2023 Mahindra XUV700

VEHICLE HIGHLIGHTS

Mahindra XUV700

Mahindra’s XUV700 is the sort of SUV that makes you ask tough questions about value in this segment. It’s pitched against the likes of Haval’s Jolion and Chery’s Tiggo 8 Pro, which are both everywhere in Joburg traffic, but the XUV700’s a rarer bird — probably because you won’t find a single new one for sale. Used listings are thin on the ground, with just six examples between R379,900 and R479,900, and most of those lean heavily towards the entry-level side, with a median of R389,900. You’re looking at a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol under the bonnet and a six-speed auto, so variety isn’t Mahindra’s game here. But for buyers who can’t stretch to a Fortuner, that matters — seven seats and a gadget-packed cabin at a wallet-friendly price. Spec choices are simple: two AX5s at the bottom for R379,900–R389,900, and the AX7 seven-seater topping out at R479,900. That R100k jump buys you not just extra seats but more toys, at least on paper. Most cars listed are 2022 to 2025 with odos just north of 30,000 km, so you’re not trawling through high-mileage leftovers. The real appeal is the spec-for-rand, because you get a seven-seat AX7L at R389,900, which undercuts the Tiggo 8 Pro convincingly. But here’s the rub: Mahindra’s after-sales support and parts situation still trails the Chinese brands, who’ve quietly built up better dealer networks in SA. If you pack smart and don’t mind the odd compromise, there’s value here — just don’t expect the same peace of mind you’d get with a Haval or Chery badge.