Toyota Kirloskar Motor just gave the Innova a comprehensive revamp and immediately it caught the market’s fancy. The most successful challenger to the Innova – the Xylo was in dire need of change and so it gets one. But what has changed?

Although the entire model lineup has been changed, but the most number of changes are done to a new top variant – E9.

So let’s run you through the list of changes:

The new Xylo E9 gets a completely re-worked front fascia. The changes are subtle yet distinctive. The most important change is the flat grill that the earlier roundish one. The Mahindra logo is now placed at the lip of the bonnet rather than on the grill as was in the case of earlier models.

The headlamps and the fog lamps have been redesigned to give the Xylo its new distinctive look. The air dams are now slightly wider and the protectors on the front bumper may reduce the aesthetic value but certainly provide freedom from scratches.

On the side, the Xylo keeps its old character lines but gets new rubrails and sandy finish body decals. The alloy wheel design has not been changed but the roof rails are now body hugging then the earlier taller ones.

The B and the C pillar have been completely blacked out.

Not much has changed at the rear. The distinctive changes include a new rear spoiler with integrated brake lights and crystal-clear treatment on the new tail lamps. This wraps up the exterior changes or the new Xylo.

Step into the car and you notice that the interiors are much pleasing than the older one. That’s because the dashboard now features a slightly darker version of brown. The color gels very well with the wood finish and beige interiors.

The steering wheel gets cruise control and voice activated control buttons. The Voice Command Technology (VCT) allows you to order instructions to the car. Unlike the voice command system in the new Ford Fiesta, the technology in Xylo allows to control mechanical actions such locking the door, starting/stopping the wipers, opening the fuel lid etc. Also, unlike the Fiesta, the VCT was developed for Indian accents so it’s more obedient. If you are an XUV500 owner and really feel cheated because you don’t get this technology, wait for 6 months and you’ll find it there.

The superbly comfortable seats now get genuine Italian leather which feels plush. The snack trays, rear laptop charging points and individual AC vents and reading lamps for each passenger are some of the other features which catch your eye.

The Xylo E9, being targeted towards affluent families, is loaded with safety features such as: Dual SRS airbags, ABS with EBD, reverse park assist etc.

On the business end, the Xylo E9 gets Scorpio’s engine with 120bhp mated to an all new 5-speed MT 320 transmission. The company claims a fuel efficiency figure of 14.02 kmpl. Mahindra has also fiddled with the rear suspension set up to provide extra stability. On a short drive, we noticed reduced body roll, really good grunt from the engine but at the same time there was a lot of sound creeping into the cabin and the gearbox is certainly not up to the mark.

Just like the Scorpio, the Xylo is finally beginning to evolve as a product. Early Scorpio owners will agree with me when I say that there is a vast difference between the Scorpio then and the Scorpio now. Same is with this new Xylo. Mahindra has done some really interesting changes in this evolutionary phase of the Xylo. Although it is far from its rival Toyota Innova in terms of refinement, it is definitely a step in the right direction.

• D2 and D4 for commercial segment
• E4 and E8 for family
• E9 positioned as the luxury variant

Mahindra Xylo facelift variant and price (in lakhs, ex-showroom Delhi)

• E9 – 10.25
• E8 (ABS and Airbags) – 9.47
• E8 ABS – 9.10
• E4 ABS – 8.34
• E4 – 8.11
• D4 – 7.77
• D2 – 7.37

Following are the changes and additions on select variants of the Mahindra Xylo facelift

• Headlight, wiper, fuel lid, door locks and personal phone calls operate on voice commands
• Interiors are exactly the same except for the dual tone on the dashboard
• Plenty of changes on the exterior styling which includes a new grille, bumper, chrome accents, body decals, curved bonnet, etc.

Mahindra has mentioned about the “Extra Stability Technology” that looks like an improvised anti-roll bar to cut down body roll. It comes standard on all the variants. Convenience features like Digital Driver Assist System, electrically operated outside mirrors, dual airbags, ABS and EBD are present on the top-end variant.

The Xylo was launched on the 13th of January, 2009. Over 90k units have been sold in these three years to capture a market share of 27%.

Mahindra has introduced the 2.2-liter mHawk engine (from the Scorpio) on the top-end E9 variant that comes with a different transmission.

Mahindra Xylo Facelift Image Gallery

Mahindra sells two versions of the Xylo, one for the personal segment and another for the commercial segment. The facelift has improved the car’s looks as it has cleared the clutter. The front-end looks orderly and some guidance has come from the commercial vehicle twin, Genio.

