Indiacar.com -Force One vs. Mahindra XUV 500

Overview
Force Motors have launched the Force One SUV, its first such product as it plans to enhance its presence in the passenger car business. Taking it on is the Mahindra XUV 500 – which has redefined design and technology…we take a closer look…

From the Outside
Clad in a true SUV spirit, the front of the Force SUV is dominated by the broad bonnet, chrome grille and the projector-type headlamps. The all new Force One badge ‘F’ at the centre of the chrome grille compliments the front. Day-time running LED lights also give it a premium SUV look. The sides of the Force One looks more like Ford Endeavour. However, huge wheel arches step up the image and throw challenge to any terrain. The five spoke alloy wheels further enhance the racy looks of the car. The rear of the Force One SUV completes the overall SUV look. The chrome plated twin exhaust gives it just the right sporty look. The bold wheel-arch mouldings/Stylish Roof Rails gives the car a tough and rugged look. Unlike other SUVs the spare wheel is not tucked at the rear and is put just below the rear bumper.

Symbolizing activeness and the agility – the new Mahindra XUV sports a jaw-shaped front grille, paw shaped door handles and the bodylines of a pouncing Cheetah almost looking like a Cheetah in motion. Mahindra has however dealt beautifully with the side appearance and it does not look boxy from the sides. The roof rails have also be streamlined with the roofline.

The rear appearance of XUV 500 is in consonance with the overall Cheetah image and has been carved out well. The spare wheel has been very intelligently hidden just below the boot. The Intellipark sensors are bumper colored and distinctly visible. The characteristic feature of Mahindra XUV 500’s rear is the presence of twin exhausts.

The new SUV by Mahindra is based on monocoque construction which is a single frame unlike the traditional design versions of Mahindra SUVs in India. This ensures better handling and also makes the car safe and secure.

On the Inside
The new SUV by Force Motors has state-of-the-art interior comfort and convenience. Available in two options: the six-seater Force One SUV has 5+D (driver seat) captain seat pattern that has two seats at the front, 2 at the rear and 2 seats in the second row. The seven-seater Force One SUV has 6+D (driver seat) bench seat pattern that has two seats at the front, 3 at the second row and 2 in the last row.

Dressed in beige and wood with plush leather upholstery – the Force One is comfortable and luxurious. The leather clad three spoke steering has audio controls mounted on it with a prominent Force One logo placed in the centre. . The instrument cluster has two large dials accompanied with lots of indicators and at the centre is the digital display followed by more indicators at the base.

The driver seat is three-way adjustable with options of sliding, reclining and height adjustment. The second row seats are captain seats, reclining and is double folding. The seats also have angle adjustable headrests to give full support to the head during long journeys. The third row isn’t congested and two persons can sit easily with enough leg and head room

High end features include driver information system, cruise control, audio control mounted on steering, dual AC vents for each row. It has an on-board computer with distance to empty, real time fuel-efficiency, gear selection etc.

The XUV 500 is clad in beautiful two-tone shade with fabric/leather upholstery. The new SUV has a seating for 7 people but the last row acts as a boot in a folded state. The front seats are ergonomically designed and have lumbar support. The driver seat is 8-way adjustable including height adjustment feature. The front seats have height adjustable seat belts in the front row.

The leather clad, ergonomically designed tilt and telescopic adjustable steering has various controls on it including Cruise, audio, phone & voice command switches. The tail gate is remote operated and locking and unlocking the SUV 500 is far easier with the flip key with remote central locking. The ORVMs are electrically foldable and adjustable. Mahindra XUV 500 takes care of all the three rows well with reading lamps for the all the three rows along with mobile charging points. There are also array of lamps including Puddle lamps, Entry assist lamp, Door ajar lamps, Camping lamps on the XUV 500. There is also an umbrella holder in Mahindra XUV 500.

Under the Hood
Powered by a 2148cc, inline-four diesel engine, the Force One produces 138 bhp and 32 kgm of peak torque. This motor, called the 2.2 FMTech is originally a Mercedes-Benz engine that used to power the last C-Class as well as the W210 E-Class. The motor is currently BS-IV ready but can be tuned for BS-V norms as well. The gearbox too is an MB gearbox that uses a low-friction, dual mass flywheel. The chassis frame was designed in-house using CAD/CAM and CAE.

The braking system in the Force One is front and rear disk brakes. The transmission is 5-speed manual. It also has a ground clearance of 205 mm which is good enough for a 2510 kg SUV.

The Mahindra XUV 500 is powered by the 2179cc mHawk engine of Mahindra Scorpio. The CRDi engine is capable of producing 140 bhp of maximum power and a maximum torque of 330 Nm. The 2.2L engine is able to produce 140 Bhp (103kW) at just 3750 rpm and it produces the torque of 330 Nm at as low as 1600-2800 rpm.

There is a six-speed manual gearbox in XUV 500 with a torque on demand mechanism. There are two variants as far as transmission is concerned – XUV 500 two-wheel drive model and XUV 500 four-wheel drive model. Micro-hybrid technology for better fuel efficiency is also in place in this new SUV.

It also has the first-ever transversely placed engine that has increased the passenger space inside and has also improved safety in case of an impact besides a larger crumple zone.

In Conclusion
Force One is priced at Rs 10.65 lakhs, ex-showroom, Delhi & Rs 11.1 lakhs, ex-showroom, Mumbai. The ARAI fuel efficiency cycle rates the Force One at 11.6 kilometres per litre. Currently the vehicle will be available only as a 4x2 but will be offered in a 4x4 version by March 2012. A version with ABS and airbags too will be offered by 2013.

Mahindra XUV 500 mileage is 12kmpl in the city and 14 kmpl on the highways. ARAI certified mileage on the highway is 15.1 kmpl. Mahindra XUV 500 price is Rs 11,03,000 - Rs 13,36,000 (ex-showroom – Mumbai).