/T 17 inchers are again 265 section with a 65 profile.
The 235 section ones are 16 inchers.

looks like will have to do a bit more research on the options available for 17 inchers A/T tyres.

 

[dhoom9]

Re: Optimus: Mahindra XUV 500W8 FWD. 20,000 Kms Completed

Hey IR and BHVM,

I did some research on the Yoko Geolanders for XUV, the issue is the 17inch Geos have a 265 section which will increase the diameter of the wheel+tyre by more than 5% which is not advisable. Advisable limits are +/-4% in that category I came across Hankook Dynapro HL (RA25 Tread pattern) it is 255/60 - 17. Any ideas or reviews about the same?

I have stock Hankook Dynapro tyres in my T-Rex (Mahindra SsangYong Rexton), size is 235/75 R16 tyre. Odo is near 1500 kms, so can't say about tyre life, but atleast I can say - no tyre noise, stability/road grip is very nice & no problem at mild offroading till now.

 

[kinshuk.arya]

Re: Optimus: Mahindra XUV 500W8 FWD. 20,000 Kms Completed

@dhoom9: the 17 inchers in XUV is an issue. not able to find any good AT tyres in that diameter and stock section. Almost all the tyres are coming in 265 section with 17 inchers.

Meanwhile, Optimus has crossed 23000km without any issues only minor niggles as already updated.

As of now the average is 13.9kmpl for the past 23000km.

The stock JK Elanzos are not showing any kind of wear even after 23k so I am assuming I should not be worried about tyre change at least for another 2 years.

PLanning for a couple of upgrades and visuals (let me know your thoughts)

1. Carbon fibre vinyl on stock alloys
2. RD's Dieseltronic
3. Strong LED aux lamps. planning for 4*10W LEDS with 2 driving pattern and 2 fog pattern.

 

[bhvm]

Re: Optimus: Mahindra XUV 500W8 FWD. 20,000 Kms Completed

@dhoom9: the 17 inchers in XUV is an issue. not able to find any good AT tyres in that diameter and stock section. Almost all the tyres are coming in 265 section with 17 inchers.

Meanwhile, Optimus has crossed 23000km without any issues only minor niggles as already updated.

As of now the average is 13.9kmpl for the past 23000km.

The stock JK Elanzos are not showing any kind of wear even after 23k so I am assuming I should not be worried about tyre change at least for another 2 years.

PLanning for a couple of upgrades and visuals (let me know your thoughts)

1. Carbon fibre vinyl on stock alloys
2. RD's Dieseltronic
3. Strong LED aux lamps. planning for 4*10W LEDS with 2 driving pattern and 2 fog pattern.

stock J.K. s are pretty good. I'm keeping them until they wear out. my odo is 28k kms and tyres feel new!

about your upgrades
1.cool!
2. are you sure it'll be reliable for such a complicated engine?
3. fantastic. just don't use in city. tie them to high beams.

I forgot to update. my led lamps now draw power from the high beam bulb and hence are automatic in a way.

 

[kinshuk.arya]

Re: Optimus: Mahindra XUV 500W8 FWD. 20,000 Kms Completed

stock J.K. s are pretty good. I'm keeping them until they wear out. my odo is 28k kms and tyres feel new!

about your upgrades
1.cool!
2. are you sure it'll be reliable for such a complicated engine?
3. fantastic. just don't use in city. tie them to high beams.

I forgot to update. my led lamps now draw power from the high beam bulb and hence are automatic in a way.

Race Dynamics' Dieseltronic is a piggy back ECU which just fools the signals and can be removed as and when not needed.

For the LEDs I was thinking to hook 2(fog lamp pattern to the fog lamps) and 2(driving beam pattern) to the High beams. I would have actually loved to have a separate switch for them inside the cabin, but not able to find any way to get that.

 

[bhvm]

Re: Optimus: Mahindra XUV 500W8 FWD. 20,000 Kms Completed

Race Dynamics' Dieseltronic is a piggy back ECU which just fools the signals and can be removed as and when not needed.

For the LEDs I was thinking to hook 2(fog lamp pattern to the fog lamps) and 2(driving beam pattern) to the High beams. I would have actually loved to have a separate switch for them inside the cabin, but not able to find any way to get that.

The TRUE FOG pattern is not available in LEDs. Actually the best fog lamps are the ones already on your XUV. Groud hugging with a soft cutoff. LEDs are suited to High beam assist function only. About Routing wires THROUGH the cabin, dont bother. even installing a tie to High beam bulbs took me half a day including dismounting the battery and all. Its a total pain about cramped engine bay.

 

[kinshuk.arya]

Re: Optimus: Mahindra XUV 500W8 FWD. 20,000 Kms Completed

The TRUE FOG pattern is not available in LEDs. Actually the best fog lamps are the ones already on your XUV. Groud hugging with a soft cutoff. LEDs are suited to High beam assist function only. About Routing wires THROUGH the cabin, dont bother. even installing a tie to High beam bulbs took me half a day including dismounting the battery and all. Its a total pain about cramped engine bay.

I found another dealer who deals with the LED you have installed. Now my question is 10*4 or 20*2?

I think that with 20*2 I would get a better range than 10*4 and 10*4 I would get more illumination plus a wider angle. Your thoughts? which is more useful?

 

[bhvm]

Re: Optimus: Mahindra XUV 500W8 FWD. 20,000 Kms Completed

I found another dealer who deals with the LED you have installed. Now my question is 10*4 or 20*2?

I think that with 20*2 I would get a better range than 10*4 and 10*4 I would get more illumination plus a wider angle. Your thoughts? which is more useful?

actually depends on lens rather than power.