Passive Keyless Entry and Push Button Start added to Mahindra XUV500 Automatic

The Indian automaker added an automatic gearbox to its premium SUV XUV500 last year. However, the clutchless variant had the same list of equipment as that of a manual one, but strangely missed out features such as the passive keyless entry system and the push button start stop. Now, Mahindra has added both the features to the automatic variant of the XUV500.

Like in the case of the manual, both features are only offered with the range-topping W10 variant. Given the addition of these features, the top-end XUV500 auto will get request buttons on the front door handles, along with a smart-key instead of the flip-out type key. This also means the closable storage area ahead of the gear lever will be a little smaller as the push button starter takes up some space on the console.

No other changes have been made in the XUV500’s feature list and it still offers an expansive list of niceties, including 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, hill-hold and hill descent control, an electric sunroof, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system and projector headlights.

Powering the car is a 2.2-litre mHawk140, diesel engine that makes 140PS of power at 3,750rpm and 330Nm of torque at 1,600-2,800rpm. It is offered with front-wheel drive as standard, with an optional all-wheel drive system available as well. Transmission is through either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic gearbox. In Delhi, Mahindra offers the crossover with a 1.99-litre engine to duck beneath the diesel ban.

The XUV500 starts at a price of Rs 12.12 lakh and goes up to Rs 18.17 lakh (ex-showroom, Maharashtra). Wondering how it fares against the all-new Toyota Innova Crysta.

Source: CarDekho.com