As the first Mahindra to proudly sport the new Twin Peaks logo from the Indian manufacturer, we gave the new XUV700 (pronounced as Seven Double ‘Oh’) carte blanche in Cape Town in celebration of 70 years of Agent 007 (Double “Oh Seven) … Bond. James Bond.
Positioned close to the beachfront of Bloubergstrand with Table Mountain and the twin peaks of Devil’s Peak and Lion’s Head forming an impressive backdrop, the Electric Blue “Seven Double ‘Oh’” really looked the part …
Exemplifying the bold new direction Mahindra has embarked on with a selection of new-age products, the XUV700 in seven-seat AX7 L guise feature an attractive and more aggressive new front grille proudly displaying the new Twin Peaks logo.
Although South Africa has never been used as a movie location in the 70 years of the popular secret agent character created by author Ian Fleming, the country has featured in the film plots for the Bond blockbusters Diamonds are Forever (1971) and the more recent Spectre (2015).
However, the country and the Mother City in particular features strongly in the 2011 James Bond novel Carte Blanche written by the American writer Jeffery Deaver. The 37th Bond novel commissioned by Ian Fleming Publications was launched at the Cape Grace Hotel.
Complete Freedom
The book, with Bond cast as a former Royal Naval Reserve officer and a veteran of the Afghanistan War, has Agent 007 arriving in Cape Town to protect British interests against a potential terror attack. He is given carte blanche to deal with the threat, with the help of a local police operative, Bheka Jordaan.
In the book there are many references to Cape Town and other Western Cape settings, as well as South African hospitality, including a fondness for biltong and ‘Zulu beer’. Bond drinks “South African Constantia”, orders Rustenberg Peter Barlow Cabernet, he enjoys 2003 Graham Beck Cuvee Clive, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Robertson, and is advised to try bobotie.
Signal Hill, Lion’s Head, Table Mountain, the Twelve Apostles mountains, and Victoria Road (where much of the action happens at a fictitious inn) features prominently; the secret agent also enjoys sosaties, yellow rice, and ‘marog spinach’ in the Bo-Kaap, but did not like Mopane worms …
He also visits Franschhoek and eats at a Michelin-star restaurant (perhaps a reference to Le Quartier Français?) and even Robben Island is mentioned. He is taken for a sunset helicopter flip over the Cape Peninsula, and drives a Bentley Continental GT.
While not a Bentley (Bond’s favourite car in the book sequels) the spacious and comfortable XUV700 proved the perfect vehicle to follow the 007 Carte Blanche trail … The flagship model could easily have featured as the preferred ride for MI6 agents in a movie production of the book.
Active Living
Built ground up on an all-new platform, the Seven Double ‘Oh was initially supposed to supersede the current XUV500 but during its development Mahindra decided to change its designation to better describe the upmarket and active living aspirations of the newcomer.
It still displays some XUV700 design traits (specifically seen from the side) but its most striking feature is the new front grille with Twin Peaks logo, flanked by LED clear-view headlamps clusters with automatic boosting, LED daytime running lights, and LED sequential indicators.
Conventional door handles have given way to recessed ‘smart door handles’ (a first-in-segment for the XUV700) and prominent haunches above the wheel arches gives the SUV a sporty stance. At the rear, the arrow-tip taillights utilise LED technology, with an additional high-level LED brake lamp.
Inside the spacious cabin a completely redesigned, much more contemporary Mahindra Super screen – a combination of two high-definition 26 cm digital screens for the digital cluster and user-friendly infotainment systems, takes pride of place.
A big Skyroof in the two-wheel-drive AX7 L (no diesel or 4×4 models are in the mix) creates an airy and light cabin ambience. a Sony sound system gives a customised sound experience, and the secret agents will also enjoy the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, for seamless smartphone connection …
Soft-touch, tactile materials, and high-quality trim abound in the cabin but keeping the light upholstery clean may pose a challenge, and despite six-way electric control it was still difficult to find the perfect driving position. Second row passengers have ample seating space, and even the third-row seats are big enough for an adult, albeit slightly cramped.
Dynamic Surprise
Underpinned by a completely new platform, the improved rigidity and enhanced NVH levels of the XUV700 is now on par with best in class. A huge improvement over the older XUV500 is the lack of cabin noise, warranting a calm and serene ambience that M might appreciate …
With all-independent suspension, including FSD (Frequency Selective Damping) technology, the ride along Victoria Road was smooth and comfortable, and handling in the sweeps was surefooted and predictable, although steering feel was very artificial.
On the way to Stellenbosch and “Die Pieke” (Twin Peaks) in the Jonkershoek Valley and from there to Franschhoek, the 2.0-litre mStallion turbo-petrol engine, delivering a punchy 149 kW at 5 000 rpm and torque of 380 Nm available from a low 1 750 rpm. felt perky enough for a quick getaway – despite the bulk of the seven-seat SUV.
Coupled with a smooth-shifting six-speed auto transmission (apparently remapped to match the engine power profile for South African cruising speeds) the torque characteristics of the powerplant made overtaking and town traffic driving easy, and its overall refinement and ride on a variety of road surfaces was impressive.
Our special agents will also be appreciative of safety systems such as Blind View Monitor, with digital cameras mounted in the nose, tailgate and side mirrors for a 360-degree bird’s eye view, seven airbags, comprehensive Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS), and semi-autonomous driving readiness.
Perhaps the biggest allure of the XUV700, besides some funky body colours (MI6 will probably stick with Midnight Black), is its price: Bond may have carte blanche with budget but not so the agency, and for R559 999 the AX7 L model represents great bang for your buck compared with rivals from some more fancied brands … and warrants serious consideration.
Having successful tracked the 007 trail, we could return to the Cape Grace to celebrate 70 years of 007 by ordering a ‘Carte Blanche’, the name of a cocktail created for Bond, made from “Crown Royal whisky, a double, on ice, half a measure of triple sec, two dashes of Angostura, and a twist of orange peel, not a slice,”, as described in the book … Shaken, of course …
70 Years of 007
This year marks the 70th anniversary since Casino Royale, the first novel on the legendary super spy James Bond by Ian Fleming, was published. To celebrate this, Ian Fleming Publications will be relaunching the original Ian Fleming Bond books in April this year. The new editions will first be released in paperback and as eBooks, and later as special editions and hardcovers. The 70 Years of 007 logo was designed by Steven Aspinall.
The logo makes a visual connection to the literary Bond and features Tea Chest font – the same font chosen by Fleming for the original dust jackets for the fifth James Bond novel From Russia With Love. The Tea Chest font was designed in 1939 and it became part of the house style for the subsequent United Kingdom editions of the Bond titles.
Text: Ferdi de Vos | Images © Ryan Abbott
