[rajeshsundaram]

I own a 2013 E8. Mahindra sorted the ride quality to some extent. It is better than before. The boat like handling is reduced now. But still not perfect.

[mooza]

Again, I see comments on the Xylo's handling and ride quality.

Let me offer my personal experience, absolutely no offence to any of the folks here.

I switched over from my Maruti Esteem to the Xylo E4 for my city and highway use, a year and a half ago. Yes, for a couple of days after the switch, I felt changes in handling and ride quality, and accordingly I adjusted the way I drive. But believe me, from the 3rd day in the Xylo, I started enjoying the ride quality, and the sense of enjoyment is still growing, due to other factors as well, such as ease of driving on account of the high seating position, tight turning circle, superb all round visibility, and an overall feeling of luxury when it comes to space.

I have heard of people selling their Scorpios on account of boat like handling and so on, but not Xylo owners. The Xylo definitely does not wallow around as much as the Scorpio, since the suspension in the Xylo is a bit tauter, as it is not built for offroading like the Scorpio. Again, no offence to Scorpio owners (I have enjoyed my Scorpio ownership too).

My advice ? Use the Xylo for a few days, and you will grow to love it immensely, ride quality included. But please drive it gracefully like you would a Volvo bus, and do not throw it around corners like a Ferrari.

[turbanman]

Ok, just did two Pune-Bom-Pune runs. The report on the handling front is that there are no problems with it. The vehicle felt totally planted at all times. Obviously drove it like a mini van and not the Ritz that it replaces. But all in all really love the MUV. The cruise control also did its job in reducing driver fatigue.

The tires are stock and I was alone for both the runs. Gave the car ample excuses to step out of the line so to speak or wobble when over 60 kmph in the ghat section but it felt very planted and absolutely unnerved with every thing I could throw at it.

Have clocked just over 800kms. The fuel average in the digital display is now showing as 18kmpl. It went up to 20kmpl at some point in the journey and down to 13.6kmpl at another point. I would say my driving has been 90% highway and 10% city, with AC always on.

More updates as and when possible.

Over and out!

[manij]

Asked this question on another thread, however adding to this thread too as this is focussed on the H series introduction.

Hoping experts on the forum can help advise on the differences between the E and H versions - other than the engine/fuel efficiency aspects.

For example, the dimensions for E version in mm were 4520 (Length), 1850 (Width), 1895 (Height), 206 (Ground clearance). For the H version it seems to be 4525 (Length), 1770 (Width), 1880 (Height), 186 (Ground clearance). There is no change in Turning Radius or Wheelbase. (Hope I am correct on these specs as I am unable to download the ebrochure from Mahindra Xylo site, the info is from other websites).

• Does the length increase of 5 mm translate to better luggage space at the back (the small luggage space with all seats in place is the biggest drawback of the Xylo in my experience of living with the Xylo for the last 4 years)
• Decrease in height and ground clearance - presume this lowered stance translates to much better stability / dynamics / road grip. I don't remember my Xylo ever bottoming out - even on the worst of speed breakers or roads, hope the reduction in ground clearance does not change that behavior.
• Decrease in width - I guess this is now made equal to the Innova. Presume this translates to better agility in traffic / ability to squeeze into gaps / perception of being easier to drive.

[RajeshK]

Originally Posted by manij

Asked this question on another thread, however adding to this thread too as this is focussed on the H series introduction.

For example, the dimensions for E version in mm were 4520 (Length), 1850 (Width), 1895 (Height), 206 (Ground clearance). For the H version it seems to be 4525 (Length), 1770 (Width), 1880 (Height), 186 (Ground clearance). There is no change in Turning Radius or Wheelbase. (Hope I am correct on these specs as I am unable to download the ebrochure from Mahindra Xylo site, the info is from other websites).

What is the source of these information? I am unable to see the dimensions in the brochures. I have both the E series and H series brochures (unable to attach as they are more 3MB) but there is no reference about the dimensions.

[manij]

Originally Posted by RajeshK

What is the source of these information? I am unable to see the dimensions in the brochures. I have both the E series and H series brochures (unable to attach as they are more 3MB) but there is no reference about the dimensions.

I started searching when I heard a remark from my brother on the new Xylo looking shorter and 'less likely to topple over'. Also I remembered my Xylo being 1850mm in width (also the same number is mentioned in wikipedia link for Xylo, and on carwale. However the width on other sites for the H models indicate 1770mm. Was not able to get the info from the MahindraXylo site, hence this post.

[RajeshK]

Finally, after taking multiple rounds of test drives and going through many ownership reviews I am decided on Xylo H8 with Airbag. Booked Diamond White Xylo H8 with Airbag 7CC yesterday, waiting for the loan approval and vehicle. The delear doesn't have the stock, so there is around 2wks delay now. Many thanks to TBhpians like v12, rajeshsundaram, turbanman etc for their feedback on the forum.

[rajwheelz]

I have been thinking of upgrading to an SUV/MUV ( read 7 seaters ) and the choices boiled down to a Xylo/Ertiga/Innova.

