Market leader Maruti Suzuki has launched the XL6 premium MPV. The Zeta manual is priced at Rs 9.79 lakh, while the AT bears a price tag of Rs 10.89 lakh. The Alpha manual sells at Rs 10.36 lakh while the AT sets you back by Rs 11.46 lakh. All prices are ex-showroom.
The Maruti Suzuki XL6 is a premium MPV based on the Ertiga and will be sold exclusively through Maruti’s Nexa outlets. The XL6 gets its name by the virtue of being bigger than the Ertiga and comes with a six seat configuration with captain seats for the middle row occupants.
The Maruti XL6 is powered by a sole BS6-compliant 1.5-litre K15B engine that develops 105 PS of power and 138 Nm of torque. It will be available in two trim levels – Zeta and Alpha. Both variants will be available with a choice of manual and automatic transmissions, taking the total variant count to four.
To my surprise, the fuel efficiency figures remain the same as the Ertiga, despite the XL6 being very slightly heavier (by 20 kilograms) and longer. ARAI-ratified mileage figures stand at 19.01 kmpl for the manual and 17.99 kmpl for the AT. However, there isn’t a diesel powertrain on offer as of yet.
When viewed from the outside, the Maruti Suzuki XL6 looks completely different. In fact Maruti claims that only the side panels and the tailgate is common with the Ertiga. The rest of the exterior is completely new. The hood has been raised by 95 mm higher, and there is a broader, black and chrome finish grille. The headlamps get quad LED treatment and the LED daytime running light or DRL.
There is a lot more body cladding running through the bumpers and along the sides into the wheel arches. The bumpers are wider and protrude more making the car marginally longer than the Ertiga. The tailgate is new too as are the vertical-stack LED taillights. Black alloy wheels and black mirror housings are another new design element. The taller roof rails and stance of the car do make it appear to be higher riding than the Ertiga for sure. However, what was a bit of a disappointment though is given the premium positioning, neither does the XL6 get larger wheels nor higher ground clearance than the Ertiga. The 185/65 R15 tyres are the same that are used on the Ertiga; as is the 180 mm ground clearance.
Step inside the Maruti Suzuki XL6 and you will be welcomed by an all-black interior in comparison to the Ertiga’s two tone beige. The dashboard gets what Maruti is referring to as a stone-finish garnish unlike the faux wood on the Ertiga. Barring this it’s the same touchscreen, instrument cluster with TFT info screen and climate control system. The front central cup holders have an air vent each for air-cooling your choice of beverage. The seats are more bolstered and the steering is finished in black leatherette. However, the plastic quality and the other materials used in the passenger cabin feels similar to what has been used in the Ertiga. Considering that Maruti Suzuki is positioning the XL6 as a premium MPV, they ought to have used better quality materials.
Having said that, the XL6 still appears to be a good addition to Maruti Suzuki’s product portfolio and has the potential to garner good sales numbers.
Power Drive 