Mahindra is teasing its Facebook fans with an image of an incomplete mHawk badge on the Xylo. Well informed folks know already about the availability of this engine on the E9 variants since February 2012 when the Xylo was facelifted.
Sources reveal to Indian Autos Blog that tomorrow Mahindra will introduce the Scorpio's motor on the lower E4 and E8 variants. The 2.2-liter mHawk on the E9 variant develops 120bhp @ 4,000 rpm and 280 Nm @ 2,400-2,800 rpm and the same specification is likely to continue. Currently E4 and E8 variants are strapped with the 2.5-liter mEagle engine that makes 112bhp @ 3,800 rpm and 260Nm @ 1,800-2,200 rpm.
The E8 is the better spec-ed of the two changing trim levels with features such as foglamps, ABS & EBD, snack trays, parking assistant and digital vehicle information module. The E4 carries fewer features with highlights being dual AC and power windows.
Mahindra launched the Xylo in January 2009 and rolled out the E9 variant along with cosmetic improvements across the range in early 2012. The Xylo platform underpins three products today - Xylo, Genio pickups and the Quanto - and these launches have been fruitful.
However Xylo sales have been flagging especially after the introduction of the Maruti Ertiga last year. With the entry of the Chevrolet Enjoy this week, there maybe further cannibalization in the short term. To protect its market share from being eaten away by new launches, Mahindra has to do refreshes, technology additions and special editions every year, which explains the philosophy behind tomorrow's action.
