Mahindra Mini Xylo production trial started

Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) has commenced trial production of its upcoming mini-Xylo MPV at the company’s Chakan plant in Maharashstra.

According to the Economic Times, the car will be launched within the next two months. The company may launch a no-frills base variant of the Mini Xylo at an estimated price of Rs. 5 lakh. The mini Xylo’s USP will be its sub-4 meters length that will help it earn excise duty rebates, similar to small cars.

Test mules of the mini-Xylo have been spotted several times in the past. The spy photos hinted that the mini-Xylo would be launched with a Xylo-like front grille, high mounted tail lamps, a slightly raised bumper and spare wheel mounted on the boot’s door. Related: Mahindra mini-Xylo spotted again!

Though there are no official clues about the compact Xylo’s engine details, there are speculations that Mahindra may plonk in a 1.5 litre common rail direct-injection diesel engine. This will help Mahindra satisfy the Indian government’s definition of a diesel small car.

We expect the mini-Xylo to carry forward the Xylo’s spacious interiors. The Xylo’s headroom and legroom in all the three rows is better than what its key rival (Toyota Innova) offers. Mahindra may launch the top-end variant of the upcoming mini-Xylo with features like MP3 stereo, USB connectivity, reclining rear seats and a multi-information display.

The Premier Rio is the only small SUV (under 4 meters) that can compete with the Mini-Xylo when the latter is launched. Rio is based on the Chinese Zotye and is priced ranging from Rs. 5.25 lakh to Rs. 5.95 lakh (ex-showroom, Pune). It hasn’t really caught on and lacks a BS-IV complaint version which means it cannot be sold in Metros.

Mahindra may have planned the mini Xylo to completely utilize the Xylo platform besides exploring new segments in the Indian MPV/SUV market. In January 2011, Mahindra launched the Genio pick-up truck based on the Xylo platform. The Genio is powered by a 2.5 litre CRDe diesel engine producing 75 bhp of maximum power and 220 Nm of maximum torque. It is priced at Rs. 4.99 lakh (BS III) and Rs. 5.15 lakh (BS IV) (ex-showroom, Mumbai).

Mahindra’s upcoming launches

Mahindra is on a launching spree as the company plans to launch many new models to cater to the diverse needs of SUV buyers in India. The much expected models from Mahindra apart from the mini-Xylo are the Korando, Rexton and W201. Related: Four new Mahindra SUVs coming soon

While the Korando and Rexton are Ssangyong SUVs, the locally-developed W201 or the World SUV will be pitched above the company’s Scorpio model at an expected price range of Rs. 11.5 – Rs. 15 lakh. The W201 will be launched before Diwali 2011.