MPV Segment Gets Premium Push With Maruti Suzuki XL6

Notwithstanding the slowdown in the automotive sector in the last three quarters, manufacturers have continued to introduce new products. In fact, the last couple of months have seen the launch of two new brands in the Indian market as well, that of MG Motors and Kia Motors. August, in particular, has been an exciting month for the market with a slew of new product introductions. One of the latest models to hit the road is the Maruti Suzuki XL6, a premium MPV based on the company's older MPV, the Ertiga.

- Deepangshu Dev Sarmah

The XL6 is a six seater MPV, Maruti Suzuki’s first three row seater to be sold through its NEXA retail outlets. In fact, the genesis of the XL6’s name lies in it being an “exclusive six seater”. The XL6 has been offered just one engine, a new BS VI compliant 1.5 l petrol engine that comes with two transmission options, a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic transmission.

Let's take you on a drive around the Pink City of Jaipur and tell you what we think of this new MPV from Maruti Suzuki's stable.

XL6 VS ERTIGA

Before we get to the details of the vehicle, let’s understand how the XL6 is different from the Ertiga. The Maruti Suzuki XL6 is the carmaker's second MPV after the highly successful Maruti Suzuki Ertiga. The two vehicles, however, will be sold through separate channels. While XL6 will be sold via Nexa dealerships – aiming to cater to the more premium customers, the Ertiga will continue to be sold through the Arena dealerships.

Aimed at attracting a wider range of customers, Maruti Suzuki offers the Ertiga in three fuel options – petrol, diesel as well as CNG. The petrol engine is same as the one available in XL6, one that delivers 92 hp of peak power and 122 Nm of torque and comes paired to a 5-speed manual gearbox. There is the trusted 1.3 l, DDiS 225, diesel powertrain as well that churns out 95 hp of power, 225 Nm of torque and comes paired to a 6-speed manual transmission.