Maruti Suzuki XL 6 Test Drive

Jan 18 2020, Good Day to all. I am now in Maruti Suzuki – Nexa outlet in Navi Mumbai. It’s another day to test drive an SUV which has now become a companion of the people of India.  An SUV, by its looks and specs, not only have taken place in the heart of the people but also a place in Indian Automotive Industry. We shall now begin.

We all are familiar with Maruti Suzuki’s Ertiga which was a successful project. Ertiga on the frying pan sprinkles a few cosmetic changes, garnishes with some mechanical tweak, engineers it in low steam and dishes out an all-new XL6.

Looks:

1. It is built on the Ertiga’s platform, witnessing the changes inside out.
2. They have reworked in the front facet.
3. After changes, we get a new black grille with chrome slab embossed
4. The XL6 has a new set of LED DRLs and fog lamps, with a plastic cladding running across the body.
5. A new badge at the rear, that aside, it resembles second-gen Ertiga.

Interiors:

1. The second-row bench seat has stepped down, and Maruti roped in all-new Captain Seats: Large, cushiony and refreshing.
2. Knee room and headspace on offer are decent; however, the under-thigh support needs some attention.
3. The all-black cabin is well-appointed with spacious contours
4. Slide forward the middle row to slip into the rear third, slightly tight on backseat space, which is identical to the Ertiga.

Smart Connect instrument console is also another interesting feature

Engine:

1. We successfully tried and tested K15B petrol power train, which is leased from the second-gen Ertiga, is power rated at 103 bhp and 13 Nm.
2. The engine is mated to 5-speed manual gearbox with a 4-speed automatic as an option.
3. The smart mild-hybrid system as standard provides a gentle push during acceleration.
4. The XL6 has good road manners, thanks to a well-spaced gearbox and relatively plush ride quality.

These are some of the features which have been justified by Maruti Suzuki Engineering team. As I said earlier, it is the facsimile of Ertiga model. These features attract the People of India, craving them to go for buying it. We the Test Drive Reviewer (TDR) reviews in and out, merit and demerits of the car. We shall now focus on certain demerits of this car.

How looks can be made better?

1. The black ORVMs and roofline make the sides; look ordinary, with a similar story at the rear.
2. As we look into the XL6 badge and skid plate off, it’s surely going to be an Ertiga from a distance.
3. Simplicity is good but Maruti projects the XL6 a premium MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle).
4. In our opinion, a rear spoiler and a shark fin antenna could have been better.

How interiors can be made better?

1. The overhead AC vents and armrests for the second row were not needed necessarily. 
2. In place of these, we would prefer a sunroof, at least optional, or utility bucket in between the seats.
3. Since, Maruti Suzuki, calls XL6 a premium car, it could have offered more space that of Ertiga, with new seat configuration.
4. A reverse camera and auto headlights could have been provided to the Alpha variant as well.

How Engines can be made better?

1. As Maruti Suzuki says XL 6 is a premium car and BSVI unit, undoubted performance compromised but isn’t very dynamic.
2. XL 6 should have been consisting of higher performance.
3. A silent ride is only to an extent after that the engine chugging creeps into the cabin, making the experience somewhat annoying.

As we conclude, the XL6 is priced at Rs 9.6 - 11.5 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi) varying according to its category (In Alpha and Zeta variants) also according to the transmissions (Automatic & Manual). The pricing also depends on the additional accessories that you want to adjoin in your car.

I hope you liked the review of XL 6. We would like to hear from you. If you need any assistance you can contact us, we will be happy to assist you.