As XUV500 sales take a hit due to increased competition from the likes of Tata Harrier and Jeep Compass, a new base variant W3 was recently launched by Mahindra. XUV500 W3 can be essentially described as a no-frills variant, which offers significant cost benefits as compared to rivals. Here’s a quick comparison between Mahindra XUV500 W3 and its closest rival Tata Harrier XE (base variant) to understand which SUV offers the most value to customers.
Looks: As XUV500 W3’s primary USP is its affordable pricing, the SUV has done away with cosmetic enhancements. XUV500 W3 misses out on exterior features such as black-coloured wheel arch cladding, blacked-out pillars, and black cladding on running board. Other changes include body coloured door handles and body painted bumper that features a thin black splitter. Tata Harrier base variant XE misses out on chrome accents all throughout, but retains the black cladding, which is key to its muscular profile.
Features: Even though XUV500 W3 is focused on cost cutting, it continues to offer many features as standard. These include projector headlamps, micro-hybrid start/stop button, power windows, adjustable steering wheel, electrically operated ORVMs, 6-way manually adjustable driver seat, fabric upholstery, manual AC, keyless entry, follow-me headlamps, rear de-fogger and remote tailgate release. Harrier XE trim offers a similar set of features, give or take a few. Below video credit to Car Quest Youtube channel.
Safety: XUV500 W3 offers most of the basic security features such as dual airbags, rear parking sensors, ABS with EBD, and disc brakes on all four wheels. Harrier XE matches this configuration and has a few extras as well such as speed sensing door locks and manual central locking.
Engine: Mahindra XUV500 W3 is powered by a 2.2-litre diesel engine that generates 155 bhp of max power and 360 Nm of max torque. Engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission and comes with 2WD option. In comparison, Harrier XE gets its power from a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine that makes 140 bhp / 350 Nm. Engine is mated to a 6-speed transmission and comes with FWD option.
Price: With a price tag of Rs 12.21 lakh, Mahindra XUV500 W3 has a sizable price advantage over Tata Harrier XE, which is priced at Rs 12.69 lakh. However, top-spec XUV500 is priced at Rs 19.37 lakh, which is costlier than top-spec Harrier priced at Rs 16.26 lakh. That’s because top-spec XUV500 offers 4WD and automatic transmission, which are not available on top-spec Harrier. Video credit to AutoTrend TV channel on YouTube.
