I have driven this engine is lower state of tune in the Thar, but in the XUV700, its just something else.

So now coming to the engines. The Mahindra XUV700 comes with a petrol and diesel engine option. There is a 2.0 MStallion turbo petrol with 200 horsepower, yes you read that right and 380 Nm of torque and a 2.2 litre MHawk diesel that makes 185 horses (155 in MX variant) with 420 Nm (MT) and 450 Nm(AT). Mahindra offers 6 speed manual and 6 speed torque converter automatics with both engines. While diesel is the by default engine you would associate with a Mahindra, the petrol motor is quite the revelation. I have driven this engine is lower state of tune in the Thar, but in the XUV, its just something else. Refinement levels are top notch and the XUV petrol accelerates smoothly off the line. There is a strong mid range and it doesn’t feel strained even at high rpms.  The Aisin automatic gearbox is smooth in its shifts and at no point do you feels jerky. It does its part even at lower speeds and bumper to bumper traffic. The 6 speed manual has short throws and a light clutch makes it very easy to drive. It is very tractable and you can pull in higher gear at low speeds too.

The MHawk diesel is a legendary motor that has been doing duty in Mahindra SUVs for years. It is a perfect match for the XUV700. This engine is meant to do long distances without a sweat and that it does with aplomb. Both, the automatic and manual gearboxes are excellently mated to the engine. Acceleration is linear throughout and there is enough low end grunt as well. No where will you feel a lack of power. It feels at home in urban traffic as well and lag is well controlled. I also had the chance to drive the XUV diesel automatic on the fantastic highways of Rajasthan during the Royal Escape and just loved the way this SUV was munching the miles. Body roll is also well controlled around the corners. The diesel also gets the Zip, Zap Zoom drive modes and much has been said about them already.

The diesel also gets the option of AWD for those who want it and even though I haven’t tested it, the XUV AWD faired well in the sand dunes of Jaisalmer along with the 4×4 Scorpios. And that says a lot. Sure it might not manage what a proper 4×4 will, but it has enough for mild and intermediate off-road trails. AWD is definitely a good thing to have.