In a move to bag the results of recent boom in
the SUV markets, Mahindra has launched a new entry level model of their popular
SUV model XUV500. The XUV500 W4 will cost Rs. 10.83 lakh and is a successor
model of the earlier version W6, W8 and W8 AWD. The W8 is an all wheel drive
model while others have front wheel drive option. Even though the outward
appearance of W4 does not make any change from the previous models, the company
has removed a number of features to make it arrive to a lower price level. Mahindra
has retained the projector headlamps laced with LEDs, the driver seat gets a
six way adjustable options, tilt steering, music system with 4 speakers, remote
control locking and twin HVAC in the new version also. Also Mahindra did not
disturbed the safety features in the W8 to cut down the price; like twin
airbags, ABS with EBD and disc brakes on all four wheels and LED parking lamps.
But Mahindra detached the front fog lamps,
rain sensing wipers, climate control, cornering headlights, cruise control,
steering mounted controls and telescopic steering adjustment for the sake of
lowering the price.
Mechanically the Mahindra XUV500 W4 resembles
same as that of other XUV 500 variants with the similar mounted 2.2 litre mHawk
diesel engine which displaces 140 BHP power and 330 Nm torque and is paired
with 6 speed manual gearbox. All variants in the XUV500 series is features with
Micro Hybrid technology to boost fuel economy and Mahindra claims it will give
a fuel efficiency of 15.1 KM/L.
We purchased a Mahindra Xylo E8 8STR vehicle in 2009. Our vehicle chassis number is 19403 and engine number is BV94J57720. It is a family car and is single person driven. The vehicle has done around 62,000 Kms so far. We are having regular problems in our Mahindra Xylo vehicle. We have been regularly incurring lot of expenses for the repairs. Few recent examples are: Replacement of Clutch Plates in March’2012 which costed us around Rs. 9,000/- Then in May’2013 we had to replace the High Pressure Fuel Pump which costed us around Rs. 34,000/-. Recently there was some problem in AC which again costed us around Rs. 8,000/- to get repaired. We had been accommodating these expenses believing we had selected this vehicle and if our choice was wrong we need to bear the costs. But recently we found that the vehicle has started getting badly rusted and the left door and body over the rear tyres is developing some holes due to this severe rusting. When we have shown the problem to the Mahindra Authorised dealer he says this is not covered under Warranty and has to be paid for repair. It is going to cost again over Rs.30,000/- for the same. When we ask them why this sever rusting has taken place, they have no answer. Mahindra has used poor quality sheet material or compromised on the finishing. This may be causing the rusting. Why do we need to pay for Quality problems in Mahindra process. Parts failing and needing replacement is understandable to some extent. But the vehicle body getting rusted and developing holes is unbelievable and unacceptable. It is a clear sign of poor quality of materials / process used by Mahindra.
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