Mahindra XUV500 LHD AT (post '15 facelift) snapped testing in Dubai
Not launched for sale in Dubai yet.
A Mahindra XUV500 left-hand-drive (post facelift) has been photographed testing in Dubai without camouflage by Yasar Arafath Mohidheen, suggesting that a launch could be on the cards. It was spied alongside the local-spec Renault Duster (made in Romania).
Given that nearly every family car in the Middle East is powered by petrol, it would be foolhardy to launch the XUV500 with the 2.2L mHawk 140 turbodiesel motor (or the 1.99L derivative) which is the only option in the model sold worldwide. The model spied has a 6-speed automatic gearbox, which is an Aisin unit.
In a message to investors, M&M confirmed in February that it is nearing the launch of the XUV500 petrol. The company said -
The gasoline (petrol) version of XUV500 is likely to be launched in Q1 FY18. Depending on the response to this product, the company would launch gasoline version of Scorpio.
The XUV500 spotted in the Middle East also has an all-black interior with black leather upholstery and silver accents, which was recently made available as an option to the India-spec model via an update. It lacks a start/stop button, suggesting that the model is based on the W8 Automatic variant. Some of the highlight features include six airbags, ESC, Hill Hold, LED light guides, projector headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, a 7-inch touchscreen entertainment system, automatic wipers and headlights, tyre pressure monitoring, reverse camera and parking sensors, micro-hybrid technology and cruise control.
Also Read: Mahindra U321 (Toyota Innova Crysta slayer) shows its U-shaped grille
In the Middle East, Mahindra distributors used to sell the Mahindra Scorpio (1st gen) between 2005 and 2008, which was powered by a Renault-sourced 2.0L 4-cyl petrol engine. However, it didn't really take the market by storm like it did in India. Given that the company has always had aspirations to expand its overseas operations, Mahindra could eye a return in the personal segment of markets like the Middle East with a lineup of petrol-powered, LHD SUVs.
[Source: 4x4 India]