Since it was announced that Mahindra will showcase its new Xylo in 2012, the domestic car market has been buzzing about the increasing competition in the Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV) segment of India. The segment will see MPVs like all-new Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and revised Premier Rio hit the roads this year, along with the Xylo and Toyota Innova. Upcoming models in this list include Chevrolet MPV and Hyundai Hexa Space.
In 2012, the two biggest launches in this segment have been the new iterations of Toyota Innova and Mahindra Xylo. Both cars are replete with a number of features that give them the edge over the other, though the price difference between the two models tilts the scales in Mahindra's favour. The facelifted Mahindra Xylo features the new Voice Command Technology, which will enable drivers to control the operations of headlights, doors and fuel lid via voice-modulated instructions. This unique technology will allow the car to indicate if any safety lapses occur while driving, thereby enhancing the safety aspect of the vehicle. No such functionality is present in the refreshed Toyota Innova.
Ever since it was launched in 2009, Xylo has enjoyed immense popularity in the domestic MPV market, though its exteriors faced flak from all quarters. The company has rectified this with the new-look Xylo, which features a grille that is similar to the one used in its flagship XUV 500. It has improved the appearance of the car by using a refreshed bonnet, redesigned headlamps, chrome tipped body mouldings, sporty air dams, attractive body decals, and wheel arches, making it sportier than its bland-looking predecessor. On the other hand, the updated Innova has a prominent front grille, stylish wraparound headlamps, alloy wheels, fog lamps and a refreshed bumper.
The comfortable interiors of the original Xylo were praised by all experts and buyers, so M&M has made only a few changes in this department in its latest edition. Notable interior features of the car include individual AC vents in the rear, foldable snack trays and laptop and mobile charging points. Along with these, the car also has several storage spaces, leather upholstery, 2-DIN audio system, two-tone dashboard, appealing door trims and glossy wood-finished console. Toyota has equipped the new Innova with attractive upholstery and dual tone seat fabric, touch screen panel, DVD, Display Audio with USB, Aux-in and Bluetooth, steering wheel with audio, MID and Bluetooth control switches.
The specifications of the two cars are given below:
| Model | Mahindra Xylo | Toyota Innova | ||||
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel | Petrol | |||
| Engine | mDI CRDe | mEagle | mHawk | BS IV:2KD-FTV, Diesel With Intercooler Turbocharger, 4 Inline Cylinder | BS III:2KD-FTV, Diesel With Turbocharger, 4 Inline Cylinder | BSIV: 1 TR-FE, Gasoline, 4 Inline Cylinder |
| Power | 95 bhp at 3600 rpm | 112 bhp at 3800 rpm | 120 bhp at 4000 rpm | 101 bhp at 3600 rpm | 131 hp at 5600 rpm | |
| Torque | 220 Nm at 1400-2600 rpm | 260 Nm at 1800-2200 rpm | 280 Nm at 2400-2800 rpm | 200 Nm at 1400-3400 rpm | 181 Nm at 4000 rpm | |
| Turning Radius | 5.5 m | 5.6 m | 5.4 m | |||
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L | ||||
M&M offers its new model in the range of Rs. 7.37 lacs and Rs. 10.25 lacs, whereas the updated Innova costs between Rs. 9.4 lacs and Rs. 13.19 lacs. Therefore, the price difference places Xylo in a better position than Innova, though the availability of a petrol option can help the latter’s sales. India’s MPV segment has been growing at a steady pace and these two models have upped the ante for upcoming cars. In coming times, the race for the dominance in this segment will heat up, so Mahindra and Toyota will have to keep modifying their respective cars in order to maintain market share.