Based on advises & reviews from T-BHP and friends, I further narrowed it down to Xylo/Ertiga.

Took a TD of both the vehicles. Accompanying me were another Figo owner and a Xylo E9 owner, both colleagues in the place I work.

Sorry, I could not click any pictures. Here is the TD review of Xylo H8.

Distributor: Ananth cars, B.G.Road, Bangalore

After a very courteous welcome by the sales staff and the customary form fill and signup, I was handed over the key to the TD vehicle.

Looking at the Xylo on the road and actually walking towards it to enter are two different perspectives. I honestly say, i was a little apprehensive to enter it considering that it was my first time TD'ing such a huge beast.

Opened the door and i literally walked inside. I am 6ft2in.

Fired up the engine and I could hear the roar of it. But once all of us were in and the doors closed with AC on, the sound was far lesser.

Slotted into 1st, and the beast came alive effortlessly. I could find my driving position almost immediately which is good.

Out of the showroom, I had to immediately negotiate incoming traffic and keep the right lane to take a U turn 30 meters down. Again Xylo surprised me with the steering agility and ease of turning. The U turn was a cake walk.

Then on the TD happened on bad roads, good roads, humps, cutting between autos, pedestrians etc. Not once did a 10 yr hatchback rider felt nervous. Excellent handling.

I have read a lot about the earlier Xylos have too much of a body roll. In the driver's seat I could not see that it was that bad. Yes, a little bounciness still exists but not to the level of making you nauseous. Asked my colleagues ( 1 in the mid row and 1 in the 3rd row ) and they confirmed that the nasty bounce is not there any more.

After a few rounds, I asked my colleague who already has an E9 to take the drive and i settled down in the mid row. He drove it and tested it on areas where he knew E9 had issues. This is what he had to say.

Braking -> Improved
Bounciness -> Improved
2nd gear slotting -> Same. Pretty hard. Have to get used to it
Hard clutch -> Same

Now I wanted a 2nd opinion from another hatchback rider who is the 2nd colleague. He drove the next few rounds and he even he was surprised at the ease of riding.

To summarize my likes and dislikes:

Likes:
1. mHawk engine of course
2. Very roomy and spacious
3. Excellent city driveability
4. On par braking ability
5. Not much of a body roll even at speeds of 90kmph on a straight line.

Dislikes:
1. 2nd gear is tough & hard to slot
2. Takes some time to get used to the foot board. The person of my height gets into a dilemma. Should I directly land my foot on the ground and get out ? If so, a slight stretch of the leg is needed. Should i use the foot board ? It's near to the driver seating position and i end up crouching.
3. Not much luggage space if 3rd row is occupied.

I have more or less made up my mind to go for the top end ( H9 ) variant.

A few questions for the experts please. This will help me freeze on my decision.

1. What are the disadvantages of having a luggage holder fitment on the roof?
2. Apart from cornering with high speeds, what other care I need to take when handling such a huge beast?
3. Are the stock bridgestone tyres enough? Or should i upgrade?
4. Do I go for a 2+2+3 seat arrangement or a 2+3+3 ? The advantage I see with 3 seater in mid row is that older people can lie down and take a quick nap. Any advantages/disadvantages?

Thanks much & I will be happy to answer any more questions about the TD.

[RajeshK]

Originally Posted by rajwheelz

I have been thinking of upgrading to an SUV/MUV ( read 7 seaters ) and the choices boiled down to a Xylo/Ertiga/Innova.

2. Takes some time to get used to the foot board. The person of my height gets into a dilemma. Should I directly land my foot on the ground and get out ? If so, a slight stretch of the leg is needed. Should i use the foot board ? It's near to the driver seating position and i end up crouching.

I can understand this..and the confusion go still further like if it is footstep, which leg should go first..!!

I have sent an email to you through the contact you have mentioned in the forum as I won't be able to do private message now.

[mooza]

Originally Posted by rajwheelz

A few questions for the experts please. This will help me freeze on my decision

@Rajwheelz, I am answering your questions below, based on my experiences:


1. What are the disadvantages of having a luggage holder fitment on the roof?

Please postpone the decision to buy the luggage carrier. You could take the decision after doing a few long trips, to realistically assess your need for it. The Xylo has a lot of space underneath the seats for several bags. And small to medium sized suitcases fit easily into the boot.
The first thing I bought was a luggage carrier, but it is the last thing I use now, so it was a mistake, in hindsight.
Buy it only if you frequently pick up friends/relatives with those huge international suitcases. Again, it is a tough task to lug the suitcases onto the roof and tie them securely with ropes, and cover them to protect against rain and so on.

2. Apart from cornering with high speeds, what other care I need to take when handling such a huge beast?

Give more allowances for braking distance, for one.


3. Are the stock Bridgestone tyres enough? Or should I upgrade?

Yes, they are enough, I never felt the need to upgrade. Do not know whether alloy wheels help much though, as there are not too many experiences even in this forum regarding the same for the Xylo.


