Xylo First-hand Experience. Review on Mahindra Xylo

Purchased Xylo on 23rd Feb, after reading a lot of reviews on net, taking two test drives. The model I purchased is E4. I have so far driven 650 KMs of which 240 KM were on long trips. I was in Gulf for the past 18 years and have used some of the SUVs, to name few Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota - Land Cruiser, Mistubishi Pajero.

My last car was Toyota Camry. Now its time that I give my first-hand experience about Xylo to the prospective customers. My first impression: Its rugged, tall, powerful, roaring. Getting in and out is a bit difficult and you need to be a young, energetic & fit Guy, or else your entry & exit motion will look funny to onlookers ( I practiced this several times and yet not very comfortable with).

Ample leg space, smooth suspensions and enormous power make long trips really enjoyable. Small/ medium potholes / ditches on the road is no issue at all. Maneuverability is good. With wide glasses all around visibility is very good with almost no blind spots. Reverse / parking et are not that difficult as I expected and compared to other cars of same size.

Mileage – Iam getting at present around 12.5KM /Lit – Long to city drive 50-50 – with 100% A/C on - I expect the overall average to hover around 13-14 after first service/ and when I get used to the vehicle. The design & style I liked - perception of beauty differs from person to person. For the price you pay I would say its worth – Power Steering, Power Windows, Dual AC Vents, Wheel covers & body colored bumpers, tilting steering, adjustable captain seats. Other utilities like safe draws under the driver seat with locks, sunglass holders, separate A/C vents and lights for all passengers, the side opening back door, seat adjustments, folding rear wiper, keyless entry, engine immobilizer all are very useful features.

Cabin is well insulated hence no heat / noise felt/ heard inside. Vehicle appears to be sturdy, no rattling with smooth finish. Though the interior looks good, better quality of plastics would have made it to International Standards. Overall when compared to International standards/ quality Xylo very much justifies in terms of the low pricing. Its is definitely a value for money car. Indians can be proud of Xylo. The negatives: Gear shifting is tough on first and second.

Power steering is not that powerful. You have to use your power too. Its too big a car for city drive. If you are used to the comforts of a Sedan, then you may not be that comfortable with Xylo. This is not the case with Innova. I did not find much difference between driving an Innova & Camry. Innova is almost a sedan. Not having ABS is a definite negative point. Poor braking for the size and weight of the car A/C is effective only in "Hi" mode.

Engine makes "reasonable" noise, but once all windows are closed not much heard inside the cabin. The music system provided in E6 & E8 models are of very poor quality – I have seen atleast one E8 Xylos where the owner replaced the factory fitted System with another system. I also tested myself the quality of the factory fitted music system and observed the sound quality pathetic.

Final verdict: So if you like to drive a SUV, but have outgrown your young days but still not ready to accept that you are an oldie, and your family wishes to have a 'Family Car " and not a "police /villain Jeep" ( I mean Scorpio, Bolero, Jeep & Tata Sumo) then Xylo is your choice. But please beware – if you expect the driving comfort of a sedan in Xylo (carried away by the Co's advertisement) you will be disappointed and have no doubt on that. Driving a sedan is easier, smoother and effortless.

Its like taking your Pomeranian ( a toy breed dog) for a walk. While driving Xylo is to taking your Rottweiler ( a heavy, powerful hound breed) on choke-chains. Xylo according to me is not going to replace sedans. Sedans are a totally different class meant for executives/ small family, while Xylo is almost a SUV for "middle aged men .. still young in spirit". Like the Scorpoi , Xylo is alo shall make a difference to Indian roads.... Vaidyanath,