New Mahindra Xylo E9

Published On Feb 24, 2012 By Ritesh for Mahindra Xylo

The muscular and rugged Xylo was the first MPV (Multi Utility Vehicle) from Mahindra’s stable. It was launched a couple of years back and was sold in good numbers. The Xylo was the only alternative to the MPV from Toyota, the Innova. The outgoing Mahindra Xylo was known for its reliability and spacious interiors, but the MPV also lacked in a few areas.  We will speak of them in detail in the later part of the review. Mahindra who is riding high with the grand success of their XUV 500, recently launched the revamped version of Xylo which included a host of new stuff coming on to it.

New Mahindra Xylo

We drove the top end fully loaded E9 variant of the 2012 New Xylo to see in reality how the facelift really has transformed the MPV.

Exteriors

The outgoing Mahindra Xylo was a sober looking MPV with decent exterior design that was more practical then a head turner. Mahindra has now redone the outside which is now much trendier looking.

New Mahindra Xylo

The front end of the New Xylo gets a fresh nose job, an all new center grill which has eight vertical slats in glossy black finish with black horizontal slats behind them. The headlights get the all clear lens effect which makes them look neat and give a sharp look to the front of the New Xylo. The headlamps have integrated turn lamps placed on the extreme bottom corners.

New Mahindra Xylo

The New Xylo gets an all new front bumper, the Xylo E9 we drove came with factory fitted fog lamps. The new bumper which is in body color gets a corner extension in black that looks aerodynamic and sporty. The bonnet gets a smooth flow down curve that mates with the grill and also has the New Mahindra Logo on it.

New Mahindra Xylo

Moving to the sides, the older Xylo’s side profile was kind of dull, boxy and lacked any design value. The New Xylo’s side profile changes all that, the wheel arches get the up market like wheel arches extensions made of black fiber material. A chrome/black door garnish runs across on the lower part of the doors.

New Mahindra Xylo

The door handles are in neat body colors and gives an up market feel when you operate them. You also get an all black foot board in matt finish on the New Xylo that adds a certain sporty rugged feel to the side profile. The wing mirrors get a new shape on the New Xylo and are in dual color ie body color with black underlays.

New Mahindra Xylo

The E9 variant of the New Mahindra Xylo that we test drove came with a six spoke alloy wheels which is a welcome addition.

New Mahindra Xylo

The tyre profile for the New Mahindra Xylo is Bridgestone Dueler 215/75R15 spec. The most prominent revamp on the side profile of the New Mahindra Xylo apart from the black footboard is the blacked out window frames. The blacked out effect on the sides makes the side profile looks sleek and stylish.

New Mahindra Xylo

At the rear the New Mahindra Xylo gets a new pair of tail lamps with the clear lens effect. A new sharp looking rear spoiler with integrated stop lamp is a very welcome inclusion.

New Mahindra Xylo

The E9 New Xylo also gets a rear wash wipe with rear defogger and blacked out C pillars. The rear bumper gets a pair of reflectors that are now in larger size along with the rear parking sensors  and rear foot board. The New Mahindra Xylo E9 also gets a stylish matt black roof trail that adds the extra style and design value.

New Mahindra Xylo

The paint quality has an upmarket air, the weld and body panel joints are also neatly done. The New Mahindra Xylo is a big improvement as compared to the older Mahindra Xylo in terms of quality on the outside.

Interiors – Cabin

The New Mahindra Xylo gets a dual tone dash board in beige and wood inserts.  The instrument cluster has a white background and red needles.

New Mahindra Xylo

You get all the required tell tale warning and information lights on the instrument cluster. The steering is in dual tone color shade with steering mounted buttons for audio, Bluetooth connectivity, audio command button and cruise control.  The steering can also be manually adjusted for height.

New Mahindra Xylo

The center console gets a double DIN MO3 player made by Nippon for Mahindra. This head unit comes with USB and AUX ports to connect all your favorite devices.

New Mahindra Xylo

The music system also comes with a wireless remote and the New Mahindra Xylo E9 comes affixed with six speakers.

New Mahindra Xylo

The AC vents are similarly shaped as on the older Xylo with an addition of chrome inserts on the extreme vents. The single zone AC unit has a four speed blower setting along with Hi and Low setting for the unit.

New Mahindra Xylo

On the top of the center dash is the MFD(Multi Function Display) or DDAS as Mahindra calls it. Day/date, actual fuel economy,

New Mahindra Xylo

This Digital Display unit displays the outside and inside temperature, gear that the vehicle is driving in, speed in KMPH, time, distance to empty all in one.

