In a nutshell, the Maruti XL6 is the posher derivative of the popular Ertiga. While it is pricier than the MPV on which it is based, the XL6 gets you slightly different styling, captain’s chairs for the middle row and more features for the added money. That the XL6 is retailed from Maruti’s premium Nexa network also adds much to the buying experience. Question is which is the best version of the XL6 to buy?
What are the engines on offer?
First things first, the XL6 is a petrol-only model. There’s no diesel engine on offer as available on the Ertiga. The XL6 does share its petrol engine with the Ertiga – the 105hp/138Nm, 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine comes with Maruti’s mild-hybrid system (called Smart Hybrid by the brand) that assists the motor under heavy acceleration. Gearbox options include a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed torque convertor automatic. The manual gearbox works well and makes sense for buyers who will primarily be chauffeur-driven in their vehicle. Self drive buyers will be drawn to the automatic, and the transmission is good enough, but fuel economy is a concern. The XL6 petrol-auto will deliver about 11kpl in town as compared to the petrol-manual’s 13kpl figure; these figures are based on our road test of the Ertiga.
What are the variants on offer?
Based on the variant nomenclature Maruti’s Nexa cars typically use, the XL6 is offered in two higher-spec trims – Zeta and Alpha. Both variants come with the option of the automatic gearbox.
The lower-spec XL6 Zeta (Rs 9.80-10.89 lakh) is quite well-kitted. Safety features include dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, a speed warning system, height adjustable front seatbelts, Isofix child seat mounts and seat-belt reminders for the driver and co-driver, though a rear parking camera is notably missing. Along with the automatic gearbox, buyers also get Electronic Stability Program and Hill-start assist. In terms of creature comforts and convenience features, the Zeta is equipped with LED headlights, keyless entry and go, automatic climate control, cruise control and a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.
For a Rs 56,000 premium, the XL6 Alphas (Rs 10.36-11.46 lakh) add features such as leatherette upholstery, a reverse camera and automatic headlamps with a follow-me-home function.
Which is the variant to buy?
Considering the Rs 1.1 lakh price difference between the manual and automatic versions of the XL6, the latter doesn’t seem worth the premium. The Rs 56,000 extra that you would pay for the Alpha variants over the Zeta trims is more or less justified with the a corresponding increase in equipment. This is why the Maruti XL6 variant that we would recommend is the Alpha in petrol-manual form.
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