VIDEO
The Ertiga received a generation change earlier this year where it got new features, more space and elegant looks. While the update improved upon the Ertiga's core values, for most, buying one is still a decision driven more by need than want. Maruti plans to change this with yet another update. One that makes it more premium. Not only in the looks department, but also in terms of features and the overall experience. It's even being sold via the company’s premium Nexa chain of showrooms. So what makes the XL6, which costs Rs 70,000 more than the Ertiga, a worthy alternative over its donor car? And more importantly, can it justify the higher price?
Looks
First impressions of the XL6 are impressive. Even from a distance, it looks imposing with the new front grille and the large headlamps. Look closer and all the details look more premium. The headlamps are quad chamber LED units with integrated LED DRLs in line with the chrome slat grille. Maruti has given it a chunky cladding around the LED fog lamps as well as a silver skid plate to make it look more like an SUV. If Maruti would have dialed in more ground clearance than the standard 180mm, this probably would have worked. Still from the front, the new elements offer better road presence and help the XL6 have a more distinct personality than the Ertiga.
From the side, the Ertiga reappears. The 185/65 R15 wheels are the same size as the Ertiga’s, but feel a size smaller when surrounded by the black cladding. They have the same design as well, but are painted black. The rest of the blacked out elements like the ORVM, B- and C-pillar and the cladding gel together rather well and help the XL6 look more upmarket. The roof rails pick up the tempo and add height to the design. While the wheelbase is the same, these exterior changes have made the XL6 50mm longer, 40mm wider and 10mm taller than the Ertiga.
At the rear, the taillamps with the LED light guides have been lifted from the Ertiga. But, in keeping with the XL6’s black theme, the area between the glass and the number plate has been covered by a black plastic. The bumper is also new and more muscular, and gets a silver skid plate for added toughness. Overall, the XL6 does look like a major update to the Ertiga and the cosmetic changes make it look more appealing. The added ruggedness with the bumpers and skid plates will also be appreciated by buyers who have their hearts stuck on SUVs.
Interior
Maruti has refreshed the interiors as well. Here though, just the colours and trims have been altered for a more upmarket feel. You now get an all-black theme with leatherette upholstery and most importantly, the captain seats. Let's start from the second row then.
The XL6 is only available with captain seats in the second row. There is no option to even opt for a bench seat. The advantage that the captain seats offer is that they offer better privacy and comfort for two occupants. The seats here are wide enough to accommodate larger frames. But the seat back isn't well contoured and hence doesn't feel as comfortable as the Mahindra Marazzo’s captain seats. Taller passengers might find the under-thigh support to be a bit lacking. However, they are more comfortable than the Lodgy and on par with the Innova Crysta.
You can also slide the middle row to adjust legroom. The good thing is that even with it slid half way ahead in the interest of the third row occupants, there is acceptable legroom on offer. Especially because you can tuck your feet under the front seats. The long seat base, armrests and reclinable backrest will keep you comfortable over longer journeys. Leatherette has also been used on the door pads, which helps make the cabin feel more premium.
In terms of features, you get roof-mounted AC vents with blower controls, a 12V socket and bottle holder in the doors. But given the XL6’s premium positioning, we can't help but expect more pampering in the form of cup holders, a USB socket, one-touch controls for the windows and folding sunblinds.
The XL6 does justice to the ‘6’ in its name. Ingress isn't the best as the captain seats do not tumble forward and only recline and slide. But you can easily walk into the third row from between the second row as well. With the second row slid halfway forward, the third row can accommodate adults of my size. I am 5 foot 7 and had enough space to get comfortable. Plus, the side glass is large and you also get side armrests, cup holders, and a 12V socket for the left passenger. The seats recline for you to be more comfortable and even get three-point seatbelts and adjustable headrests. You sit a little knees-up, but you will be comfortable enough for in-city journies. Also, with the second row getting captain seats now, the two rear occupants can each stretch a leg to become more comfortable.
The all-black theme for the cabin looks better than the dual-tone beige theme on the Ertiga. The stone finish on the dashboard with the silver accents all around makes the cabin a more upmarket place to be in. The steering too is wrapped in black leather and the connected vents inspired from Audi’s has continued here as well. Overall, these interiors surely lift the ambience of the cabin. But with the large glass area and black leather interiors, spending time in the cabin during the summer might not be all that pleasant.
The cabin is as practical as ever. You get storage spaces in front of the cup holders, the holders too have tiny AC vents to keep the drinks cool and there are large door pockets for bottles and other stuff that you might have. The sliding front armrest too hides a tiny little space for storage.
In terms of features, you now get the Suzuki SmartPlay Studio infotainment system which is pretty nifty and simple to use. It supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and remains lag free for most of the part. Over the Ertiga, you also get cruise control, and automatic headlamps with follow-me-home function. The ORVMs open and fold automatically with the ignition and door lock, which is a pretty neat feature to have. Other features include automatic climate control, steering-mounted controls and a large full-colour multi info display (MID) with rich graphics. A good thing here is that apart from the reversing camera, automatic headlamps, auto folding ORVMs and leather upholstery, all other features are standard across both variants.
But given the extra cost and the ‘premium’ positioning, features like automatic day/night IRVM, rain-sensing wipers, one touch windows for all passengers with backlit switches as well as side and curtain airbags should have been part of the parcel. Overall, the XL6 gets all the important features, the new trim and upholstery makes it look more upmarket and the captain seats bump up the premium quotient.
Like the Ertiga, the XL6 also offers 209-litres of boot space. This space is enough for a small suitcase along with a couple of laptop bags. There is a clever storage space below the floor as well which can easily hold some more small bags. The seats split 50:50 and fold flat, opening an impressive 550-litres.
But unlike the Ertiga, the captain seats here don't fold flat, rather just recline. This will only become a bother if you are transporting unusually large objects like a fridge or a washing machine. Also, a boot light is severely missed after sunset or in a dark basement.