From launch, Mahindra XUV500 will compete with Tata Safari, MG Hector Plus and the next Hyundai Alcazar
The next-gen Mahindra XUV500 and Scorpio have been in testing for years. Their spy shots have been covered extensively in news, blogs and even social media. The XUV500 was scheduled to debut at the 2020 auto show in February of last year. But that did not happen.
What happened next was the lockdown induced by Covid19 and a global pandemic. This led Mahindra to delay its plans to launch the XUV500 and Scorpio. So far, there has been no solid answer as to when these cars will officially launch in India. But now, in an interview with Powerdrift, CEO of Mahindra Auto, Veejay Nakra has confirmed the launch schedule for these two SUVs.
Scorpio or XUV500 – Which one will launch first?
The first question, which of the two will be started first. To end the rumors, Veejay has confirmed that the next-gen XUV500 will be launched first. Speaking of the schedule, he confirmed that the launch will take place between the second and third quarters of calendar year 2021.
This places the launch timeline for the new XUV500 at best between June-July at best and April-September at worst. Either way, the new XUV500 is expected to hit the market long before Diwali. The next to throw is of course the Scorpio. While Veejay hasn’t revealed the exact launch timeline, it’s likely that the 2021 Scorpio launch will take place around Diwali 2021.
New XUV – Features expected on the offer
The next-gen XUV500 is said to be packed with advanced features, including a fully digital instrument cluster and an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) that require a set of sensors to function properly. These sensors are made of semiconductor materials. Most of the semiconductor chips in the Indian automotive industry come from China or South Korea.
Other comforts expected to reach the equipment of the new generation XUV500 include a panoramic sunroof, large touchscreen infotainment unit, dual-zone climate control, connected car technology, ventilated front seats, a electrically controlled driver’s seat, keyless entry, push-button start. / stop and much more.
The next-generation XUV500’s safety kit is expected to offer features like multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, ESP and a tire pressure monitor. Among the other safety features that fall under ADAS functionality, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Park Assist, Lane Departure Warning and Adaptive Cruise Control are some technologies that will be offered.
Powertrain, transmission options
The new XUV500 will be offered in its powertrain department with two engine options: a 2.2-liter mHAwk diesel unit and a 2.0-liter mStallion turbo petrol unit. The exact specifications of these powertrains are not yet known, but these units will be mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. An all-wheel drive configuration could also be offered as an option.
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