Mahindra & Mahindra has launched an automatic variant of its top utility vehicle, the XUV500.
The Automatic Option will be available on 3 variants of the New Age XUV500 – W8 FWD and W10 FWD & AWD and starts at a price of Rs 15.36 lacs (ex-showroom Navi Mumbai) for the W8 FWD variant.
The new variant will be available across Mahindra Dealerships December 5, 2015 onwards.
“The New Age XUV500 is the only SUV in its class to offer a 2″ generation 6-speed automatic transmission with AWD as an option. The all new Automatic Transmission has been sourced for the first time from the leading global supplier, AISIN, Japan,” the company said.
“The XUV500 Automatic features a completely new 2nd generation transmission with torque convertor and a planetary gear-train that enables smooth and precise gear shifts. The intuitive gear changes combine responsiveness of a manual transmission with the hassle-free operation of an automatic, thereby providing the experience of both relaxed cruise or spirited drive, as desired. The all new Automatic transmission allows dynamic gear shifts that are smooth and barely perceptible.”
M&M said the XUV500 comes with otimized gear ratios with 6 speed automatic transmission for better fuel efficiency, including two overdrive gears.
“With 6 gears the XUV500 has a higher number of gear ratios than a conventional 5 speed automatic which enables the driveline to deliver the best fuel efficiency. The gear ratios in the 6 speed transmission are optimized to ensure that the engine uses the minimum amount of fuel,” it said.
The system will have two uphill climbing modes allow the vehicle to take on slopes and ghats effortlessly as well as a “creep function” to aid in slow moving traffic.
If the driver choose, he or she can opt for the Manual mode as well.
The XUV500 was first launched in 2011, followed by its first major upgrade in 2015. It has sold over 1.50 lakh units.