Mahindra has given its rugged Xylo seven-seater a makeover and a host of new features for 2012.
The facelift borrows elements from Mahindra’s recently introduced XUV500 and, it has to be said, gives the car a more premium and less utilitarian appearance. The most prominent changes take place up front, where a sweeping revised grille is flanked by new headlamps while a new bonnet and redesigned bumper freshening things up further. Other exterior features include prominent wheel arches, a rear spoiler and roof rails.
A choice of six exterior colours – Diamond White, Fiery Black, Toreador Red, Java Brown, Mist Silver and Rocky Beige will be offered.
Among the interior features are a a new two-tone facia with wood inserts, leather upholstered seats and lots of storage compartments. There have also been improvements to the climate control system (which has outlets for all three rows of seats), an Bluetooth-compatible audio system with steering wheel mounted controls and a new on-board computer with fuel consumption, interior and exterior temperature sensors and distance-to-empty readings. The cabin also features second- and third-row seats that can be folded flat to accommodate large loads. On the safety front, the Xylo features dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, as well as front and rear foglamps.
Power is still provided by a 2,2-litre diesel unit developing 88 kW at 4 000 r/min and 280 N.m of torque between 2 400 – 2 800 r/min. Drive is sent to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox.
The Xylo will retail for R219 900. This includes a 3-year/60 000 km service plan and a 3-year/100 000km warranty. Servicing intervals are every 10 000 km.