Astounding XUV 700

The Mahindra XUV 700 has come to Namibian roads to disrupt the status quo, to captivate the imagination, and to inspire and pamper the progressive local driver who thinks big and is committed to living large. The promise of endless horizons drawing beautifully and effortlessly closer as the long road passes leisurely underneath is reflected in the panoramic retractable sunroof, adjustable to provide the glare-free accompaniment of the incredible African sky.

“Oh my gosh! Shut the front door!” was the reaction from My.Na Cars passenger princess Diana Master when she nestled in the generously spacious back seat on invitation of M&Z Namibia Mahindra sales executive Wayne Berty.

“Amazing,” she said, "it feels like I am in a limousine. There is a lot of comfort in the back.”

Nevertheless, Berty was adamant that she would like to slide behind the multifunctional steering wheel even better.



Every need taken care of

Packed with innovative technology, the cabin interior has a lot to offer, centred around the huge instrument cluster and the infotainment system, replete with Sony speakers for sound clarity. Android Auto or Apple CarPlay enable full synchronisation of your cellular phone while it is connected to the wireless charging station.

Step on the brake and push the start button to bring the engine to life, along with the display for the four advanced wide-angle cameras that work together to bring a 360° birds-eye view of the vehicle. Blind spots are a thing of the past, and craning your neck to see encroaching vehicles or judge the distance from the pavement is unheard of in the XUV 700.

Adaptive cruise control with emergency braking is built in, as is the dash cam, which sends data directly to your phone; the double cup holders built into the armrest, which doubles as a cool storage unit; and the roof-mounted sunglass tray.

Two-tone finishes and synthetic leather seats add to the appeal of the sleek design of the door handles, both inside and out.

The outside handles are hidden, flush with the body, until the automobile is unlocked, when they pop out for use. Inside the driver’s door, the automatic seat manipulator is shaped like a chair, allowing for intuitive adjustment for absolute comfort. It is storable as one of three settings that can be activated as soon as a different driver assumes command.



Easy driving

Driving is just as easy, with features like lane assist allowing you to turn the steering wheel independently to keep the vehicle within the green lines that are also displayed between the speedometer and the rev counter. Although the XUV 700 is capable of keeping occupants safe while the driver sits hands-off, a stern warning and buzzing alarm insist that drivers retake the steering with both hands.

The steering wheel functionality is optimised with buttons within easy reach, and the side-mirror-mounted camera activates automatically upon use of the indicator to give easy views for improved safety.

With its turbo-petrol with direct injection two-litre engine providing up to 149 kW of power and generating up to 380 Nm of torque on command, driving the XUV 700 is a lot of fun, and looking good while doing it comes standard with the package. The electric blue paintwork is beautiful, as are the Everest white, Midnight black, Dazzling silver, and Red Rage options. The arrow-shaped front and rear light designs accentuate the aggressive posture of this sports utility vehicle.

"This is definitely it," and "I need one of these," were the words of exuberance out of the mouth of Diana Master, who insists that the Mahindra XUV 700 competently meets the passenger princess's approval.