Had a chance to TD the XYLO yesterday for a friend who was considering a used Innova for 8lacs. In no particular order, let me put down the Positives and Negatives.
Positives:
1. This may not necessarily be a positive, more like a neutral point... the XYLO is not really a bad looker. It actually looks better in flesh compared to the pics, the proportions are not too wierd as it was made out to be.
2. Taller seating position: Though it was a bit of a pain to get inside the car/MUV, the taller seating position offers a much better view compared to an Innova.
3. Options/Features available as standard. There are a lot fo thoughtful options added to this car, which will come in handy for the everyday user. Things like 'Puddle Lights', Ability to open (limited travel) the last row windows (fixed on most other MUVs), Heads up display for speed, kilometers to empty, real time fuel consumption, high-speed warning (only for few sec, then goes silent), Aircraft type tray, b;uetooth enabled HU (on top version), etc.
4. Price: That's the best part... the top most version (on road) costs as much as a used (40K run) second hand Innova. This car is definite value for money.
5. FE: The real time fuel indicator said it was returning 14KM/L, even 12KM/L in the city would be good for a diesel SUV.
6. Seats were the most comfortable amongst the MUVs, even better than the Innova, both because of extra cushioning as well as the shape/contour.
7. Engine/Controls: Engine felt quiet powerful, controls like Clutch and gear were light, unlike a heavy MUV. Driving this in the City will be easy.
Negatives:
1. This car has been built for a price and it definitely shows on all the plastics. I can only describe this as 'Utilitarian'.
2. Suspension/Ride: Suspension is very soft and as a result, body roll is very pronounced. The taller stance does not help things either. This cannot be compared to an Innova, which has a more sedan like ride/handling. Unfortunately, yes, the XYLO is like a boat.
3. NVH: The car lacks overall refinement and noise insulation is not up to the mark. Does not matter really as the engine sounds nice/OK when the turbo kicks in. Mind you, that comes from a Petrol head.
4. Access to the third row seats is by folding the pilot seat on the second row, which is not a smooth operation. I can imagine the driver having to get out and help the elderly/ladies in.
5. Only the front seats have forward/backward movement (rails). The middle seats lack this and the last row does not have adjustment for inclination.
6. High speed stability is very bad. You have to remember that this is NOT a Sedan all the time. This vehicle feels top heavy and does not inspire confidence in speeds above 100. The high-speed warning chime does come in handy
These are just the few things we could notice on the short test drive. So where does that leave us? I have asked my friend to go ahead with the Innova as I cannot imagine him doing a lot of long drives in this vehicle (doing 3 digit speeds) compared to the Innova.
Does it mean this car is bad? No way! It's actually far from that in fact. This will appeal to the tourist car agencies as it provides all the features one can think of at a price that is mouth watering. It looks OK, seats 7 in comfort and returns a decent of not good mileage. Since the controls are much lighter, drivers may also like this car as it is easier to handle. This is an ideal upgrade over a Sumo (old version).
I personally feel this car is a threat to Scorpio than the Innova. Mahindra has a reason for not comparing the XYLO to the Innova.