Just recently, Mahindra, an Indian multinational automobile manufacturing corporation based in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, made its way to Cebu’s streets through the well-known Gateway Motors Group.
Mahindra is a company that traditionally makes tough utility vehicles and sports utility vehicles in India but its front-runner in Cebu will be the Xylo multi-utility vehicle (MUV).
From the outside, it’s clear the Xylo’s strongest point is its size. (CDN PHOTO/ BRIAN J. OCHOA)
Can the Xylo make an impact in our streets?
Cebu Daily News was given a chance to check out the new Indian MUV through Gateway Motors Group, which also handles the dealerships of Kia, BMW and Peugeot in Cebu, and we thought this model can actually make a mark in our market.
Space is clearly the Xylo’s strongest point.
The Xylo’s cabin offers enough room for seven people, following a 2+2+3 format. (There is another variant though that offers seating for nine.) The middle row can accommodate two via classy captain’s chairs, which are probably the best seats in the vehicle. It’s like flying in business class, especially with the presence of front trays that can really help when travelling to Cebu’s many scenic spots. The third row is a bench-type seat that can fit three adults comfortably.
The Xylo’s high ceiling gives the cabin ample headway even for taller occupants. (CDN PHOTO/ BRIAN J. OCHOA)
Legroom is decent but it is the headroom that impresses us. The high ceiling helps a lot. Aside from a roomy interior feel, it also allows easier ingress and egress to the third row. Helping achieve this important factor is the large rear-door opening and the fold-and-tumble second row seats. Entry and exit from the third row has always been an issue with other seven-seaters in the market but that isn’t a problem with the Xylo.
The all-leather seats are also high, giving passengers—more importantly the driver—a good view of the world outside when traveling around Cebu’s coastal roads. The high seats also mean driving won’t be stressful as the driver has a good view of the road, too. A rear backup camera, though, would really help when trying to park.
Another positive feature is the smooth ride of the Xylo. The independent coil spring front suspension and rear multi-link coil spring layout gives the Xylo a stable and comfortable ride in our pothole-infested roads but cornering may pose a bit of a problem because of the MUV’s tall stance.
Cooling the cabin is via dual-zone air conditioning with rear ceiling vents for second and third-row occupants.
The Xylo’s engine is also one of its fortes. The 2.2-liter mHawk diesel engine doesn’t boast of good numbers on paper but it does give you enough to carry the 1,800-kilo vehicle around the with ease.
The engine produces a maximum of 120 hp and 280 Nm of torque. The highlight of the engine, though, is its fuel efficiency. In the three days we had the Xylo, we drove it through the terrible traffic of Mandaue City’s streets and the steep slopes of the Transcentral Highway in Cebu City, we got an average of 10.3 kilometers per liter.
Not bad for a huge vehicle.
Captain’s chairs in the middle row (left photo) feel classy.
When second row seats are tumbled down, it opens up a clear path to the third row.
Now, if we sum it all up, we have a vehicle with a roomy cabin for seven or more, comfortable leather seats, cool air-conditioning system, soft ride, a decent fuel-efficient diesel engine and a price tag way below a million. We can safely say the Xylo would fit in well in Cebu.
Brand would likely be an issue but if we just drop the bias, this would really be a good choice for the average family.
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