With all the space, comfort and technology expected of a modern 7-seat family SUV, the Mahindra XUV700 looks to disrupt the segment with competition-shaming pricing. Our editor Damian Adams was invited to sample the vehicle on a pre-launch drive.
Who knew that just 1,5 hours outside of the hustle and bustle of Gauteng you could find rolling fields, gorgeous winding roads and the majestic mountain range that is the Magaliesburg? Over this past weekend, we joined Mahindra at the pre-launch of their new XUV700 the successor to the brand’s XUV500. We were lucky enough to get to know this box-fresh SUV within the surroundings of the North West province.
We flew out from Cape Town on Friday evening and practically arrived in time for breakfast on Saturday morning, or so it felt, as a result of a very delayed flight, stormy Gauteng weather and playing “dodge the potholes” on our 1,5-hour journey to the Mount Grace Hotel from OR Tambo. The intense stormy weather had also resulted in the collapse of a bridge at the main entrance to the hotel, and therefore we had to take a serious detour in addition to what had already been quite an eventful night thus far. We arrived at around 23h30 on Friday night and we were warmly welcomed by our hosts and media colleagues, served some delicious dinner and drinks and enjoyed a few chats before our eyelids grew too heavy and we decided to turn in for the night. We knew that an exciting day awaited us, and we wanted to be as bright-eyed and bushy-tailed when we finally got to drive the XUV700 before its official reveal.
The next day we were woken by the sound of chirping birds and the not-so-welcomed torrential Highveld downpours. We were informed that the plan for an action-packed day had to be drastically adjusted as a result of inclement weather conditions. Despite being disappointed that we were no longer going to get to enjoy quad biking or hot air balloon ride, we were quite looking forward to driving the vehicle on the winding Magalies roads and as we’d soon discover it certainly did not disappoint.
We enjoyed a 1,5 hour drive of around 100 km to the main activity for the day: A ziplining experience with the Magaliesburg Canopy Tours. The journey there was impressively smooth and comfortable despite the high pace of the convoy. We continued dodging the hilariously massive potholes and where they were more unavoidable, the XUV 700’s long-travel suspension remained supple yet well-controlled and certainly did an excellent job of soaking up the bumps on rough terrain. Being purpose-built for the tough conditions on the sub-continent the fluid suspension on the XUV700 left a lasting impression.
The Canopy Ziplining experience was phenomenal and we got to test our personal limits and overcome any fear of heights we may have had, as we were led by excellent, entertaining and knowledgeable guides. The view from the mountaintop was incredible and it was even more exhilarating to zipline up to 50 m above the ground and in some cases for up to 140 m across from one end to the other. Wow! It got the blood pumping and our hearts pounded like a train down the tracks. When we had completed all 10 platforms, we enjoyed a rigorous yet manageable hike back up before heading back to the base unscathed, damp from the erratic rain and filled with adrenaline and wonderful photos and videos that mirrored the experience.
After enjoying a delicious lunch at the Black Horse Brewery, just 4 km from our accommodation, we were shuttled back and spent the afternoon recuperating in the heated pool and taking in the beauty of the area. By the time evening came, we enjoyed some well-deserved cold ones and caught up with peers in the industry before enjoying a bit of the SA vs FRA rugby match and turning in for the night all the while the XUV700’s were shepherded onto transporter trucks destined for the Mother City where the official launch would be held.
Overall, it was an incredibly exciting weekend and the Magaliesberg region which Mahindra’s latest vehicle showcased its talents out on the open road. The element of adventure was something that we thoroughly enjoyed and it is something that we will return for in the near future. Is that not why you’d buy a family-sized SUV?
Some facts and figures on the Mahindra XUV700
Three models of the new XUV700 will be launched locally. All three models will feature the brand’s new “Twin Peaks” logo, an HD dual-screen digital driver’s cluster and an infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Powering all XUV700 SUV models is Mahindra’s new 2,0-litre turbocharged petrol engine developing 149 kW and 380Nm and paired to either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic.
More to follow after the official launch.
