The XUV700 is a large SUV packed with electronics — including driver-assistance sensors on higher variants — which means a lot of wiring that is expensive to repair if chewed.
The XUV700 is sold in India with petrol and diesel versions. Whatever you drive, the pattern is the same: rats move in when the car sits still — overnight, over a weekend, or while you're travelling — and the damage is found only when a warning light comes on or the car won't start.
Where to check on your XUV700
- Top of the engine and battery — droppings and shredded nesting material are the earliest signs.
- Wiring harness and connectors — look for stripped insulation or exposed copper.
- Rubber hoses — coolant, vacuum and washer lines are soft chewing targets.
- Cabin air-filter housing — a favourite nesting spot; a shredded filter is a red flag.
- Underbody and wheel arches — the XUV700's ground clearance leaves open space underneath, so rats often climb in from below.
Where to mount a repellent in a XUV700
Choose a flat, secure spot under the bonnet away from the exhaust manifold, belts, fan and radiator, with the front grille facing open space rather than a panel. Secure the unit with the included straps so it can't move. If there's no convenient power point where you park, use AA battery mode.
What rat damage costs
A single chewed wire might be a few thousand rupees. A damaged harness or several sensors can run to ₹25,000–₹40,000 or more — plus towing and the days your XUV700 is off the road. Prevention costs a fraction of one repair. For the full picture, see the real cost of a rat in your car.