Mahindra
Mahindra XUV at a car rally organised among ASEAN countries in India. (Representational Picture)CreativeCommons/PriyankuPhukan

Fresh spy shots of Mahindra's XUV500 facelift have been doing the rounds on the Internet, giving auto enthusiasts in the county yet another look at the changes made to the model in its new avatar, ahead of its expected launch this year.

The latest spy shots of XUV500 facelift were posted by MotorVikatan, in which the test mule is seen partly camouflaged, showing the key changes that have been made to the covered parts. From the pictures, the size and dimensions of the facelifted avatar of XUV500 seem to be the same, as the current model and its design also look identical.

Speaking of the changes, the XUV 500 facelift is likely to get a new front fascia along with changes to the rear profile, like tail lamps and reworked front bumper. There seems to be chrome handles for the door and new alloy wheels also on the menu.

As for the engine, the XUV 500 is expected to carry the same 2.2-litre four-cylinder mHawk diesel mill, which currently generates a power of 140 bhp at 3,750 rpm and a peak torque of 330 Nm at 1,600-2,800 rpm.

Rumours have also hit the web about the automatic version of XUV500. Going by the reports, XUV500 automatic could also debut around the same time with the facelift.

Apparently, Mahindra is also working on the hybrid version of the model which we first saw at Delhi Auto Expo 2014.

Mahindra XUV500 facelift will rival Tata Safari Storme and Renault Duster in India.