New Mahindra Xylo

The gear shifter also gets the dual tone finish. The center console has two can holders which can also be used to hold things other cans as we did. The New Mahindra Xylo E9 that we tested came with full Italian leather upholstery.

New Mahindra Xylo

The seating on the front seats is largely comfortable. The driver’s seat gets 2 way height adjust and lumbar support.

New Mahindra Xylo

The front seats also get the foldable arm rest which is very comfortable while driving. The second row gets the captain seats, two passengers can sit on this row comfortably. AC vents with blower setting for the middle row in the roof make it more comfortable.

New Mahindra Xylo

Also a foldable tray is placed on the back of the front seats. The middle row captain seats can be inclined fully for the perfect comfort angle. The middle row continues to get the hallmark full flatbed seating on the New Mahindra Xylo. The third row gets a foldable arm rest and this bench seat can seat two passengers. The comfort level is good with generous amount of head room and leg room in the cabin of the New Mahindra Xylo.

New Mahindra Xylo

Bottle holders and storage bins are also present in the door pads, map pockets are also present behind the front seats. The door handles also get a new design and have a close resemblance with the XUV 500’s door handles. The boot area is fairly generous but can be multiplied to great extent when you fold the third row seats and extend the boot capacity.

Cabin Features

The New Mahindra Xylo comes loaded with some unique features. The biggest addition is the VCT or Voice Command Technology as Mahindra calls it.  This is a first of its kind voice activated system that can follow some direct commands from the driver at just a press of a button. Functions like Doors Lock/Unlock, Hazard On/Off, Roof Lamp On/Off, Wipers On/Off, Radio Station Change, Volume Up/Down, Turn Left/Right (indicators), Rear Wipers, Parking Light On/Off, Head Lamp On/Off and Open Fuel Lid.

New Mahindra Xylo

We did try out all the functions via the VCT system and it worked perfectly well on the Indian accent. The female voice also warns you if a door is not locked or if the hand brake is left on. We must warn you that the VCT feature is very addictive and kind of spoils you so much that you miss it when driving any other car.

New Mahindra Xylo

The cruise control can be activated above the 30kmph speed and works rather well, you can increase or reduce the speed by just using the + or – button on the steering.  The New Mahindra Xylo is well built and has a well appointed cabin made of good quality material and is at least a few levels up in terms of quality and fit finish as compared to the outgoing Xylo.

Engine – Suspension – Drive

The New Mahindra Xylo E9 gets the ever reliable and powerful m-HAWK engine that also powers the Mahindra Scorpio.  This 2179cc Common Rail Diesel engine makes 120BHP @ 4000RPM and has a healthy 280Nm of torque between 2400 and 2800RPM. The m-HAWK engine is mated to an all new 5 speed 5MT320 gearbox that has been specially developed for the New Xylo.  On our test run the New Mahindra Xylo felt refined at all engine speeds. The engine is ever ready to push up the revs as demanded. The acceleration is smooth and linear.

New Mahindra Xylo

The new gearbox is not as refined as the XUV 500s but does a fair job on the m-HAWK engine. The steering feedback is adequate. The ride quality on the older Xylo was very soft and the vehicle swung in all possible directions. However, the new Mahindra Xylo now has beefed up suspension set up that transforms the ride quality to an all new level.

New Mahindra Xylo

The complete suspension setup is now hardened and feels just right at all speeds. People who have driven the older Xylo will immediately notice the vast difference in the ride quality of the New Xylo. The New Mahindra Xylo cruises at speeds of 120kmph easily and has an overall fuel efficiency of 12.5kmpl.

Safety

The New Mahindra Xylo E9 comes loaded with reverse park assist, ABS with EBD and front airbags as its safety package.

Verdict

With the New Xylo Mahindra has perfectly timed the midlife facelift to its MPV. The USP of space, convenience and reliability on the older Xylo is taken ahead with a lot more features being added.  The unique VCS system works perfect and in fact spoils you at times with its convenience. The highly refined m-HAWK engine now makes the Xylo even more powerful performer. The drive quality is much improved; the overall quality has also gone up for the good. The New Mahindra Xylo prices start at Rs. 8.10 lakh for the base E4 variant and Rs. 10.25 lakh for the top end E9 variant that we tested.

New Mahindra Xylo

Parting words–  With a host of features and new styling features coming in along with the refined and power house m-HAWK engine the New Mahindra Xylo now is easily one of the better buys in the segment. Competition Beware.

                    

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