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Almost every mainstream automaker has a mid-size SUV in their showrooms these days, because medium SUVs are the most popular new-vehicle type.
But there’s only a handful that offer growing Australian families on a tight budget the added flexibility of three-row seating, including the Mahindra XUV700.
Here are seven things we love about it.
1. Value for money
The Mahindra XUV700 is the most affordable seven-seat mid-size SUV currently on sale in Australia.
The Indian auto brand offers three model grades: the entry-level AX7 that costs $39,990 drive-away, the mid-range AX7L (pictured here) that commands a $3000 premium, and the range-topping Black Edition that costs $1000 more.
For under $40k, even in the entry variant gives you a level standard equipment normally reserved for high-end variants of the XUV700’s competitors, including twin 10.25 digital displays, smartphone mirroring, synthetic leather seat trim, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry with push-button start, 18-inch alloy wheels and a panoramic sunroof.
The AX7L amplifies the value equation even further for not much more, offering additional features such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a premium 12-speaker audio system, wireless phone charger, ventilated front seats and more.
As you’d expect from its name, the Black Edition is available with exclusive new Napoli Black paintwork, with matching black alloy wheels and grille, as well as dark chrome interior highlights on the air vents and centre console.
CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Mahindra XUV700. Click here to get a great deal.
2. Flexible cabin
The Mahindra XUV700 is one of only a handful of mid-size SUVs with the capacity to seat seven, alongside the Mitsubishi Outlander and Nissan X-Trail.
But its rivals only offer that flexibility in certain variants which cost significantly more, whereas all versions of the XUV700 have third-row seating.
And all occupants are treated with a generous amount of space, with a commanding view for those in the front seats and enough headroom and legroom in the second row to accommodate adults comfortably. There’s also a flip-down centre armrest in the middle seat as well as rear air vents and a USB-C power outlet on the back of the centre console.
The third row is surprisingly roomy for a car of this size, but is really only suitable for small children.
With it in place, boot space is reduced yet still offers enough room for a couple of school bags or a quick grocery run. But in its five-seat configuration the XUV700 has a cavernous cargo area that’s bigger than most of its rivals.
Beyond that, the XUV700 has a raft of clever storage solutions throughout the cabin, including deep door pockets in both the front and rear, easy access to the wireless phone charging pad, a non-slip surface at the base of the centre console, sunglasses holder in the roof pod, a huge glovebox and a lidded bin between the seats, both of which are cooled by the air-conditioning system, which is nice.
CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Mahindra XUV700. Click here to get a great deal.
3. Third-row amenities
What really sets the Mahindra XUV700 apart from the other seven-seat mid-size SUVs is that those seated in the back row are provided with equal amenities, including their own air vents with separate fan controls, cupholders in each of the armrests and a 12V power outlet. Not all of its competitors treat those in the very back to the same level of comfort and convenience.
It’s also relatively easy to access thanks to a simple one-touch lever on the passenger side (which is, smartly, the kerb side) of the middle-row seat, which folds it down and flips it forward to create enough space to step up and into the third row, rather than climbing up and over.
CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Mahindra XUV700. Click here to get a great deal.
4. Advanced safety systems
Importantly for families, the Mahindra XUV700 comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver aids and safety systems, including:
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Adaptive cruise control
- Forward collision warning
- Smart pilot assist
- Lane departure warning
- Lane keeping assistance
- Traffic sign recognition
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Six airbags
- Reversing camera
The AX7L and Black Edition add a few extra safety features including blind spot monitoring, a 360-degree parking display and automated stop/go functionality as part of the adaptive cruise control system.
CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Mahindra XUV700. Click here to get a great deal.
5. Digital tech
It has the latest in digital conveniences too, with twin 10.25-inch displays for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system, both of which are crisp and clear with bright graphics.
The instrument cluster has two round dials for speed and engine revs, with oversized numerical readouts in the centre of each to show exact road speed and gear position respectively, while in between there is a multi-function screen that can display a myriad of information, including replicating the navigation display and instructions from the main screen. It also flashes up with a side view of the adjacent lane from the wing mirrors when the indicators are activated.
The infotainment screen runs Mahindra’s proprietary Adrenox operating system, which has large widgets that are clearly designated to allow easy navigation of the logical menu structure, and the wireless smartphone mirroring function was consistently reliable during our test period.
It’s all pretty easy to use, and the 12-speaker audio system in the AX7L and Black Edition has excellent clarity and 3D staging functionality.
CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Mahindra XUV700. Click here to get a great deal.
6. Gusty engine
All versions of the Mahindra XUV700 are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that drives the front wheels only through a six-speed automatic transmission.
The engine produces 149kW of power and 380Nm of torque, and consumes a claimed average of 8.3L/100km.
Beyond the numbers, it’s a gutsy yet refined powerplant that delivers a smooth surge of acceleration whenever asked, and is nicely matched with the smooth-shifting conventional (not dual-clutch) transmission.
CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Mahindra XUV700. Click here to get a great deal.
7. Cost of ownership
The Mahindra XUV700’s value for money equation extends beyond the showroom floor with generous aftersales provisions, providing strong long-term ownership peace of mind.
The XUV700 is backed by a seven-year/150,000km factory warranty that includes free roadside assistance.
Mahindra also supports the first four years of ownership with a capped-price servicing scheme, which has an annual average cost of $445.25, with regular maintenance required every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever occurs first.
CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Mahindra XUV700. Click here to get a great deal.
CarExpert’s Take on the Mahindra XUV 700
The Mahindra XUV700 delivers more than you’d expect, both in terms of value for money and roominess.
Its flexible seven-seat cabin is loaded with the latest conveniences, and comes with more standard equipment and luxuries than most of its rivals at a fraction of the cost.
It’s also comfortable and effortless to drive, thanks to its powerful and yet smooth drivetrain, and equipped with the latest in advanced safety tech.
It’s an ideal solution for growing families on a tight budget.
CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Mahindra XUV700. Click here to get a great deal.