Part of the CMH offering found in Moffat Drive, the local dealership is now able to service Mahindra’s loyal North Coast customers as well as competitively compete in what has been a unique shift in demand in the local SUV market, where Mahindra is already a top contender.
The dealership offered me the new XUV700 to test drive and review, which is a stunning vehicle and another significant improvement for Mahindra, once again raising the level of build quality, refinement and comfort to the range. I’ve been interested in the players who’ve been offering “far more car at far more affordable prices”, and I have to say my time behind the wheel of this 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol vehicle left me very impressed.
I’m not going to unpack the deep technical specs of the XUV700 – that’s why Ryan and his team are there – but I will cover its overall performance, comfort and some of its key features all in the context of driving in and around the North Coast.
Performance-wise, the XUV700 ticks the boxes, and easily so. The automatic gearbox is smooth and transitions well, getting the balance of hold and switch just right. That’s important when driving around town as we navigate interesting switches between traffic circles, speed bumps, potholes and an array of lane merges with taxis in traffic hour! The XUV700 delivers the power needed for quick, sharp overtaking to get around trucks and taxis but also serves up a really elegant, comfortable and smooth ride when you get to open it up a little on the freeway.
Internally, there is so much on offer. The seat quality is amazing with stylish trim and loads of comfort. Legroom is always important in a family car for drop-off-and-go or loading up for sports matches – here there are no hassles. The XUV700 is a configurable seven-seater, with two folding seats in the boot. We kept the car in the five-seat configuration which gives you ample storage space to handle suitcases, shopping and golf bags… combined! If you were ever worried about the Mahindra finishes, don’t be.
We could not fault the interior at all and felt that it punched way above its class and price point. The 2.0T AX7 L comes with a gorgeous panoramic roof, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay and almost full dash digital displays. The two USB ports and wireless charging pad help keep fighting at bay when it comes to charging.
I enjoyed, and properly tested out, all 12 speakers of the Sony audio system. The feature list goes on with keyless entry and start, reach adjustment for the steering column, wireless charging pad, 360-degree cameras and additional safety equipment, including a knee airbag, blind-spot monitor and adaptive cruise control system, just to name a few.
Summary, you ask? Mahindra is definitely a contender and with exceptional build quality, loads of features on offer and a slick, modern design style, I believe it’s claiming its positioning at the front of the pack for alternative SUV brands. Plus, it’s right here in Ballito, so if you want to try one out you simply need to head on down to CMH Mahindra.
087 721 5882
leadmaster68@cmh.co.za
www.chmahindra.co.za