Kymco looks forward and targets a new market segment: side-by-side utility vehicles. The new, highly-anticipated UXV 500 is the first Kymco that's primarily designed for work. With modern styling and a powertrain sourced from the brand's ATVs, this new machine is up to the challenge of taking on a very competitive segment dominated by large-displacement models.

The UXV 500 boasts a 498.5-cc, 4-valve, liquid-cooled engine. The specific UXV tuning resulted in a loss of 2.5 horsepower; however, low- and mid-range torque is up. In fact, as soon as you take off, you feel the substantial torque launching the 525-kilo monster with surprising enthusiasm, especially for such a small displacement. Actually, the harsh-sounding engine gives the impression of riding a bigger, larger-displacement machine.

The 2009 Kymco UXV 500 will likely become a smash hit in the side-by-side utility segment.

Power is sent to the driving wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a choice of a short or long final gear (through a shift lever), two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive (through a button on the dashboard) and the possibility to lock the front differential (also through a button on the dashboard). The fully-automatic transmission delivers torque smoothly yet convincingly upon takeoff and maintains steady gear reduction to maximize torque throughout the entire acceleration.

The 2009 Kymco UXV 500 rides on double-wishbone front and rear suspensions -- a must-have for a machine on which you can't really lift your butt to soak up bumps (unlike a traditional ATV).

The UXV 500 comes standard with interesting features like a dumping cargo box with ultra-resistant, nonskid floor, a pair or rearview mirrors as well as a steel safety cell and seatbelts.

This machine offers ATV-like agility on top of car-like riding dynamics. It's stable and easy to maneuver thanks to a small steering wheel and pedal set. Obstacles and tire ruts are a breeze to overcome with 12-inch wheels and a 310-millimeter ground clearance, while corners can be attacked at near-exciting speeds thanks to a safe, independent suspension that also proves comfortable over rough terrain.

The new UXV 500 signals the arrival of the Taiwanese industrial giant in the side-by-side utility segment. It will likely make a lot of competitors nervous while becoming a smash hit among consumers interested in this increasingly-attractive vehicle. Kymco sure had plenty of foresight to launch such a product!

Moto123.com will perform a comprehensive trail test as soon as the model arrives at dealerships.


Photo Credit : Amyot Bachand