Mahindra XUV700 will go on sale later next month to rival Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour, Isuzu MU-X and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
Mahindra & Mahindra has another big launch planned as the rebadged SsangYong G4 Rexton that could carry XUV700 nameplate will be introduced later next month in the domestic market. The homegrown automaker will position the new SUV as the flagship model above the XUV500.
Codenamed Y400, it was initially expected to arrive on October 9, the same date as new generation Honda CR-V, but Mahindra has opted for another slot towards the end of October. The XUV700 will be followed by another SUV in the coming months but it will target volume sales by being slotted in the subcompact SUV segment at affordable price range.
The Mahindra XUV700 is believed to have high local content and will likely be priced aggressively against the likes of Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Isuzu MU-X. The bold pricing could become a key success factor as it may undercut chief competitor Toyota Fortuner by around Rs. 6 lakh.
The large SUV made its debut under the SsangYong badge back in Seoul last year and it has been well-received among global buyers. It is retailed with a variety of powertrain options and Indian customers will get a 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel unit pumping out as much as 187 hp and 420 Nm of maximum torque.
It is mated to a seven-speed torque converter automatic transmission sending power to either a two-wheel or four-wheel-drive configuration based on the variants. Taking design inspiration from SsangYong LIV-2 concept, the SUV has a quad-frame construction and measures 4,850 mm long, 1,920 mm wide, and stands 1,800 mm tall with 2,865 mm wheelbase.
Mahindra has made changes to the front fascia by modifying the grille to incorporate its badge with vertical slats and it looks appealing. The interior will have a slew of premium features such as 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, brown Nappa leather upholstery, automatic climate control, electrically operated tailgate, etc.