The Mahindra XUV500, which was launched in South Africa in October last year, is now available with an automatic transmission.
The local arm of the Indian automaker says the Aisin six-speed self-shifter will initially be available only on the front-wheel drive W8 derivative. Mahindra SA says the move is in response to “significant demand” for an automatic version of the seven-seater SUV.
The transmission, which features a manual override mode, is linked to the XUV500’s 2,2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel mill.
Maximum power of 103 kW arrives at 3 750 r/min, while peak torque of 330 N.m is available from 1 600 r/min through to 2 800 r/min. Claimed combined fuel economy for the automatic comes in at 7,4 L/100 km, compared to 6,5 L/100 km for the model fitted with the six-speed manual.
The R389 995 price-tag puts the new XUV500 W8 Auto at the very summit of the local range, commanding a R35 000 premium over the manual model. The only all-wheel drive model in the line-up, meanwhile, slots in between the two at R374 995.
A brand new example of the Mahindra XUV500 W8 Auto has just joined our long-term fleet here at CAR, so look out for a full introduction and (regular) updates starting from our October issue.
