Exuberant XUV 700

Plenty of power
High technology and luxury in an SUV from Mahindra.
Augetto Graig
With the introduction of the sleek XUV 700, Mahindra stakes its claim in the luxury sport utility vehicle market.

This awesome new transportation experience is available for test-drive, and of course for purchase, at M&Z Motors at 24 Andima Toivo ya Toivo street in the capital, where senior sales executive Elroy Jacobs recently took the time to take My.Na Cars through its appealing range of endearments.

Approach from the front and the twin peaks design of the revamped badge at the centre of the big bad grill, will immediately catch the eye. With the key in your pocket the automobile will prepare itself by extending the door handles. The automatic headlamps and the rain sensing windscreen wipers are more examples of the attentive nature of this motor vehicle.

The XUV 700 AX7 L is programed to anticipate your needs.

Features like automatically switching on the hazards on when the hood is opened, testify.

Inside the engine compartment sits a well sized, direct injection, turbo, petrol engine, capable of kicking out 149kW of power at 5000rpm, and generating torque of 380Nm from 3000rpm. All that power benefits from a six speed automatic transmission, with which it is effortlessly translated into performance.

Getting behind the wheel is made easier thanks to the driver’s seat automatically moving back when you open the door. The push-button panel on the inside of the driver’s door provides for the person-specific adjustment of seat position, and has storage of up to three preferences, to be suited to each regular driver.

The first thing that jumps out is just how big the dual integrated ‘Super-screen’ display panel in the dashboard is. It dominates with two 26,03cm displays; one for infotainment and one for the digital instrumentation cluster, neatly at home behind the glass.

Intuitive technology is harnessed to coordinate smart systems like the ABS and the Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS), while always keeping the driver informed with 360 degree visuals. The composite top-down view of the automobile, created by melding images from four cameras around a representation of the car, allows for excellent and easy, precision manoeuvrability.

Twelve speakers and a three dimensional sound system developed in partnership with Sony Corporation of Japan, provide for an incredible auditory experience, with four pre-customised acoustic modes: Stage, Party, Breezy and Immersive 3D. The expansive Skyroof provides permanent panoramic views of the great outdoors while sitting in the plus leather comfort of front or back seats.

The top of the range AX7L adds features like the blind view mirror function and continuous digital video record, which stores up to 11 hours of footage for you review or use, for instance for insurance purposes. Wireless smartphone charging, stop and go functionality in adaptive cruise control and electronic park brake are some of the other AX7L features. It shares the base features of the entry level AX5, like the diamond cut alloy wheels, the latest generation electronic stability system and the second row armrest and cup holders. The nifty fold-down seats in die rear provide for up to seven occupants, or storage when stowed. Also mid-range AX7 features including traffic sign recognition, forward collision warning, push-button start and driver drowsiness detection, are built into the AX7L.

All the models share 2750mm wheelbase and a height of 1755mm, including the roof rail, while the XUV 700 is 4695mm long and 1890mm wide. In front the McPherson Strut independent suspension has frequency selective damping and a stabilizer bar, while the rear suspension is multi-link. Seventeen or eighteen inch tires are all alloy mounted and the fuel tank capacity is 60 litres.

According to Jacobs the XUV 700 AX7L could be yours for a little more than N$580 000, negotiable, because one can always talk about it, he says.

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Namibian Sun 2024-11-24

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