Get in and the Mahindra Alturas cabin looks like one to rival a premium European offering that’s twice the price. Perforated Nappa leather adorns the seats – in dark brown and black – that’s also wrapped around panels, and with contrast stitching. The appearance of the wood trim together with the chrome accents works very well. The sun-roof and blue ambient lighting add to the pleasant feel. Overall, yes, it has more than an air of high quality. Everything you touch – metal, leather or plastic – has a quality feel to it: the controls and switches on the door panel, the dashboard, and the centre console all look like they’ve been given due attention. Yes, the effort and attention to detail put in are very evident indeed. There’s a long list of kit and it includes a driver’s seat that is power-adjustable and has memory settings. The passenger seat is manually adjustable, but, importantly, the seats have a ventilation function – another much-needed feature. The centre console has a touchscreen display and also doubles up as the display for the surround camera; one of the more useful pieces of equipment, especially for a car this size.
More useful bits in the Mahindra Alturas come in the form of the easy to access third-row. Simply tug on the line and the two rear seat-backs come up. The second row is split and reclines, adding to flexibility. There is enough passenger room for two, even three abreast, and the floor is quite flat as well. The third row can seat average height adults, but the floor is considerably high, making them best suited for children. The automatic climate control has vents even in the third row, albeit only on the right-hand side. However, it should go a long way in achieving cool air circulation. For when the third row isn’t needed, the boot volume goes up from about 250 litres to more than twice that. The power tailgate is another interesting bit of kit. Just standing near it for about five seconds triggers the auto open. The smart key is also a boon. Keyless entry and go are just some of the functions, it can be used to open and close the powered tail-gate. That’s surely more brownie points.
Adding even more of those are basically the reasons why the Mahindra Alturas feels high-quality in the first place: the focus on safety. Though it uses a ladder frame with body-on-top construction – as an SUV is traditionally made – there has been a high priority given to body strength with regards to crash safety. The amount of high-strength steel used in construction is over 80 per cent and that, other than the fact that it earned first-grade or five-star rating equivalent in the KNCAP (Korean New Car Assessment Program), is testimony to that aspect. Augmenting these is the amount of kit on offer. The Alturas packs an electronic stability program, a traction control system, active roll prevention, ABS with EBD, hill-start assist, hill-descent control, and, for the worst case scenario, nine airbags: dual front, driver knee. dual side, rear side, front and rear curtains. What those mean for you and the family is that the electronics will make this big beast behave even in challenging conditions. That’s all under the skin, though, and not evident until it’s too late and you’re glad they’re all packed in there.
What the Mahindra Alturas feels like on the move is just as important. It’s got a 2.2-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-diesel engine which makes a peak 181 PS and a useful 420 Nm of peak torque from as low as 1,600 rpm. That gives this near two-tonne behemoth enough go and, thanks to a good amount of torque available low down, and a fine seven-speed automatic gearbox from the three-pointed star, it can kick its heels off and get going on the double. The four-wheel drive system has the usual 2H (rear-wheel drive), 4H (4×4 high range) and 4L (4×4 low range) choice of set-up selectable via a rotary selector on the centre console. We had quite some fun cruising along the hilly bends, and it felt composed, even with its 200+ mm ride height. Get up to highway speeds though and the bulk makes itself felt. However, it isn’t unusual and, compared to its primary rival, it sure feels a lot more engaging and involving to drive. The gearbox handles power delivery fluidly and feels modern and capable for the duties assigned. The cabin is well insulated, and engine noise is kept subdued. There is a bit of pitch when coming to a stop since the seating is quite high up there, but, again, it’s nothing really unexpected.
What I would take away from the experience is that Mahindra have gotten serious about taking on the premium players and, with the Alturas, they have shown that quality can be delivered at a competitive price and that features don’t have to be ostentatious to be appreciated. The brawny and modern exterior is complemented by a plush and equally modern interior. It feels nice to be in, the ergonomics are spot on, and, positioned above the XUV500, it should be worthy contender for your Rs 30 lakh.
Need To Know – Mahindra Alturas G4 4WD
Price: Rs 29.95 lakh (ex-showroom)
Engine: 2,157 cc, in-line four, turbo-diesel
Max Power: 181 PS @ 4,000 rpm
Max Torque: 420 Nm @ 1,600-2,600 rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed, automatic, rear-/four-wheel drive
Suspension: Double wishbone front, five-link rear
Weight: 2,100 kg (estimated)
