- by Sohan Ingole
Introdution-
Now the update is much needed thing in the industry whether it can be next generation or facelift, like that Maruti Suzuki launched its facelift or updated XL6 in India with some fresh tweaks in the interior and exterior. The major update is in the gearbox, earlier XL6 or all the automatic Maruti cars are coming with either 4 speed torque converter or AT gearbox but now to improve fuel efficiency and match his rivals, finally we got 6 speed torque converter in this new XL6.
Kia recently launched its Carens in the market which is directly rival with XL6, looking at the features and various powertrains options which is available in Carens. Because of the limitations in powertrains and lack of features sometimes XL6 left the chat but now Maruti Suzuki tried to fill up all this with this update or facelift. This new XL6 is available in four trims- Zeta, Alpha, Alpha plus and dual tone. With in 8 variants which is 4 manual and 4 automatic.
Engine and Performance-
This updated or revised XL6 is coming with the same K series 1.5 litre 4 cylinder naturally aspirated motor which now gets two more injectors as per each of the cylinder and dual valve variable timings resulting better fuel economy and refinement. So this 1.5 litre engine produces an 103HP of power with redlines at 6000RPM and 137Nm of torque with redlines at 4400Rpm. The result is it goes 0 to 100Kmph in under 13 seconds, it’s a refined motor with peppy response.
Midrange is flat and very refined as well, but the top end is quite punchy and vocal as well. When the redlines cross 5500RPM it completely vocals and pulls extremely hard it changes into the beast in the top end of the rave range. Talking about the gearbox it is a 6 speed torque converter which is decent quick in terms of shift, earlier one comes with the 4 speed torque converter which is bit laggy and even it effects on the fuel economy as well but now the job is done by the 6 speed unit. We also have the option of manual shifts in automatic gearbox where we can manually operate the gears by trip tronic function or using the paddle shifters. Automatic trim will give you the fuel efficiency in between 9 to 12 kmpl and manual unit will writes the fuel economy in 12 to 15 kmpl.
Well end of the day it always depends on your way of driving but still it manages to give you the fuel economy in double digits. This MPV has also got smart hybrid system with ideal start stop system which automatically shuts the engine when we stoped or pressed brake paddle. Talking about the hybrid system, in this system we got a lithium ion battery placed inside the vehicle which also regenerates the power when we applies brakes. Ride quality is improved by Maruti in this XL6, it is very soft and smooth, like that suspension is also on softer side which is good for bad roads but on high speed sometimes it loves to jump on expansion joints. The overall performance of the vehicle is ample enough for a MPV or people’s mover the motor is refined and quite punchy as well, it has that grunt to pull it hard.
Exterior –
The length of the 2022 XL6 is 4445mm, width is 1775mm and height is 1775mm. This updated version is 10 mm wider than earlier one and bigger in every dimension then Ertiga, thanks to the added body cladding and bigger wheels. Wheelbase is 2740mm and ground clearance is 180mm, which is decent for an MPV where it can go through some bad patch as well.
Now finally this XL6 got 16 inch wheels with some fresh alloy design, earlier one gets 15 inch which is looking under tier but now the job is done. Starting from the front we got new grill with two chrome bar on it which connects the headlights and also got camera on it. The headlight is the same led unit with bulb indicators and led fog lamps as well, bumper also remains the same which gets aluminium finished skid plate at lower side.
The vehicle is running on 16inch alloy wheels which is a new design and looks premium as well, the body gets black coloured body cladding which is running throughout the length of the vehicle and improves the visual appeal of the car. Now because it gets 16 inch wheels the height of the vehicle increased by 55mm which is good thing for headroom, we get chrome on door handles with request sensors on both the side also. Around the windows we got glossy black finishing which is attractive more than chrome but hard to clean, the orvm are electrically adjustable and retractable with camera on it.
The roof is plain basic which now gets shark fin antenna earlier one gets basic antenna which is not looking premium in any way. We also have silver finished roof rails for better looks but looking to its size it not seems like functional in any way. Coming to the rear, taillights remains the same but now it gets some charcoal effects for sportier look. Rear bumper gets aluminium skid plate which is looking attractive on dark colours, we have wiper,washer, roof spoiler and defogger on the rear windshield which is also same.
Below this windscreen we have glossy black finished panel which is also super attractive and appealing but very hard to keep clean. Most of the part at exterior remains the unchanged but the major change is that new 16 inch alloys only, now the exterior is more sporty and appealing than earlier one. Thanks to the glossy black treatment and chrome which used nicely on the vehicle.
Interior –
Inside this new XL6 we have all black interior with beige coloured roof, dashboard design remains unchanged but we have new a new infotainment system.
