While Mahindra will launch its new-age XUV 500 SUV, Mazda will unveil the Mazda CX-5, the new generation crossover SUV.

Agni Inc, the authorised distributor of Mahindra in Nepal, has planned to bring out the new-age XUV 500 by July-end or the first week of August. The SUV is an updated version of the XUV 500 that launched in 2013, and comes with many new features in exterior and interior styling.

“The XUV has been doing well in the domestic market since its launch two years ago. So we expect that this enhanced vehicle will also do well here as it has many exciting features like electric sunroof, push button start and six-way adjustable seats, among other amenities,” said Bardan Basnet, general manager of the company. He added that this vehicle would help regain the market Mahindra lost after the earthquake.

“For the past two-three months, we have been encountering a downturn in the auto market, and this new model will help to revive business,” added Basnet. The new XUV 500 will come in four variants, namely the W4, W6, W8 and W10. Although the company has not fixed the price yet, Basnet said that it would tentatively start at Rs5 million. The vehicle is powered by a 2.2 litre four-cylinder mHawk diesel engine that generates 140 bhp of power at 3,750 rpm and a peak torque of 330 Nm at 1,600-2,800 rpm. The main features of the vehicle include new chrome grille, headlamps with black treatment, revised rear door, 7-inch infotainment touch screen, reverse parking camera and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Similarly, Padma Shree, the authorised distributor of Mazda in Nepal, is all set to launch the Mazda CX-5 by the end of August. The CX-5 is based on the CX-7 platform that was launched in 2013. The company has already opened bookings for the vehicle which will be available in four variants. It will be priced between Rs8 million and Rs10 million.

Rohini Thapaliya, executive director of the company, said that this vehicle would cater to the needs of value-conscious consumers. “The Mazda CX-5 has been awarded by SUV World as the number one vehicle of 2015-16. It comes with Sky Active technology that gives lower fuel consumption. This vehicle will do well in the domestic market and further strengthen our market share,” he said.

The full-option model features SMS, email and Wi-Fi. The CX-5 is powered by a new-generation Sky Active G 2.5 litre petrol engine that produces 138 kW of power and a torque of 250 nm, said the company. Other features of the Mazda CX-5 are i-Stop system, sunroof front lighting system with adaptive driving, LED headlamps with auto controls and washers, high grade audio with Commander and Bose speakers, parking sensors and Bluetooth hands free system, front, side and curtain airbags and full automatic air conditioner with electric type heater control.