Mahindra Xylo to join facelifted Pik-Up

MAHINDRA Automotive Australia (MAA) has confirmed it will release a facelifted version of its Pik-Up utility in June, before the all-new Xylo people-mover joins it as the Indian auto-maker’s second model to become available here.

Details of the 2009 Pik-Up range remain scarce, but its upgrades are expected to be accompanied by an eight per cent price rise over the ute’s original launch prices, which were subsequently cut by up to $3000 during its run-out phase – when the entry-level single-cab/chassis 4x2 Pik-Up cost just $16,990.

The Xylo, meantime, has proved popular since being launched in India in January this year and is expected to go on sale here in January 2010. It found 3171 new homes in India in March, helping Mahindra and Mahindra Limited (M&M Ltd) to post its highest ever monthly automotive sales figure in March.

Mahindra’s people-mover has up to eight seats (seven when four front “captain’s chair” seats are specified) and is powered by an 83kW ‘m-Eagle CRDe’ version of the Pik-Up’s 2.5-litre common-rail intercooled four-cylinder turbo-diesel. It will be available only with a five-speed manual transmission.

According to the M&M website, the Xylo, which is believed to be based on a Toyota chassis, is produced in four model variants in India, where equipment levels extend to front and rear foglights, roof rails, 15-inch alloy wheels, power windows/mirrors, dual air-conditioning, front and rear door puddle lights, a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, front armrest and remote central locking.

Left: Mahindra Pik-Up.

It has a tightish 10.8-metre turning circle and rides on independent front and (multi-link) rear suspension systems, while the Xylo’s kerb weight is listed at a respectable 1750kg. Rear drum brakes are fitted, ground clearance is 186mm and other features include power steering, in-glass antenna, flat-folding front seat and a front armrest.

Mahindra sold 26,209 vehicles globally last month (up from 24,682 in March 2008), thanks largely to a 30 per cent increase in sales of the brand’s utility vehicles, including the Pik-Up, Bolero and Scorpion.

Effectively a wagon version of the Pik-Up, the latter is Mahindra’s three-row SUV which has been rumoured for release in Australia since the Indian brand was introduced here in June 2007. Initially due here early this year, the live rear-axle Scorpio is now expected to follow the Xylo on sale in Australia.

“It’s encouraging to see new models being embraced and sales of existing models continuing to climb in Mahindra’s home market,” said Claire Tynan, the CEO of MAA, a joint venture between M&M Ltd and Australian distributor TMI Pacific formed in 2008.

“We look forward to introducing the refreshed Pik-Up in Australia shortly, which will see an enhanced look and safety features.

“When the Xylo arrives, we anticipate that it will garner as much interest as it has in the Indian market, as we continue to establish and grow the brand’s well positioned value for money offerings.” MAA has more than 20 in rural and metropolitan NSW, Victoria and Queensland, with others in South Australia soon to be announced.

“My congratulations to the entire team at M&M’s automotive sector,” said the vice-chairman and managing director of the Mahindra Group, Anand Mahindra.

“This is a clear validation of the faith customers place in our products. I am especially pleased that our newly launched Mahindra Xylo has shown impressive sales figures, and it is particularly gratifying that Scorpio sales continue to be robust,” he said.

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