Johannesburg - Mahindra has added a six-speed automatic transmission to its XUV500 SUV line-up.
Initially available only on the top-spec W8 front-wheel drive derivative, the new transmission from leading gearbox maker Aisin uses a torque converter and planetary gears for quick response and smooth shifting, and an overdrive top gear for relaxed, economical cruising. It also has a manual override mode and a 'creep' function for stop-start traffic.
The XUV's 103kW/330Nm 2.2-litre mHawk turbodiesel is unchanged, and Mahindra quotes a nominal fuel-consumption of 7.4-litres per 100km under laboratory conditions for the new self-shifter option.
PRICING
XUV500 W4 - R272 995
XUV500 W6 - R319 995
XUV500 W8 - R354 995
XUV500 W8 AWD - R374 995
XUV500 W8 Auto - R389 995
These include a five-year or 150 000km warranty and a five-year or 100 000km service plan. Service intervals are 20 000km or annually, whichever comes first.
ALTERNATIVES
SsangYong Rexton W RX270 XDi - 121kW/340Nm - R394 995
Chevrolet Captiva 2.2D LT - 135kW/400Nm - R431 300
Kia Sportage 2.0 CRDi - 130kW/392Nm - R447 995