The launch of the new series is conducted tomorrow in Mumbai and as usual IAB, from ground zero, will bring you the prices and changes.

[Source - Facebook.com/groups/rehanandselvin]

The XUV500 bookings reopened on the 25th of January and was shuttered on the 3rd of February, 10 days later. The only difference was this time its availability was extended to 19 cities. Mahindra said a lottery system will pick out 7,200 customers out of all the registrants and vehicles are going to be delivered in a timely manner. Mahindra said this would ensure transparency and fairness to customers.

Mahindra issued a release today stating over 25,000 people have booked the XUV500 in the second round. It is down to the lucky draw now to pick customers who will then have to endure the “reasonable” waiting period before they get delivery of their vehicle.

The draw is conducted on the 15th of February and the media will be invited to witness the selection process. The validation of the draw is conducted by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India Pvt. Ltd (DTTIPL).

Mahindra XUV500 Image Slideshow

can’t see the slideshow above? Head over to the Mahindra XUV500 Flickr page for the images.

The side profile is highlighted with new rub rails and blacked out pillars. The mildly tweaked tail lamp is the only addition we can notice on the rear. Except for the redesigned steering wheel, we’re not able to spot any differences in the cabin.

Details of the powertrain and whether Mahindra will plonk the 2.2L mHawk mill under the Xylo’s bonnet will be understood in under 48 hours. Stay tuned to IAB!

[Source - Team-BHP.com]

There are a few compact MPV options in India, cars like the Tata Venture, Maruti Eeco and Maruti Omni sell in sizable volumes. For families the problem is they tag along a commercial vehicle stigma. However hard they try with their parking sensors or family-filled TV commercials, they look and feel utilitarian.

The mini Xylo need not explain or hard-sell as it has no connections to the commercial vehicle market (the Genios are very distant relatives). Mahindra has waged price wars with every launch in the recent past. A starting price of under 5 lakh rupees, maybe 4.5 lakhs that puts it bang in the middle of the Swift’s territory is not unfathomable.

Mahindra has a new engine under the bonnet. A 3cyl diesel engine displacing under 1.5 liters supposedly produces 70bhp and 160Nm on the test mules. This will be tuned to return not less than 20 kmpl, a lower limit for premium hatchbacks in 2012.

Some test mules have been spotted with an additional row of seats. Its a bit of a squeeze, but for accommodating children there won’t be any problems. Mahindra may not offer the third row on all the variants.

Designers have dropped the idea of reskinning as its an expensive affair. Mounting the spare wheel on thoroughly redesigned rear and adding an aircraft-styled quarter glass at the C-Pillar give it a new personality. This also provides them the chance of marketing it as a mini SUV.

By Diwali this year, the mini Xylo will be out on the market and we can hardly wait to see its effect on the market and the competition.

Generally, Indian manufacturers such as Tata Motors, Maruti Suzuki, Force Motors et al do their winter testing in Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. However, this Indian manufacturer has gone much further for winter testing.

The Mini Xylo has been in the pipeline for a long time now. Most specifications and interior shots have been widely discussed by IAB over the last two odd years. The Mini Xylo was supposed to debut at the 2012 Auto Expo in New Delhi. However, M&M chose to delay the launch by a few months.

Mahindra always wanted to launch its range of SUVs in US and Europe. Although US launch did not go as planned, yet the company is trying very hard to establish its foothold across the Atlantic.

When it comes to Europe, the latest launch of M&M – XUV500 is all set to enter the European markets by 2013. However, the hottest selling product in Europe right now is the Dacia Duster, a compact SUV around 10,000 GBP (7-8 lakhs). The Mini Xylo will be a lot cheaper than the Duster and will offer 2 extra seating. Has that thought crossed Mr Anand Mahindra’s mind?

[Source: Worldcarfans.com]

Interior additions such as heated front seats, leather trimmed steering wheel and gear lever, parking sensors and cruise control beef up not just looks alone but also value.

Three colors the Mahindra-owned Korean auto maker offer on the limited edition model are White, Red and Black. Power is derived from a 2L turbodiesel mill producing a peak power 173bhp and 360Nm of peak torque.

On-road prices begin at £17,995 (13.94 lakhs) with SsangYong providing 5 years of free servicing on models purchased with finance during February and March.

Mahindra has not discussed the Korando’s launch time frame in the Indian market. It has spoken of its intention to sell this vehicle in India and had showcased a battery-driven version at the Auto Expo. Indian Autos Blog expect them to launch this vehicle in 2013.