Mahindra Xylo update review, test drive

Mahindra has revamped the Xylo’s suspension in this latest update, to make it nicer to drive. We find out how effective the changes have been.

Published on Dec 31, 2014 02:14:00 PM

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Cosmetic changes on the updated Xylo are minor. Significant work has been done under the skin though.

There's a new chrome bar on top of the grille up front.

The tailgate gets an additional touch of chrome as well.

There are new decals on the side but they don't really do much to add to the Mahindra's looks.

As a result of these modifications, the suspension does not feel too soft at highway speeds and the constant bobbing motion, which was typical of all Xylos in the past is now well contained. High-speed stability is much better, and this improves confidence on highways. The Xylo doesn’t feel as nervous as before under hard braking either. But at the end of the day, you can’t defy physics. The tall Xylo still has a high centre of gravity and can’t compete with the Innova when it comes to stability and handling. It’s still nowhere near as reassuring to drive as the Toyota.

Moving to the inside, the Xylo’s roomy cabin gets a new beige dashboard and a new instrument cluster, but that’s about it. Nothing else has changed but let’s not forget, the Xylo can still pack in more people than the average MPV. Space is still its strongest point but with all seats in place, there’s hardly any room for luggage.

On the exteriors, there is an addition of a chrome bar on top of the grille and one more on the tailgate, and there are new decals running down the sides as well. These minor cosmetic changes don’t do much to enhance the looks.

It’s clear that M&M has concentrated its efforts under the Xylo’s skin, it feels miles ahead of the original model from 2009. However, we feel the mechanical upgrades still fall short of the competition from various newcomers like the Ertiga, Mobilio and even the Evalia, that offer more car-like driving dynamics and comfort.

Mahindra has begun work on an all-new Xylo that will debut in the latter part of 2016, and will feature the Scorpio’s new, lighter and stiffer chassis. Till then, the current Xylo is expected to soldier on in the highly competitive MPV market. The updates do make it a much better car to drive or be driven in; it’s just a question of whether prospective buyers will sit up and take notice of the improvements this late in the vehicle’s life cycle and with the wide choice available in the MPV market today.

AKBAR MERCHANT