Built on an all-new platform from the ground up, the Mahindra XUV700 is set to disrupt the South African market with its unmissable design, spirited performance, sophisticated dynamics, sci-fi technology, and world-class safety. Anton Willemse Snr attended the media launch and gives his initial impressions.
Mahindra first showed its XUV700 to South African audiences in June this year. It took another five months for the newcomer to be launched locally, but it was certainly worth the wait. As the first model to carry the brand’s new Twin Peaks logo, the all-new XUV700 represents the bold new direction Mahindra has embarked on with new-age products that have been designed to deliver a new-age ownership experience.
The XUV700 has beaten all records since its launch in India in August 2021, mainly thanks to its spirited performance, world-class safety features and unmissable presence. It also won the coveted Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY), which symbolises value for money, reliability, design, tech innovation, fuel efficiency, driving appeal and suitability for the Indian market. This all comes courtesy of its combination of ‘sci-fi’ technology, spirited performance, and world-class safety systems.
At first glance, the XUV700 is quite handsome. The bold front grille sports Mahindra’s new Twin Peaks logo, which is rounded off by LED clearview headlights and demands a second look. At the same time, the interior feels sophisticated and coupled with its spirited performance, world-class safety and sci-fi technology, the disruptive XUV700 is set to redefine existing benchmarks. Conventional door handles give way to invisible smart door handles, a first-in-segment. At the heart of the XUV700 is Mahindra’s 2-litre mStallion turbo-petrol engine. With 149kW available at 5 000rpm it delivers exhilarating performance and is very well mated to a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission.
The new Mahindra Super Screen are a combination of two 10.2-inch digital screens for the instrument cluster and infotainments system. All three variants of the XUV700 are fitted with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. In addition, Mahindra partnered with Sony for the infotainment system and the result is a customised experience, coupled with a 12-speaker system with full 3D sound. All the models in the range have Mahindra’s panoramic Skyroof, which covers most of the interior and creates a feeling of openness and space. The flagship AX7 L also has wireless charging and fully automatic door handles.
There are plenty of safety features as standard kit. In fact, just about everything one would expect from a modern car is there: smart pilot assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist and even traffic sign recognition. No wonder Mahindra has such a good reputation where safety is concerned!
Model line-up and pricing
Mahindra XUV700 AX5: R474 999
Mahindra XUV700 AX7: R524 999
Mahindra XUV700 AX7 L: R559 999
*All Mahindra XUV700 models are sold with a comprehensive 5-year/100 000km service plan and a 5-year/150 000km mechanical warranty. A roadside assistance plan is included for the same period.
