Mahindra Xylo’s X factor

The car needs getting used to. But if you can stomach the rather unusual looks, the Xylo makes a smart buy

The tall stance makes it seem as if the Xylo is on its toes and the car doesn't look as attractive as the Scorpio or even the Toyota Innova, which it is aimed squarely at. The Xylo looks best from the rear with its cleanly designed lamps.

If you think the styling is odd, it's because Mahindra didn't want to compromise on the interiors. It has laid emphasis on providing maximum cabin space within relatively tight dimensions to ensure easy manoeuverability and parking around town.

The inside story

The first thing that you notice is that there is space aplenty in the Xylo. All three rows have generous leg- and shoulder room. You will enjoy sitting in the driver's seat, which offers great visibility and inspires confidence. The seats themselves offer generous legroom and good cushioning. The effort that has gone into designing the interiors is evident as well. The scooped headrests, AC vents for all three rows, and armrest even for the third row deserve special mention.

The quality of the interiors though could have been better. It doesn't complement the well-designed dash. You do get a Digital Drive Assist System, which comes loaded with features like gear selection, trip computer and compass.

Captain chairs are also on the options list and make for sofa-like comfort levels in the middle. Where the Xylo impresses is in the third row of seats, which are easily the most comfortable we've sat in. Unlike other MUVs/SUVs, which have the third row just as a gimmick, the Xylo's third row actually has legroom for passengers to be comfortable on long journeys. Unfortunately, with all three rows in place, there is limited space for your luggage. What really embellishes the airy cabin is the huge glass area.

Mahindra also seems to have paid great attention to the list of features on the Xylo. You get things like parking sensors, electric mirrors and keyless entry with immobiliser. But surprisingly what's missing is safety kit like anti-lock braking system (ABS) and airbags, which aren't even offered as options on the Xylo as of now. And the boot is too small with the last row of seats in place.

Behind the wheel

There is only one engine on offer. It is the same CRDe unit from the Scorpio, which has been rebadged as the mEagle. It has been slightly downsized from 2.6 to 2.5 litres. The engine delivers an impressive 112bhp. The Xylo never feels short on power even with a full complement of passengers on board.

It does become noisy at the top-end of its rev band though, but it never becomes overtly intrusive while driving around town. Overall, it's a very quiet engine, more so than the Innova's. The Xylo delivers impressive fuel economy figures as well. You'll get 10kpl in the city and 13.3kpl on the highway.

A downside of the Xylo's tall stance is its top-heavy feeling which leaves a lot to be desired in terms of handling. The soft suspension doesn't deliver a flat and consistent ride like the Innova. There is excessive body roll through corners, limiting the Xylo's agility. The grip from the 215/75 spec Bridgestone tyres is very impressive though.

Price wise

Prices start at Rs 6.43 lakh for the base Xylo (ex-showroom Mumbai). Unlike other cars which offer the base version without any features, the Xylo comes with basics like power steering, power windows and an air conditioner, which immediately makes it terrific value for money. If you can stomach the rather unusual looks, the Xylo makes a smart buy.

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