2012 Mahindra Xylo: First Impression

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2012 Mahindra Xylo: First Impression

With the launch of Mahindra’s global SUV, The XUV500, there has been an exponential rise in Mahindra’s Brand position. The XUV500 is a beginning of the next generation vehicles from Mahindra stable.

Keeping its model range updated with the changing times, Mahindra has tweaked its popular MUV, Xylo, with some extensive changes and a new powerplant for the E9 variant borrowed from Scorpio.

Mahindra Xylo already enjoys mass appeal in the MUV segment. The performance of its engine along with the interior comfort has helped it so far. However, the 2012 Mahindra Xylo promises of a more refined vehicle with the introduction of new changes and it plans to take on the rivals more aggressively. We do a first impression on the 2012 Mahindra Xylo.

Appearance Exterior

The changes that are very evident include the front grill design, which now incorporates the restyled look that has a resemblance with XUV500, though smaller. Distinc character is added to it by giving chrome treatment.

A very touché change is the change in headlight design. It is something, which all automobiles target when renovating a car’s looks and the same idea is behind the restyled lights of the new Xylo.

The overall styling of the car has also been improved, with the different contours. The front hood has characteristic lines, which flows its way to the rear quarter panel.

The front and the rear bumper design looks better than the earlier version. The D-Pillar now comes in a black finish, highlighting the change of the new model. Body decals are used for door panels to grab extra attention from the side view. The wheel arches protrude outwards and join the helping step.

In the rear profile, the tail lamps also have gone through the scissor and now sport a new look. The indicators now have clear lens. Rear tail gate now features a spoiler, which was not there in the earlier models.

Overall the 2012 Mahindra has been refreshed from its earlier versions. The attempt to make it more interesting from earlier is nice and well appreciated. 

Appearance Interior

In sync with the refreshed exteriors, the interiors too seem to have been worked on with to maintain the refreshed theme in design. The dashboard of the new Xylo comes in two-tone finish and has a good glossy finish to it. The internal door trims also boast of a woody treatment to them as well. The change in styling of the new version can be found out by comparing the one the earlier version had.

Small changes like the gear knob, which has been redesigned with a round head and finished in wood, are a welcome change.

The other features that have been improvised on are the charger points and the storage points, which add to extra comfort of the passengers. Though, the accolades the new version earns, the Cushioning, internal room and theatre styled seats have been carried from the earlier generation.

In addition to the other introductions, the feature that tops the list is the Voice Command Technology. The Voice Command technology is a fantastic addition to the MUV and possesses a threat to its rivals.

Using the Voice Command, one can activate head lights, Wipers, Fuel Lid, door locks etc. The Audio System as well as the on board telephone can also be controlled through it. Giving company to the Voice Command is the Cruise Control option in the E9 variant. The E9 costs around Rs.12.5Lakhs (ex-showroom Bangalore). 

Performance Drive

A refreshing change is normally associated with the aesthetics of the car and some changes in the interiors as well. The 2012 Mahindra Xylo refresh though, has a new addition in the form of a new engine and voice commands for the E9 variant.

2012 Mahindra Xylo comes with three engine options. The 4 cylinder 2489cc mDICRDe engine, delivers a power of 95Bhp and a torque of 220Nm. The 4 cylinder 2498cc mEagle engine, delivers a power of 112Bhp and a torque of 260Nm and the 4 cylinder 2179cc mHawk engine produces a power of 120Bhp and a torque of 280Nm.

The variants such as D2, D4 feature mDICRDe engine, while the E4 and E8 feature m Eagle engine and the E9 features mHawk engine. The ex showroom price (Bangalore) ranges from Rs. 7.29 Lakh to Rs. 10.20 Lakh depending upon the variant and features of the same. The tables below give detailed of all variants along with price. 

The nearest rivals to Xylo come in the form of basic variants of Scorpio, Innova and Tata Safari. Though Tata Sumo Grande MKII can also be considered with respect to power and price range, there is difference in interior space, comfort and features of the two. 

We are happy with all the static changes of the new 2012 Mahindra Xylo and were ready to get a real time feel of it. The car was parked in a cramped space and we were wondering if maneuvering the vehicle from it would be a task but surprisingly No.

The reason being Intellipark Reverse Assist System came at play and assisted the car to drive out of such a sticky situation.

The middle row seats offer adequate comfort and are fatigue proof in long distance driving. The rear legroom is also decent. The seats also offer lumbar support. There is a special provision made for venting out cool air from the roof, which caters to all the rows of passengers.

We loved the legroom and headroom offered to the front row as well clubbed with comfortable seats. The sound system was also finished well and the sound quality is decent too.

Finally, The Drive of the vehicle, we have driven the earlier version in the past and were very curious if the new avatar matches with the earlier version or floors us with a better performance. A gentle twist and the Xylo is ready to move. The front view from the cockpit is nice and makes sure you don’t miss anything nor the pillars act as an obstruction. The new Xylo has a tweaked up mill borrowed from elder sibling Scorpio.  If the earlier version disappointed you with a minor lag, the new version would be happy to impress you on that bit.

The drive is smooth and the handling bit is also decent. During out trial stint, we managed to be an attraction for the local two wheeler lads who somehow ended in front of us.

Unintentionally, the brakes of the new Xylo got tasted, which brought the big vehicle to a screeching stop that too without any panic.

We couldn’t test the vehicle aggressively as this was a first impression report and would be doing a thorough road test on it. Our little affair with the vehicle was an impressive one.

Tech Specs

Features

Competition All Specs

Conclusion

With all the refreshing changes, Mahindra has seriously improvised in lots of spaces the earlier Xylo fell short of. Also, this was no sticker bumper upgrade as the E9 sees an introduction of a new engine option too.

The 2012 Mahindra Xylo is a strong recommendation for the ones who wish to upgrade from the earlier Xylo as well as for the ones, who seek to buy an economical MUV with refreshed changes. 

MahindraXylo ₹ 8.86 Lakh OnwardsCheck On Road Price

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