The new generation 2021 Mahindra XUV500 has been on test for more than a couple years now. Various exterior and interior details have been revealed by numerous Spy shots and videos. However now, a new video has surfaced online, uploaded by Mohini Sharma on December 17th. The spy video gives us a first look at the entire interior of what seems to be the mid spec variant of the new XUV500.

Interior:

First, the interior seems to get a dual tone, beige and black theme. The dashboard features two massive screens for infotainment, including the digital cluster. This mid spec variant also

The model seen in the video gets a flat-bottom leather wrapped steering wheel with cruise control and other controls as well. However the car gets only a manual switch for the day/night IRVM and a manual handbrake lever. The rear AC vents have moved towards the end of the center console instead of their earlier location on the B pillars. The top spec variants will get Dual-zone climate control as well. The seats seem larger than before and also seem to get longer squabs with better bolstering. The 2nd row seats get a 60:40 split folding function and a center armrest as well. Sadly, unlike the current model, the middle passenger doesn't seem to get a separate headrest.

The 3rd row seats seem larger than before and get a 50:50 split folding function just like the current model. The boot space, though small, is larger than the current gen model. The top spec variant is expected to get a powered tailgate as well.

Exterior:

After so many years of testing, the Mahindra XUV500 is near production ready. The exterior features LED headlights with signature LED DRLs, a large 7-slat grille, functional roof rails, 17” alloy wheels with 235 section tyres and all-wheel disc brakes as well.

High-tech features:

Mahindra also seems to be testing some advanced electronic safety and driver assistance systems on the new XUV500. These included a radar system, eyelid tracking tech and autonomous braking. Another feature which was reportedly getting tested was a 3D panoramic vision feature which would help the driver while reversing the car.

However, these high-tech features are not likely to make it into production, atleast for now. That said, the new XUV500 is definitely expected to get a significant level of connected car tech and smart features.

Engines:

The 2021 XUV500 will get 2 engine options. The 2.2 litre mHawk diesel engine will be upgraded to produce around 170bhp of power, mated to 6 speed manual and automatic gearboxes. The new M-stallion 2.0L, 4 cylinder turbo petrol is also expected to be offered with the same transmission options. Similar to the Thar lifestyle SUV, this turbo petrol engine is expected to produce 150bhp of Max Power. Like the current gen model, the new XUV is also expected to offer AWD option on the top spec variants.

Launch and pricing:

The new XUV500 is expected to be launched in the first quarter of 2021 and will compete against rivals like the Tata Harrier and the Gravitas, Jeep Compass, MG Hector and Hector plus, Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta. Similar to the first gen model, we can expect a ground breaking pricing strategy for the new gen XUV500 as well. This new second generation model is expected to be priced between ?13-22L, comprising a lot of variants.

Stay tuned for further updates on the new XUV500.

The new 3rd generation Hyundai i20 premium hatchback was launched recently and it is significantly better than its predecessor in almost every area. Currently it is available with 3 engine options, 4 variants and 5 transmission options. At present the Magna is considered the entry level variant and is priced at Rs.6.79L (Ex-showroom) and hence it is not the most affordable car in its segment. However, Hyundai will soon launch a new base level, Era variant of the new i20.

The upcoming base-spec Era model will get only 2 engine options, namely the 1.2-litre Kappa petrol engine which produces 83 PS

The new Era variant will weigh around 80 kilograms lighter than the Magna 1.2-litre petrol variant.

It will also miss out on several features:

Rear AC vents

Rear Power windows

Electric ORVMs

Audio system

Steering mounted audio controls

Remote locking

Wheel covers

Fog lamps

The features likely to available on the new entry-level Era variant include:

Manual Central locking

15” Steel wheels

Reverse sensors

Front Power windows

Manual AC

MID instrument cluster

Tilt/Telescopic steering

Dual airbags

ABS with EBD

Pretensioner seatbelts

With only essential features available, the new base-spec Era variant of the i20 is expected to be priced at Rs.5.99L (Ex-showroom), which is around ?80,000 cheaper than the Magna variant. Stay tuned for further updates on this new base Variant.

Tata motors is getting ready to launch the new Tata Altroz turbo in the coming months. Ahead of launch, images of the Altroz turbo petrol seemed to have popped on the features and downloads section of the official website. As previewed by the Spy images, the car looks similar to the standard Altroz except for that ‘iturbo’ badge on the rear fascia next to the right side tail lamp. Apart from the new badging there seem to be no changes to the exterior.

The Altroz turbo petrol will be offered with a 1.2-litre turbocharged Revotron 3 cylinder petrol engine that produces

The Turbo petrol option could be available on the XT, XT(o), XZ and XZ(o) variants. These turbo petrol variants will be available with a Sport mode instead of the Economy mode and also include Engine auto Start/Stop system.

The ‘Tectonic Blue’ shade from the Nexon will also be made available on the Altroz. The top spec variants are also expected to receive new features such as 60:40 split folding rear seats as well.

Pricing for the new turbo petrol equipped version is expected to start from Rs.7.99L for the XT variant and go up to Rs.8.75L for the XZ(O) variant. (All prices ex showroom) Stay tuned for further updates on the Tata Altroz turbo version.