Page 12 - Motoring Summer 2022

SA LAUNCH MAHINDRA

Mahindra SA
Mahindra SA

rand and product launch
B
Brand and product launch

Mahindra XUV 700

ahindra SA certainly caught me designs but with all the modern touches on the exterior. They are available in both petrol and diesel
by surprise. I arrived at Gerotek derivatives. The local specifications are still to be finalised, so although both 6-speed manual and
Mexpecting to see and drive the auto boxes are available, it’s very possible that we’ll only get the auto options here in SA.
long-awaited new XUV700 SUV, but instead, Taking the Scorpio around the banked track, one has to remember that this is a 4-wheel drive
they pulled a number of rabbits out of their off-roader SUV. In spite of this, it sat very comfortably at the 130km/h mark on the oval. A rather
hat with major announcements and reveals. intrusive noise from the roof rails was the only disturbing factor. I would personally remove them as
A further coup was the fact that some of this would become tiresome on a long journey.
these were world reveals that took place Next, I took the XUV 700 around the track. The improvements in luxury and spec over the
simultaneously in both SA and India. previous XUV 500 are immediately noticeable. You can expect top models to include everything and
It started with the reveal of a new brand they certainly appeared to be very well put together. Our circuit of the oval showed a smooth and
identity for Mahindra featuring a bold new comfortable ride, especially taking into account that this is not the smoothest surface. This vehicle
‘Twin Peaks’ logo. This was immediately offers 7 seats as an option, making it ideal for long family trips and holiday travel.
followed by the reveal of the all-new Scorpio The Pik-Ups were waiting for us at our next stop, where we tested the up and downhill gradient
N model, as part of its world premiere. The abilities. Engaging Hill Descent Mode and remembering to keep my feet on the floor and away from
excitement then continued with the SA reveal the pedals was easy and the return trip up the 70% gradient was simply a matter of keeping the revs
of the XUV 700 as expected. at just over 2500rpm.
As the classic saying goes, but that’s not The special editions all come in striking colours suited to their names and all have upgraded
all folks! The final reveal was of three special off-road suspension, black alloys, steel bumpers and, on some, roller shutters for the load bin.
edition versions of the Pik-Up and these are Mahindra says that the Karoo versions have been a great success and that they will be building on
locally developed. Say hello to Dawn, Dusk that base.
and Storm. I finally took the diesel-powered XUV 700 around the mountain track. The handling around the
Fortunately, it wasn’t all just fanfare as tight bends was more than acceptable for a family SUV and the torque of the diesel motor handles
we were then given the opportunity to drive the steep gradient sections with ease. We did this section with four people on board and, from both
demos of all the new models on show. I joined driver’s and passenger seats, I found the ride very smooth and comfortable.
the group that headed to the high-speed oval Mahindra has been on an upward trajectory in SA over the past months, with their sales
first, where the Scorpio N and XUV 700 were showing consistent growth. Considering these new models in the range, I am certain that this will
waiting. Both are unmistakeably Mahindra continue. n

MOTORING | Summer 2022 | 10