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>>The Mahindra XUV500 is definitely a head-turner in terms of looks. It comes in three variants,
with the base W6 variant priced identical to the top-end Renault Duster RXZ. The Mahindra
XUV500 is full of cuts and curves, and has a flamboyant style to it. It has everything
a buyer wants, space, aggressive looks and is a genuine seven seater.
The Renault Duster on the other hand is a compact SUV that’s based on a car platform.
It is a five-seater with the option to squeeze in two jump seats if you want. The Duster
too has macho, muscular looks, which is what gives it that SUV appeal.
In terms of build quality, both vehicles are evenly matched. The XUV500 has some flimsy
plastic bits on the interiors, while the Renault Duster somehow does not feel very premium
in the quality of plastics used. When it comes to features, even the base XUV500
has more to offer than the Renault Duster. The XUV500 comes with airbags, ABS, static
bending lamps, all-round disc brakes, and independent suspension. It also offers cruise
control and automatic climate control. The Renault Duster RXZ offers two airbags
and ABS, but only a manual airconditioning system and not much else. In terms of features,
the XUV500 is therefore better value. When it comes to ride comfort, however, things
get interesting. The Renault Duster actually has better ride quality than the XUV500. The
XUV500 is prone to some body-roll and it also gets a little bouncy over bad surfaces.
In terms of engine power, the Mahindra XUV500 with its 2.2 litre 140 bhp diesel engine and
330 Nm of torque is way more powerful than the 1.5 litre diesel engine in the duster,
which puts out 108 bhp, 248 newton meters of torque. Both come with six-speed manual
transmissions. If you are looking for a full fledged SUV
with a good set of features on offer and can spare the money, then the XUV500 is the vehicle
for you. However, if you want a compact vehicle the Duster is better suited as an urban SUV,
and a good alternative to a sedan.