Maruti Suzuki has included their Smartplay Pro system on the new XL6 which supports voice command features to allow for precooling your car or turning off headlamps remotely.
Dynamically, the XL6 offers an engaging drive. Its light yet progressive steering feels natural; as soon as more lock is applied it quickly returns back towards center.
Engine
Maruti Suzuki pioneered the MPV market with their Ertiga model and followed it up with their XL6. Both offered spaciousness and fuel efficiency, yet over time competitors introduced new engines and gearboxes that left it looking outdated.
Maruti Suzuki decided to act, giving its XL6 an updated engine and new automatic gearbox. We travelled all the way down to Bangalore to test drive this updated Maruti Suzuki XL6 against its competition.
This XL6 features an updated 1.5L petrol engine equipped with Smart Hybrid technology that produces 103bhp and 137Nm of torque, coupled to a 6-speed TC automatic transmission which offers both city and highway cruising comfort, adapting to your driving style by upshifting at lower RPMs based on throttle input for improved fuel economy. This vehicle is an improvement over its predecessor that felt underpowered and lethargic at triple-digit speeds; instead it feels more planted thanks to suspension upgrades that provide enhanced stability at triple-digit speeds as well as improved stability at triple-digit speeds thanks to tweaks done to its suspension components.
Transmission
Maruti Suzuki’s XL6 six-seater MPV offers an exquisite driving experience at a cost that falls well under Rs 20 lakh, boasting low maintenance costs and offering refined handling. Maruti has implemented more natural design language into this new offering to appeal to car buyers while its fuel efficiency makes it fuel-saving, with multiple connectivity features, including voice command control of over 40 commands via Amazon India Alexa for optimal driving pleasure.
The new 6-speed automatic transmission does an admirable job of shifting smoothly and efficiently, although its focus may lean more toward fuel economy than grunty acceleration from such an engine. High speed stability remains impressive while steering response becomes light as soon as lock is applied.
Maruti Suzuki has equipped the XL6 with MacPherson strut front and torsion beam rear suspension systems which help smooth out surface undulations for an enjoyable ride quality. Handling is responsive while its turning radius is small enabling effortless navigation in traffic or tight spaces.
Safety
Maruti Suzuki XL6 comes equipped with numerous safety features. These include dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, seat belt warning and warning LED indicators; ISOFIX child anchorages; rear parking sensors with high speed alert system, reverse parking camera system; reverse parking assist system as standard in Alpha Plus AT Petrol Dual Tone variant and standard cruise control, electronic stability program (ESP), pretensioners/force limiters seatbelt with automatic climate control as standard features.
GNCAP has not performed crash testing on the XL6, however, its sibling Ertiga did receive a satisfactory 3-star rating in adult occupancy tests – making it one of the safest MPVs in its segment.
Seating and comfort wise, the XL6 is a spacious vehicle. In its second row there is ample leg and headroom for adults while its third row provides some cushion but still comfortably fits two adults for short trips. Access to its final row is made easy thanks to a flat-folding middle seat; furthermore, its facelift has not altered its dimensions; still measuring 4,445mm long by 1,775 wide by 2,740 tall!
Interiors
XL6 features an all-black cabin to give it an opulent look and feel, with two premium pilot seats in the second row instead of Ertiga’s bench seat, auto climate control and height-adjustable driver’s seat as standard features. In addition, its next generation K-Series 1.5L Dual Jet Di-VVT petrol engine includes progressive smart hybrid technology for improved driving efficiency as well as reduced fuel consumption while idling.
The YouTuber has made significant modifications to their MPV, such as installing custom-fit seat covers with dual-tone color combinations and new floor mats, replacing their touchscreen infotainment system with one larger than before and installing a 360-degree camera to assist with parking assistance.
On the safety front, the XL6 will come standard with four airbags, EBD, ESC, hill hold assist and ISOFIX mounts as standard features. Furthermore, it features a tire pressure monitoring system and multiple viewing angle reversing camera; sold through the NEXA dealership network and priced between INR 10-11 lakh; sales are set to begin on 21 August.
Exteriors
The 2022 XL6 stands out from its predecessor by appearing more premium. Maruti added some distinctive details such as chrome to its grille and headlamps for an elevated aesthetic, as well as ventilated seats in its second row, unique can holders in front and cruise control functionality.
No AC vents exist in the rear, making things quite hot on hot days, yet still offering ample boot space – up to 550 litres when folding back row seats down.
Exterior changes for the XL6 include an increased prominent nose with chrome slat running between LED headlamps, dual chrome stripes on its grille, and new front bumper with sportier features like faux skid plates, roof rails and new design alloy wheels. Furthermore, ORVMs and door handles have now been given chrome finishes making the vehicle much more eye-catching than its older sibling – an objective the company has long strived to meet with this design change.
