Nov 13 2006 - Updating my review today. Very sad to put here that the vehicle for which I wrote the review below, was stolen. It is rare to hear that a vehicle is stolen (especially in a place like Pune). It has been almost 3 months now, and neither the cops, not the Insurance investigators could trace the vehicle. Just read another review at Mouthshut, stating that the Slx version, the rear window can be easily removed, to flick the vehicle. Got the Insurance claim, to pay off my loan, but lost around 2.5L in Depreciation and the Road Tax, Insurance premium and the additional stuff that I had put in to deck up the vehicle.
Vehicle is superb, my advise to all those who plan to purchase, the security system provided by Mahindra is not enough, better invest some more in an additional security device. Make sure to have a couple of them, so that it is not easy to steal the vehicle.
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April 4th 2005 - Just got the new Tungsten Blue Colour this week. Came to know from the dealer of Mahindra that I am the first owner of this colour in Pune, so got Royal treatment from them. First week report is that the drive is too good and comfortable for the front seaters, but, a little bumpy for the back seaters, probably because my hands are not set on the vehicle. Excellent pickup in comparison to a Safari (as I test drove Safari and a Scorpio on the same day). Speed wise, Drove 150KM/hr on Mumbai Pune express way. It felt very sturdy and balanced. (I am actually not supposed to take it above 100 as it has not crossed 1000 km mark). Voice messaging system (VMS) is very good. Keeps reminding me if a door is not closed properly or if the hand brakes are not totally down. Many more messages which I still need to discover. Security system and Follow Me Home Lights are value adds. Will update more after some weeks.