Mahindra Xylo update review, test drive

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