New 2012 Mahindra Xylo vs. New 2012 Toyota Innova

Mahindra has launched the 2012 Xylo starting at Rs. 7.37 lakh for the base variant while the top end variant goes up all the way to Rs. 10.25 lakh. The new Xylo is not just a cosmetic makeover, but also gets a new mHawk engine, a new gearbox. The face lifted Xylo also comes in a new E9 variant (top-end variant) with features such as cruise control and voice activation technology.

The Xylo was launched in 2009 and since its launch 90,000 units have been sold. With a market share of 27%, the Xylo is the second largest selling MPV in India. It is known for its spacious cabin and comfort features.

In January 2012, Toyota launched the face lifted Innova at the Delhi Auto Expo priced between Rs.8.25 lakh – Rs. 13.17 lakh. The Toyota Innova, enjoys the top spot in the segment selling significantly more than the Xylo every month despite its premium pricing.

Here we compare the Xylo E9 variant with the Innova VX in terms of looks, features, space, comfort, price, mileage to know which of these two face lifted MPV’s makes more sense.

Driving and handling

The Xylo E9 seems to have an advantage over the Innova in terms of performance. The Xylo E9 gets a 2.2-litre mHawk engine from the Scorpio that puts out 120 bhp of power (which is 20 bhp more than the Innova’s 2.5-litre D4D motor). Besides the mHawk churns out 80 Nm more torque (280 Nm) than the Innova, which will most likely be easy to drive in city traffic. However, only a proper road test will tell which MPV is actually better to drive.

When it comes to handling, the Innova has an edge over the Xylo. Its car like handling characteristic is one of the main reasons for its large sales numbers. The outgoing Xylo is not a good handler. Mahindra has retuned the rear suspension and provided antiroll bars in the new Xylo that will likely improve its handling. We guess, the new Xylo will have controlled vertical movement and a well sorted ride at low as well as high speeds.

Space and Comfort

The Xylo’s USP are its space and comfort, which thankfully has been inherited by the new model as well. The Xylo continues to offer commendable legroom and headroom for all the three rows. Even tall passengers won’t complain in the Xylo’s third row of seats. On the other hand, the Innova has comfortable seats for front and middle row passengers but the third row is little cramped and best suited for average-sized adults or kids. Buyers prefer an MPV for space & comfort and the Xylo has an edge over the Innova here.

Looks

Both Toyota and Mahindra have done their best to improve the looks of their MPVs. The new Innova gets a refreshed chrome grille and slightly sharp looking headlamps. The new Xylo comes with a redesigned front grille with blacked out vertical slats and a redesigned front bumper with wide fog lamp housings.

The side profile of the Innova remains the same except outside mirrors with turn indicators and new 10-spoke alloy wheels. The side profile of the Xylo reveals the new side footstep, pronounced wheel arches with new rims, sporty roof rail, blackened pillars and 6-spoke alloy wheels.

The new Innova’s rear gets a fresh tail-lamp cluster and a large chrome strip with the word ‘Innova’ embossed on it. The rear bumper has inset reflectors for added safety. The new Xylo’ tail lamp cluster gets clear lens treatment and also includes a roof spoiler.

Let’s take a look at the interiors now. The new Xylo gets two-tone interiors with walnut brown wood inserts on the dashboard and door panels besides more bits of chrome. There has been a significant improvement in the plastic quality, fit and finish as well.

On the other hand, the Innova’s interiors simply impress with upmarket elements such as a touch screen DVD system on the central console, chrome on the steering wheel and door handles and new dark brown wood inserts with shiny smooth finish.

Summing up, the new Xylo is definitely more appealing to the eyes and better looking than the outgoing model. The Innova, with the clever use of chrome bits looks and feels more premium while the Xylo, looks sporty with its refreshed front face.

Features

The Xylo E9 has an impressive list of creature comforts that includes voice command technology, cruise control and digital drive assist system which are not offered in the Innova VX. The E9 also has flatbed seats, 3-position lumbar support, surround cool dual ACs.

The Innova VX gets reverse parking camera unlike the Xylo’s reverse parking assistance (sensors). It also gets touch screen DVD system connected to six speakers while the Xylo E9 has double DIN audio system but lacks DVD and touch screen features. Both the cars come with steering mounted audio and phone controls (Bluetooth), USB and Aux-in ports.

Features wise, Xylo E9 has an edge over the Innova VX.

Price, mileage and overall VFM

The new Xylo E9 costs Rs. 10.25 lakh making it nearly Rs. 3 lakh cheaper than the Innova VX. This, surely makes the Xylo E9, lot cheaper than the Innova VX.  The ARAI-certified fuel economy of Innova is 12.99 kmpl while that of the Xylo E9 is yet to be known. We feel, both the MPVs will likely have a mileage in the range of 9 – 13 kmpl in real world driving conditions.

The Xylo E9 is almost Rs. 3 lakh cheaper than the Innova. Despite the cheaper price, the Xylo E9 comes with better performing engine, more features such as cruise control, voice control technology and does not compromise on safety as well. Overall, the new Xylo E9 is better VFM than the Innova VX.

Pros and Cons

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Verdict?

The new Xylo E9 is an excellent value for money for it offers more features for substantially less price than the Innova VX. Besides, the Xylo also offers more space and a comfortable ride. If you are on a budget yet need all safety and comfort features, the Xylo E9 is for you. However, if brand value, handling characteristics and long term reliability are your top priorities, go ahead buying the Innova VX.