The dashboard is simple plain but there are lots of hard plastic used on it, we have new tile treatment on the dashboard for some unique bit. That continues AC vents treatment is still there for evolutionary effects and sometimes it looks super amazing also. Coming to that new infotainment screen, this is a 7 inch smart play pro touchscreen infotainment system which is the same Baleno unit which is carried in this.
In this infotainment system we got android auto and apple car play, TPMS, radio, media, navigation, energy flow, avg speed, vehicle settings and also Suzuki Connect which gets 40+ connected features like vehicle monitoring, geo fence, remote AC on off, Amazon Alexa connect, smart watch connectivity and more. This screen is sleek to use but looking to its rivals, the screen is bit small considering the amount of price this XL6 asking. In Kia Carens we got 10.25 inch screen and in this XL6 we have 7 inch infotainment screen, still it make the job done but even we need bigger screen in its next generation.
Below that screen we have air conditioning controls with some charging ports and now the seat ventilation controls. In the centre console we got a new 6 speed gear liver with some chubby holes and a front centre armrest. In the cabin we got decent amount of space with ample enough comfort in front row. The steering wheel is again taken from Baleno and Swift, it’s a same wheel with mounted controls and paddle shifters on it.
The instrument cluster is also same unit taken from Baleno and Ertiga, we got 4 inch multi information display in the centre of the two dials. In that MID we got some engine information like power torque metre, compass, battery consumption, smart hybrid metre , ideal start stop time and more.
Second and Third Row-
Second and third row-
Coming to the second row we got two captain seats with height adjustable headrest and armrest as well, the second row is quite spacious with AC vents placed on the roof for better air flow.
The legroom and knee room is abundant and headroom is not an issue because of the increased height of the vehicle thanks to the 16 inch wheels. In the third row we have two seats with height adjustable headrest but it’s good for children. The knee room and legroom is very poor, under thighs support is non existent here and therefore it is not comfortable for adults. But still it is a good 3 row MPV with ample amount of space and comfort, 4 people can easily seat comfortably with no issues.
We can also recline down the third row in 50:50 ratio to increase the boot space, normally we got 209 litres of boot space and after reclining the third row we have 500 litres plus boot space which is enough for carrying big items. The cabin is airy and roomy feels very comfortable and never feels claustrophobic, still it misses out the sunroof but it’s big square windows make the job done.
Comfort and convenience-
Now it’s rivals are offering lots of features and tech and sometimes earlier XL6 missed out some features and therefore Maruti genuinely think about comfort and convenience and give us front ventilated seats, 360 degree parking camera, Suzuki connect with 40+ features,
automatic headlights, electrically adjustable and retractable orvm, second row AC vents, automatic climate control, 7 inch touchscreen infotainment system, puddle lamp, engine start stop button with smart key and more.
Safety and Tech –
Now Maruti Suzuki is really crucial about the passengers safety and therefore in the new Baleno they increased the weight of the vehicle and in this XL6 they gave us 4 airbags, ABS and EBD, brake assist, electronic stability program, hill hold control,
isofix child seat anchors, 360 degree parking camera with rear parking sensors, height adjustable seatbelt, speed sensing auto door lock, tyre pressure monitoring system, rear defogger and many more. This new Maruti XL6 is available in 9 colour options which also includes dual tone paint.
- Arctic White
- Splendid Silver
- Grandeur Grey
- Brave Khaki
- Opulent Red
- Nexa Blue
- Splendid Silver with Black Roof
- Brave Khaki with Black Roof
- Auburn Red with Black Roof
conclusion –
Well the price of 2022 Maruti Suzuki XL6 starts from 11.28L to 14.55L (Ex-showroom Delhi), the cost of Alpha Plus AT variant which we are reviewing today is 14.38L (Ex-showroom Delhi). In this segment or price range it rival with Kia Carens, Hyundai Alcazar, Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, Maruti Suzuki S-Cross, Mahindra XUV700, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun and some c segments cars as well like Skoda Slavia, Volkswagen Virtus, Honda City, Hyundai Verna.
Well now looking to the overall package this XL6 is bit costlier now, it’s top end variant costs on road 17L +. Which is a bit pricey and it’s rivals are already offering multiple engines options and more premium features as well. But still this is very well packaged 3 row MPV with ample amount of space and features. Well end of the day it’s only a sportier and premium version of Ertiga which gets badging of NEXA in its windshield and costs some more premium. If you have a premium 3 row Maruti Suzuki MPV with good amount of space, XL6 is a really superior option for you.
Rating From Team Ignition To Maruti Suzuki Xl6 2022
Sporty Ertiga with NEXA badging
Team Ignition
All Photo Credit – NEXA Car Dealership , Wakad , Pune
- Edited by Atharva Patil
