First Impressions: Mahindra Xylo Test Drive. Review on Mahindra Xylo

I saw the Mahindra Xylo Celebration Edition on the website https://mahindraxylo.co.in and was impressed with the all leather seats, ski racks and body graphics on the exteriors. I decided that this needs a closer look. I just dropped in to G3 Motors in Navi Mumbai for a test drive on a saturday.

I own a Wagon R which is6 years old and its my version of a MPV. I am over six feettall. My impression of a luxury sedan is a Civic or Corolla Altis. But the problem is these cars cost too much and getting my six foot plus frame inside one of those is is like bending your head in front of god and touching his feet.

That changed when I saw the New Mahindra Xylo. The roof of the car is tall. This was my first crush. One round around the vehicle made me feel that I am in front of a tank (minus the traction). The showroom had an E8 model in display and for the test drive. The E8 has ABS and Airbags which I felt is a must for a powerful vehicle like the Xylo. I was told that the E8 with ABS and Airbagsand BS4 comes only in Diamond White. Not many takers I thought.

I had spoken to Nilesh, the salesman from G3 Motors before I went for the Test Drive and the day I went for the test drive Nilesh was closing a deal, so I met Anjali, who was more than helpful in explaining the features. Was very truthful and to the point. She explained to me that the Celebration edition is infact an E6 model which has no Alloys and also no ABS and Airbags. That put me off instantly. The Leather seats and 9 inch DVD player was still an attraction.

Anjali took me through the E8 which was on diaplay but this one did not have ABS or Airbags. The seat frabic was "OK" ( was comparing to my Wagon R). I got into the driver seat and felt like I was on the first floor. The seat is atleast 3 feet above the road. It gave me a clear view of the showroom floor on all three sides. What put me off was the quality of the interiors. The plastic console and door trims were just that "plastic". The dashboard was nothing great, like normal cars have, nothing luxurious. The steering wheel felt solid and firm. The gear shift is placed at an appropriate height on the floor pointing towards the driver. The AC is a plus and it looked decent and well placed in the cabin, for the driver and co passenger and for the rear passengers (individual AC vents for individual passengers).

Now for the test drive. The executive who came with me on the drive was very polite and helpful (dont remember his name). This is the part which changed my first impression. The executive took me till the main road and let me drive from there. The AC was running on "Hi" mode in the afternoon sun. The cooling inside was an impressive 20 degrees while outside it was 36 and humid. I had to adjust the height of the seat to get a little lower (remember my height). But still ample leg room (again comparing with my Wagon R).The gear shift was smooth from 1st to 4th gear in city traffic, had to stop twice at traffic lights. Did not take a stop watch so did not count the seconds from0 to 100. But must say, the Xylo revved from 1st gear to 4th gear and I touched 120 on a clear strechof road. Overtook a HondaCity who gladly gave way with one honk of the horn (saw the monstor in his RVM). Trucks, buses, cars, all made way for this beauty on the road.

There was no noise of the engine inside the cabin, felt like a petrol engine when I gave more gas.I drove for about 12 kms (thats the mileage that it gives I'm told). I felt no wobble or bumps on the many bumps that I sailed over (remember the height of the cabin). The steering was smooth and I virtually use only my right hand to steer with my other hand on the gear knob in the mumbai traffic. Here again there was no discomfort.

Overall a good car to own and drive. The E8 model costs 9.5 lacs on road in Navi Mumbai (where I stay). Anjali told me that there was a 50% off on insurance and 7000 off for corporate discount for the company I work for. Plus she offered another Rs.5000 worth accessories free which she said will cover the basic requirements like mats, mud flaps, sun film, etc. Its a pity that the E8 does not come with leather seats considering its the top end model. When I enquired about the leather seats if I would like to upgrade, she told me that it will cost me Rs.35000 for the leather seat covers. Must be cheaper outside.

All and all, a good buy if you need an imposing vehicle on the road and recommended for people who travel more distances and with more people.I have yet tomake up my mind to book the Xylo, though I am keeping my Wagon R too which is touching the 80k mark and has just got a new set ofalloys wheels and tubeless tyres.

Anjali told me that the showroom sells 50 Xylos every month and on the internet I found out that Mahindrasells more than1700 Xylosevery week. This tilted my opinion in favour of the Xylo. Dont think there is any issue with spares and service too. Here also the showroom is offering 2 years extended warranty free of cost.