Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd's latest SUV billed as an alternative to sedans, the Xylo, has received a good response as bookings commence in all main towns since its launch on 13 January 2008.

With a starting price of Rs624,500, the Xylo will be available at 57 select Mahindra dealerships in January and another 44 from February.

"With the launch of the Mahindra Xylo, the era of sedans is under serious threat," Anand Mahindra, vice chairman and managing director, Mahindra Group, was quoted in a copany communique.

MAhindra said, "The sedan has long been considered the ultimate in high-end mobility but the Xylo is all set to change this perception. The famed Mahindra DNA of 'tough & rugged' meets an unprecedented level of sophistication and luxurious comfort in the Xylo. The Xylo is the 'Great Indian Traveling Machine' and will redefine the future of road travel in India."

"The Mahindra Xylo is perhaps the first vehicle in the country which has been completely engineered around the customer.

The powerful 2.49 litre mEagle CRDe engine is fuel-efficient and delivers 112 bhp, allowing you to literally fly from 0-60 kmph in just 5.8 seconds. It offers lavish space all around such that even a 6ft tall person can stretch in comfort on the third row seat. The Xylo offers an extraordinary level of luxurious comfort at a very cost-effective price for prospective sedan buyers," said Dr. Pawan Goenka, president, automotive sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.

Interiors:
Ample legroom, both in the second and third row, along with theatre style seating.

Independent AC vents ensure that the Surround Cool Dual AC cools all corners with individual controls for each passenger. The car's eye-catching exterior is complemented by plush interiors available in Black, Walnut and Granite.

The Mahindra Xylo is also the only car to offer flatbed front seats, just like in the business class of a world-class airline. Additional features include foldable flight trays behind the front seats, individual reading lamps for each passenger and conveniently placed laptop and mobile charging points.

The car's doors are fitted with puddle lamps, giving passengers visibility while alighting from the car at night. Cabin lights in the Xylo shut gradually after a few minutes, giving passengers enough time to settle inside the car. A wide arm rest in the front row provides the driver and co-passenger with comfort, while an integrated foot rest allows easy entry and exit.

The 'digital drive assist system' (DDAS), an alphanumeric display in the centre panel, has features such as an onboard computer to calculate mileage and distance permissible. The system is easy to read and provides useful data at a quick glance. Standard information available includes date, time, inside and outside temperature and relative humidity.

DDAS also lets drivers know exactly which direction the Xylo is headed in. At the press of a button informs the driver of the gear position and speed and the system will even tell yield information on how long the fuel will last and share information on the average speed and the instant mileage clocked, particularly useful on long journeys to ensure optimum mileage acn be derived.

The DDAS also has an inbuilt warning system to remind users to fasten their seat belts or if they attempt to drive with the handbrake engaged. The 'intellipark reverse assist' has a visual prompt in the rear view mirror which shows the distance between the rear bumper and any object behind your car.

The two 'din entertainment system' is also feature packed. It enables playback from MP3s and CDs, SD cards and USB devices, giving you a superlative acoustic experience on the road.

The engine:
This car is powered by a state-of-the-art 2.49 litre mEagle CRDe engine which delivers a power-packed 112 bhp with 24 kilogram meter torque over a range of 1800 to 3000 rpm.

The 2.49 litre engine is meshed with a five-speed manual gearbox and has been built on the Scorpio NEF CRDe engine family with relevant technological advancements.
When a burst of power is needed, the top mounted intercooler delivers. Dual pilot injection increases the Xylo's drivability scores, while advanced engine damping, hydraulic lash adjustor technology and auto tensioner ensure minimum service frequency and a pleasurable drive.

On a long drives it can zip down the long, straight stretches with the long wheelbase and multi-link suspension staying composed and rock steady. The vehicle also tackles sharp bends effortlessly and skirts bumps with ease.

Sleek contours coupled with structured edges and the signature Mahindra front grille give the Xylo the sophistication of a sedan and the aggressive stance of an SUV.
Integrated bumpers, chunky alloy wheels and strong curves on the bonnet and fenders add to the car's stature. Body side cladding with chrome rails and rear lamp clusters with well defined edges add oodles of panache to the car's design.

The Xylo is available in four variants and eight elegant shades that include fiery black, mist silver, mint green, lucky lilac, gold shimmer, toreador red, java brown and rocky beige.

All Xylo variants conform to stringent BS III emission norms.

Components for te Xylo have been sourced from Bosch, Lear, Motherson, Nippon, Subros, JBM, Spicer, Visteon, Lumax, Alf, Asahi, Sharda, Rane and Varroc have played a key role in creating the XYLO.