4. Do I go for a 2+2+3 seat arrangement or a 2+3+3 ? The advantage I see with 3 seater in mid row is that older people can lie down and take a quick nap. Any advantages/disadvantages?

2+3+3 is better for carrying more people over short trips. The disadvantage is that you will have to get down and fold the 2nd row seat everytime someone from the 3rd row wants to get in or out.
Safety wise I feel 2+2+3 is better, particularly at highway speeds, since the guy in the centre of the middle row is a sitting duck in the event of an impact.


One more point. Please share your TD experience of the Ertiga as well, just for a comparo, since the decision involves spending close to a million bucks

[rajwheelz]

Originally Posted by mooza

@Rajwheelz, I am answering your questions below, based on my experiences:


Thanks much mooza !. Appreciate it !. Will postpone my decision for fitting the luggage carrier for now.

One more point. Please share your TD experience of the Ertiga as well, just for a comparo, since the decision involves spending close to a million bucks

I didn't want to hijack this thread by posting Ertiga's TD here, but well, since you asked, I will post briefly what I liked and didn't like about this lady.

Likes:
------
1. Slick and smooth gear box
2. Extremely easy for city drives and though a slight turbo-lag is felt in 2nd, wont be noticeable enough unless you really pay attention
3. Mileage
4. Good GC. Smoothly went through a lot of Bangalore famous speed breaker mountains. These were the regular ones which my figo under-bellies everyday.
5. Road view is good
6. I expected my knees to bang into the steering column/dash board A.L.A DZire. But No. I was comfy at the pilot seat and found my driving position soon enough. I am 6ft2in.


Dislikes:
--------
1. AC is not on par to my expectations
2. Just didnt feel like I am sitting in a million rupee car. I feel its over-priced
3. I feel it's just a 5-seater. The last row can be safely ignored.
4. Worse part is point 3 above is negated if you drop down the 3rd row for luggage space. The head rests wont give you a flat fold down of the 3rd row seat. So you need to pull ahead the 2nd row. Which means, you end up buying a 7-seater MUV for a million and at most 4 can travel in a crunched position. Huh !
5. For some weird reason, I felt claustrophobic inside the car. Just didn't get the feel that I am in a "BIG" vehicle

[shishir_bn]

There is another way to overcome the 2nd gear stiffness.
When the truck is idling when you start in the morning, just press the clutch and slot the gear into first and second 5-6 times without leaving the clutch. After that you can start your driving. This will make slotting of the gear into 2nd very smooth.

Stock tyres are more than enough for this truck. I have mine still running on stock at 67k kms.

I would take 2+2+3 option any day. You feel like you are traveling in business class.

[manij]

Originally Posted by rajwheelz

1. What are the disadvantages of having a luggage holder fitment on the roof?
2. Apart from cornering with high speeds, what other care I need to take when handling such a huge beast?
3. Are the stock bridgestone tyres enough? Or should i upgrade?
4. Do I go for a 2+2+3 seat arrangement or a 2+3+3 ? The advantage I see with 3 seater in mid row is that older people can lie down and take a quick nap. Any advantages/disadvantages?

Thanks much & I will be happy to answer any more questions about the TD.

My thoughts are:

1) This depends on the number of people you will have travelling on the car as well as the kind of travel you do. If you do regular long distance travel with more than 4/5 people on board, you will need a roof luggage holder fitment.
2) Parking and field of view while reversing will take some time to get used to, especially in narrow spaces. Of course if you have good wide parking available, this point is not relevant.
3) Stock tyres are tried & tested and hence good enough, every other upgrade option seem to have some downside or the other.
4) I have the 2+2+3 version and I find it the middle row extremely comfortable. Have also driven the 2+3+3 version. Surprisingly for elders in my family, they like the middle 3 seat option better and feel that is more comfortable. I guess it allows them to sit shoulder to shoulder, interact more, easier to make small kids lie down leaning on them, etc. If I am doing my buying all over again, I would probably go for a 2+3+3 version. However when I bought my Xylo (on company lease scheme), I was eligible only to buy a 7 seater and not a 8 seater (8 seater is apparently categorized as commercial use vehicle).

One other point I would like to point out is the daily cleaning/wipedown part. Lot more surface area means that much more time for cleaning, and the height means additional support is needed while cleaning the top. I need to pay 50% more money to the person cleaning my car in my apartment (as compared to cleaning a Sedan) and also have the realization that the roof is not being cleaned everyday.

[RajeshK]

I will be getting my H8 delivered mostly tomorrow. Here is a snap taken via Mobile Camera at Dealer's stockyard.

[rajwheelz]

Originally Posted by shishir_bn

There is another way to overcome the 2nd gear stiffness.
When the truck is idling when you start in the morning, just press the clutch and slot the gear into first and second 5-6 times without leaving the clutch. After that you can start your driving. This will make slotting of the gear into 2nd very smooth.

I gave this tip to my colleague who's driving a Xylo for 4 years now and he was floored. Works great !. His and my thanks to you Shishir.