Mahindra Xylo

Mahindra offers its true MUV in the form of the Xylo. Originally code-named the Ingenio, it has officially been named the 'Xylo.' The Xylo sports great build quality along with fit & finish.

Exterior

Mahindra Xylo's aggressive radiator grille - with chrome slats look uber cool. The top model comes with body colored bumper and integrated fog lamps. The muscular features of Xylo give the car great road presence and the proportionately sized rear view mirrors and wrap-around taillights add to its appeal. Xylo's rear three quarter view with stylish tail lamps and chrome strip above the number plate give it an up market look.

Interior

The driver's seat is ergonomically designed with height adjustment control to maximise comfort on long drives. Lumbar support can also be adjusted to three positions while the unique tiltable steering wheel gives you the perfect driving position. An illuminated keyhole ring allows you to conveniently locate the keyhole even in pitch dark conditions. Xylo has sufficient legroom for all its passengers and is also the only car to offer flatbed front seats, just like in the business class of a world-class airline. Additional unique features include foldable flight trays behind the front seats, individual reading lamps for each passenger and conveniently placed laptop and mobile charging points. The doors are fitted with puddle lamps, giving passengers visibility while alighting from the car at night. A wide arm rest in the front row provides the driver and co-passenger with comfort, while an integrated foot rest allows easy entry and exit. Independent AC vents ensure that the Surround Cool Dual AC cools all corners of this spacious car with individual controls for each passenger. Utility spaces abound in the Mahindra XYLO with a well defined Centre Console housing space for CDs, magazines, etc.

Engine

Xylo is powered by the same engine used in the recently launched Bolero Storm CRDe but it has been fine tuned further to give more power and has been named M-Eagle CRDe. It generates maximum power of 112 Bhp at 3800 rpm with maximum torque of 240 Nm at 1800-3000 rpm. The engine is meshed with a five-speed manual gearbox and has been built on the Scorpio NEF CRDe engine family with relevant technological advancements. When a burst of power is needed, the top mounted intercooler delivers. Dual pilot injection increases the XYLO's drivability scores, while advanced engine damping, hydraulic lash adjustor technology and auto tensioner ensure minimum service frequency and a pleasurable drive. It is available in five variants - E2, E4, E6, E8 & E8 ABS. The base model E2 comes with single AC, Power Windows, Power Steering.

Technology

One of the most revolutionary features of the Xylo is the tech-savvy Digital Drive Assist System (DDAS). An alphanumeric display in the centre panel, the DDAS has features such as an onboard computer to calculate mileage and distance permissible. The system is easy to read and provides useful data at a quick glance. Standard information available includes date, time, inside and outside temperature and relative humidity.

It also lets you know exactly which direction your Mahindra Xylo is headed in. Press a button and you are informed of your gear position and speed. The DDAS will even tell you how long your fuel will last and share information on your average speed and the instant mileage clocked by you. All of which ensures that you derive optimum mileage from your Mahindra Xylo.

The DDAS also has an inbuilt warning system which will prompt you to put on your seat belts in case you forget or if you attempt to drive with the handbrake engaged, for instance. The Intellipark Reverse Assist has a visual prompt in the rear view mirror which shows you the distance between the rear bumper and any object behind your car. The 2 Din Entertainment System is also feature packed. It enables playback from MP3s and CDs, SD cards and USB devices, giving you a superlative acoustic experience on the road.

Leading vendors from India, Japan, America, Germany, etc., have contributed to the development of the Xylo. To name a few, Bosch, Lear, Motherson, Nippon, Subros, JBM, Spicer, Visteon, Lumax, Alf, Asahi, Sharda, Rane and Varroc have played a key role in creating the Xylo. Overall, Xylo is a feature rich & reasonably priced MUV which will sure set the sales charts on fire. Now we have to see how Tata reacts to this and comes with a better deal with its upcoming Indicruz Xover.

Safety

Mahindra Xylo is fully packed with safety features, offering a high-level of protection to its occupants. Apart from the standard safety features such as seatbelts and tilt steering column, the car has been equipped with special crumple zones as well. The recently added ABS option has made the Xylo more competitive and safe in comparison to the Innova. The vehicle's engine immobilizer is designed to prevent theft. When an inappropriate key is used to start the car, the immobilizer cuts off the fuel supply to the engine. This way, it protects the car from an unauthorized entry.

Verdict

Mahindra & Mahindra's diesel-driven Xylo is one of the finest vehicles for off-roading as well as to maneuver inside the city despite its size. Its muscular exteriors contribute to its commanding presence on the road. The sporty exteriors are well complemented by capacious and comfortable interiors. This combined with plenty of thoughtful storage spaces inside the Xylo's cabin make the Mahindra Xylo a very able companion for long journeys with large families.