The 2015 Mahindra XUV 500 has been launched in India with the car maker saying it will sell the XUV500 W8 version in Australia before the end of this year.

THE 2015 MAHINDRA XUV500 W8 will go on-sale later this year with the W10 variant currently undergoing evaluation for Australia. The current XUV500 launched in Australia in 2012. Under the bonnet, the XUV500 gets a 2.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel which makes 103kW and 330Nm of torque.

Speaking at the launch of the New Age XUV500 in India, Dr Pawan Goenka, Executive Director at Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. said, “The XUV500 has pushed the boundaries for Mahindra since its launch, on the fronts of technology, capability and brand. More so, it established the foundations for the development of an entirely new generation of vehicles from Mahindra. Today, as we launch the New Age XUV500, we have enhanced the finesse and driving experience while retaining the DNA of the Cheetah inspired XUV500. I firmly believe that the New Age XUV500 will reaffirm our customers’ faith in Mahindra’s abilities to create world class products”.

While features and pricing are still being confirmed for the Australian market, the XUV500 features a new-look grille, new alloy wheels and front and rear bumper. Key feature changes have occurred to the W10 model and, as it’s still under consideration, we’ll wait for more details on the W8 variant. Some of those changes, however, include:

•Electric Sunroof (W10)

•First-in-class Logo Projection Lamps on ORVMs (W10)

•6-way Power-adjustable Driver’s Seat (W10)

•Push Button Start/ Stop (W10)

•Passive Keyless Entry (W10)

•New 7″ Touchscreen Infotainment with GPS Navigation, USB Audio/Video/Picture Viewer, Bluetooth, iPod Connectivity, AUX Input (W8 & W10)

•Brake Energy Regeneration System (W10)

•High-tech Reverse Parking Camera with Dynamic Assist

•New Voice Messaging System

•Voice Commands with Voice Recognition and SMS Read Out

•Mahindra BLUE SENSE® Technology to control the music system & HVAC using your mobile

•Fully Automatic Temperature Control (FATC)

•Micro Hybrid Technology

•Tyre-Tronics (Tyre Pressure & Temperature Monitoring System)

•Driver Information System

•Smart Rain and Light Sensors

•Cruise Control

We’ll know more about Australian specifications and pricing in the next few months.