New variant makes Mahindra XUV500 more affordable; now priced from Rs 12.23 lakh

• W3 variant introduced under W5 variant; cheaper by Rs 58,000.

• Only misses out on an audio system and full-wheel caps.

• Gets dual-front airbags, disc brakes on all wheels, power-adjustable ORVMs.

• Most affordable midsize SUV in India; undercuts base Harrier XE by Rs 47,000.

Mahindra has made its mid-size SUV, the XUV500, more affordable with the introduction of the new W3 base variant. The XUV500 W3 costs Rs 12.23 lakh, which is Rs 58,000 less than the previous entry-level variant, the W5 (it is still on sale). The W3 variant gets the same 2.2-litre diesel engine paired to a 6-speed manual, making 155PS of power and 360Nm of torque.

In the W3 variant, the XUV500 is still equipped with dual front airbags, disc brakes on all four wheels, electrically adjustable ORVMs and projector headlamps. It, however, misses out on the audio system with the 6-inch monochrome display as well as USB and Bluetooth connectivity. Also, the steel wheels do not get full-wheels caps like the W5 variant. It rides on the same 17-inch wheels and gets the same interior fabric upholstery too. That makes the W3 variant a more value-for-money pick than the W5 variant.

With the Rs 12.23 lakh price tag, the base-spec XUV500 with three rows of seats is more affordable than the base-spec Tata Harrier XE (Rs 12.7 lakh) by Rs 47,000 (all prices, ex-showroom Delhi).

Disclaimer: This article has not been edited by Deccan Chronicle and is taken from a syndicated feed. Photos: CarDekho.