In an attempt to drive in profit on the increasing demand and
reverence of MPVs, the first-ever Maruti Suzuki XL6 is the company’s retail
from Nexa using petrol only as tested. It has been a new concept by the company
in the market with the first compact yet premium offering in the lineup.
Why not
SUV?
XL6 has targeted mostly the individuals and family buyers to
fit in their budget scale and give the functional connectivity simultaneously.
Furthermore, the company does not make any attempt in calling this model an SUV
despite having the SUV like appeal and design. They have rather called it a
premium MPV as mentioned in XL6’s tagline.
Comfort and
efficiency
The model is based on Ertiga MPV and is offered in 2
distinctive variations namely ‘Zelta’ and ‘Alpha.’ The innate crossover styling
with 6-seater enhances comfortably and cabin prominence. Although there is no
diesel option it is very evident that many people would not find it amicable
for its efficiency. This spacious (XL) three-row seating is a move by the
company to provide the buyers with a premium alternative to Ertiga.
Appearance
New colours of XL6 include Nexa blue, brave khaki, magma
grey, auburn red, arctic white and premium silver and the presentation
apparently distinguishes it from Ertiga. The large grille with chrome detailing
ignites its look with the new quad LED headlamps. The DRLs and the chunky
bumper with a faux skid –plate saves the new XL6 from ignorance. However, its
plastic body cladding, the roof rails and 15-inch alloy wheels with the mirror
caps mimic the silhouette of the Ertiga. The tail lamps with LED light guides
and remade bumper with cladding add appeal to the model.
Inside of
XL6
Both the variants Zeta and Alpha include the SmartPlay Studio
infotainment unit with a seven-inch touch-screen display that incorporates both
Android and Apple CarPlay compatibility. It comes with automatic climate
control, rear air-convents and key-less entry with push-button to start/stop.
There is also cruise control and height adjusts for the driver’s seat. Here
the Alpha trim add up automatic headlamps and a rear parking camera with dual
front airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, speed warning system and
driver/co-driver seat belt reminders along with the ideal safety types of equipment.
However, just the automatic version comes with ESP and hill-hold control.
Drive
The premium MPV gets powered by 1.5 litres naturally aspirated
petrol point as employed in Ertiga. This is shelled up with a five-speed manual
gearbox/four-speed torque automatic converter. The engine is BSVI-compliant
that rapidly stirs 103bhp power and around 138Nm torque. The XL6 is packaged
with features of mild hybrid technology with an extra lithium-ion battery for fuel-efficiency. It somehow takes a little time to find momentum below 2000rpm and
one might have to shift to a lower gear due to the reduction in torque. The
clutch and gear have nice slots and feels light to drive.
Price
This family buyer’s car is priced between Rs 9.79 lakhs to
11.46 lakhs.
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