Indian tow tug goes auto

Mahindra Automotive Australia has released the first automatic version of its XUV500, based on the facelifted version of the mid-size SUV launched here in February.

As well as the new six-speed automatic transmission, the good news for caravan and camper trailer owners is the cut-price SUV boasts a class-leading 2.5 tonne towing capacity.

Available from June 1, the six-speed Aisin automatic transmission adds $2000 to the price of Mahindra's seven-seat flagship SUV and, like the six-speed manual, is available in both front-wheel drive (2WD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations, the latter costing $3000 extra.

That means pricing continues to open at $29,900 drive-away for the 2WD manual, rising to $32,900 drive-away for the AWD manual, but now also includes the 2WD auto ($31,900 drive-away) and range-topping AWD auto ($34,990 drive-away).

The fledgling Indian brand, which also sells the Genio and Pik-Up utes in Australia, expects the automatic version of its four-year-old XUV500 – first launched Down Under in June 2012 – to boost sales considerably.

A more premium 'W10' version of its diesel-only W8-series XUV500 is expected later this year, adding power driver’s seat adjustment, an electric sunroof, extra chrome trim and illuminated sill plates.

The new 2WD auto consumes 7.4L/100km, which equates to a 946km range from the XUV's 70-litre fuel tank. Fuel consumption figures are not available for AWD models, which are expected to account for just 15 per cent of sales.

While the XUV's 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel carries over and continues to output 103kW and 330Nm, its new torque converter auto comes with a manual mode, two overdrive gear ratios, gradient recognition, creep function and lifetime transmission fluid.

As part of its midlife makeover, all XUV500s now bring a new grille with chrome inserts, LED daytime running lights, new static cornering lights, revised fog lights with chrome bezels, chrome window surrounds, redesigned 17-inch alloy wheels and a chromed rear tailgate garnish in chrome.

Inside, the 2016 XUV500 now features a 7.0-inch infotainment touch-screen (up from 6.1-inch), new black leather upholstery, new scuff plates for the door sills, eight LED interior lights and claimed improvements in fit and finish.

Also now standard is a reversing camera with active guidelines, tyre pressure monitoring for all five tyres, satellite-navigation with speed alert and point-of-interest functionality, Bluetooth audio streaming and address book functions, and an electronic vehicle manual with instructional videos and service scheduling.

Improving the seven-seater's cabin amenity are 10 cup-holders, a glovebox with capacity for a 15-inch laptop and a front centre cool box under the driver's armrest.

Mahindra says the XUV500 offers class-leading boot capacity of 702 litres with the third-row seats stowed. The second row of seats, which delivers ample leg and foot room, is split 60/40 and reclines but does not slide. All three rows offer air-conditioning and 12-volt power outlets.

Standard safety equipment includes six airbags including side curtains for all three seating rows, electronic stability control with rollover mitigation, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, hill-hold, hill descent control and three Isofix child seat anchorages.

However, there is no change to the below-average four-star ANCAP crash safety rating the original XUV500 achieved in 2012 under the independent vehicle safety body's less stringent test regime. Mahindra executives said they are still "working on" a maximum five-star ANCAP rating for the XUV500.