THIS is M& Ms first SUV that utilises monocoque construction ( rather than the body- on- chassis setup used on vehicles like the Xylo and Scorpio etc.), which means a big step forward in terms of improved driving dynamics and safety at higher speeds

Last week, Mahindra launched its all- new SUV, the stunningly good looking XUV500, which is priced between Rs 10.80- 12.88 lakh. With its monocoque chassis and 2.2- litre common- rail turbocharged diesel engine that produces 140 horsepower and 330Nm of torque, this is the first SUV from an Indian car manufacturer which is serious about the 'S'in the 'SUV'tag.

'The launch of our first global SUV platform, the XUV500, is a proud moment in our automotive journey. Our team deployed alternative thinking to deliver a high level of technology and performance at an unbeatable price, and I am confident that the XUV500 will create a brand new category in the premium SUV segment and find favour both in India and overseas,'says Anand Mahindra, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Mahindra Group. 'The XUV500 is our first global SUV that has been completely designed and developed around the global customer, with extensive product validation and testing done across Europe, Australia, South Africa, and India.

Its a product filled with technological advances, advanced safety features, comfort and convenience hitherto seen only in high- end SUVs. All this, and much more, makes this product nothing less than a category creator,'adds Dr Pawan Goenka, President, Automotive Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.

Indeed, the Mahindra XUV500's impressive spec list belies its rather reasonable price- tag. There are bits like six- speed manual transmission, optional all- wheel- drive with active torque management, touch- operated 6- inch colour screen for GPS and DVD playback, a comprehensive driver information system, automatic climate control, projector headlamps, LED parking lights and steering wheelmounted controls for the vehicles audio system.

In addition to the above, the XUV500 also gets 'micro hybrid'stop- start technology that saves fuel when the vehicle is idling, smart sensors that activate the wipers and lights automatically, a tyre air pressure monitoring system, reverse parking assist system and many other bits and pieces which leave you amazed since you wouldn't expect to find such things on a vehicle in this price segment. And its not just gizmos, M& M has done its best to make the new SUV as safe as possible - the vehicle has been fitted with an electronic stability program ( ESP) with rollover mitigation, six airbags ( front, side and curtain), anti- lock brakes ( ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution ( EBD) and off- roadoriented systems like hill hold control and hill descent control - things that you would only expect to see on much higher- end SUV. In terms of the interiors, too, Mahindra has upped the ante in a big way.

The XUV500 has three rows of seats ( with leather upholstery and 8- way height- adjustable drivers seat) and the seats in the second and third rows can be folded flat for added convenience.

However, apart from all the luxury accoutrements and the convenience factor, the XUV500's true calling card may be in the way it drives. This is M& Ms first SUV that utilises monocoque construction ( rather than the body- onchassis setup used on vehicles like the Xylo and Scorpio etc.), which means a big step forward in terms of improved driving dynamics and safety at higher speeds.

If the XUV impresses in the areas of handling and comfort, it doesn't disappoint in terms of outright performance either. With 140 horsepower and 330Nm of torque from its 2.2- litre turbodiesel engine, the XUV500 can accelerate from zero to 60km/ h in 5.4 seconds, to 100km/ h in less than 14 seconds and can hit a top speed of around 175km/ h. Mileage is an ARAI- certified 15.1km/ l, and the XUVs stop- start 'Micro Hybrid'technology helps conserve fuel and reduce emissions further.

Overall, in terms of design, styling, comfort, features, engine performance and occupant safety, the Mahindra XUV500 is nothing less than stunning, and that is something which can only be said about a very, very few vehicles developed by an Indian automotive manufacturer. The vehicle is now available at M& M dealerships in Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Bangalore and Chennai, and will be launched in other cities soon, in a phased manner. If you are in the market for an SUV, you owe it to yourself to test drive an XUV500 before you decide which vehicle to buy.