MAHINDRA XUV700

INDIA BOWLS UP A SURPRISINGLY COMPETENT AND MODERN SEVEN-SEAT SUV

THE MAHINDRA XUV700 is an accomplished seven-seat SUV with a surprisingly composed ride quality, impressive feature list and spacious back seat for a very sharp price.

Built in India, the XUV700 aims to break Mahindra - the world's largest tractor manufacturer - out of its current rural, agricultural image and into the passenger vehicle mainstream. Wheels recently drove it in Brisbane.

The XUV700 is the second new SUV launched in Australia by Mahindra in recent times (following the Scorpio), with the Indian brand planning more - and to make itself an "SUV brand". The XUV700 replaces the XUV500 launched in Australia 2012.

With its almost elephant-tusk-like front Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs) and 'arrow-head' LED tail-lights, the XUV700 is also the first vehicle to use Mahindra's modernised new logo, which looks a bit like a metallic butterfly.

In India, the XUV700 is available with a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel inline-four, a five-seat configuration and all-wheel drive - all of which Mahindra said it was considering for future launch in the Australian market.

Currently there are two XUV700 grades in Australia - the AX7 at $36,990 and the AX7L for $39,990, both driveaway. This is the introductory pricing' which will increase by an unspecified amount after August 31.

Both grades are front-wheel drive and equipped with the same in-house-developed 149kW/380Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-4 - mated to a six-speed torque-converter automatic transmission from Aisin, a brand which sits within the Toyota constellation.

Standard highlights on the base AX7 include 18-inch wheels, a giant panoramic sunroof, two 10.25-inch digital displays, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (both wired) and an electrically adjustable driver's seat with two memory settings.