The frumpy looking Xylo has finally received a long overdue facelift. The frumpy looks are not all gone since the furrowed brow still exists but what has softened the look is the adoption of a grill that has less vertical slats and no overdose of chrome. Mahindra claims to have made some changes to the interior as well to make it a more comfortable vehicle. A E9 variant has been added and this will feature the mHawk engine that is used on the Scorpio. Other variants will continue with the mEagle engines.
A trend we we witnessed first with the launch of the Duro, the face lifted Xylo seems to have been garnering attention in various parts of the country with multiple launches. The new Mahindra Xylo was launched in South India today at Bangalore. Primarily a facelift, but as Mahindra seems to be doing once too often these days,a number of features at phenomenal value have been bestowed upon the Xylo.
Mr. Vijay Nakra, VP Sales -Automotive Division explained how more than 90,000 units were sold in 3 years, even though the launch happened during the recession.The Xylo has 27% of MPV market, class leading space and utilitarianism. Mr. Nakra spoke to Riot Engine about how Mahindra kept its ear to the ground and took feedback, made changes and has brought out the new Xylo.
Mr. Nakra also pointed out “All the changes have resulted in a price increase of only 15 k over previous prices, but changes introduced have been many.
The Xylo is 3 lakhs cheaper than the Innova and around the same price as the Vento. While they are different segments, urban commuters more often than not move from one segment to the other. ”
Styling changes include the new front grille which makes the Xylo much less gawky and headlamps that have been slightly tweaked. Chrome accents add to the premium feel of the vehicle. There’s a new front bumper with airdams in addition to the slightly more muscular bonnet with the logo integrated up front. Sporty roof rails & spoiler, pronounced wheel arches ( hello XUV!) and more cosmetic changes like sophisticated body and roof decals, blacked pillars, chrome tipped body side molding all make the Xylo more appealing. New footstep with mudflaps make for easy entry and exit
Interiors get genuine Italian leather upholstery, two tone dashboard & a new centre console. Glossy Wood Interior Panels add to the premium feel.
All New Xylo is now available in 5 variants with the top-end E9 variant sporting the advanced mHawk engine & new 5 MT 320 transmission.
Voice Command Technology lets you control functions like headlamps on/off, doors lock/unlock, wipers on/off and more with over 30 commands & 15 security warnings in top end E9 variant – for the first time ever in the auto industry says Mahindra.
Other features for your buck include Blue drive system, Cruise control, Audio controls on steering wheel.
The Xylo has all the features on paper to pamper its occupants, like the surround Dual AC, individual AC vents & lights for all 3 rows, flat bed seats and foldable snack trays.
Safety features include Dual SRS Airbags, ABS with EBD, Extra stability technology (EST), Intellipark reverse assist, 2 Din audio system, Digital drive assist system,
The stylish new Xylo, available in 5 variants – D2, D4, E4, E8 and E9 will start at an attractive price of Rs 7.37 lacs (D2, BS4 ex-showroom Delhi).
Colors available
Clockwise starting from top left: Diamond White, Toreador Red,Java Brown, Fiery Black, Mist Silver and Rocky Beige.
The Xylo which was conceived of as a rival to the Toyota Innova sells in reasonable numbers but not enough to give Toyota’s best seller too many headaches. With the Innova having received a facelift and other MPVs from various manufacturers in the pipe line, Mahindra has decided to give the once over hoping a small change in face can bring about a big change in fortunes.