Maruti Suzuki XL6 vs Rivals: Spec Comparo

The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is the go-to MPV for those who want a no-nonsense people mover. But it lacked the the premium quotient which the recently launched XL6 claims to deliver. Based on the Ertiga, the XL6 has upmarket looks, features and only a six-seat layout to differentiate it. But have Maruti done enough to take on the new and yet unproven Mahindra Marazzo and the rugged and practical Renault Lodgy. And how much of a step up is it from the Ertiga it’s so closely based on. Let's find out.  

Dimensions:

Longest: Mahindra Marazzo

Widest: Mahindra Marazzo

Tallest: Mahindra Marazzo

Wheelbase: Renault Lodgy

Boot Space: Maruti Suzuki XL6/Ertiga

Sizewise, the new bumpers, body cladding and roof rails of the XL6 have made it bigger than the Ertiga. But the XL6 is not the biggest MPV in this test. Credits for being the largest must be given to the Marazzo as it is bigger than the XL6 and Ertiga by a considerable margin. But the Marazzo trails behind the Lodgy in terms of wheelbase even though the Marazzo trumps it in terms of length, width and height. 

Incidentally, the smallest Marutis have the largest boot while the biggest Mahindra has the smallest boot in this test. 

Features:

From the above table is clearly evident that the XL6 is the most feature-loaded of this lot. Like all the other MPVs here, it comes with features like a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, steering-mounted controls, keyless entry, multi-info display, electric adjustable ORVMs and tilt-adjustable steering.

But Maruti has gone one step ahead and loaded the XL6 with premium features like LED headlamps with DRLs, LED fog lamps, leather upholstery and auto headlamp function. The XL6 and Marazzo are also the only ones to come with cruise control. Surprisingly, like the Lodgy, the Marazzo misses out a push button start.

The Renault Lodgy is the least equipped here and also misses out on electric folding mirrors, automatic climate control and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, the last two which are very important in this connected world. 

Safety Features:

*only in Automatic variants

All four models come with dual airbags, ABS with EBD and rear parking sensors and camera. Special credits must be given to the XL6, Ertiga and Marazzo as they come with ISOFIX child seat mounts in the middle row. And if you pick up the automatic variants of the XL6 and Ertiga, ESP and hill hold control are added to the kit. On the other hand, the Marazzo comes with all-wheel disc brakes as standard on all variants. 

Engine Options:

The Maruti Suzuki XL6 comes with the same BS6-compliant 1.5-litre K15B petrol engine as the Ertiga. It develops 105PS of power and 138Nm of torque. While both models come with a 5-speed manual, the Maruti twins are your only choice if you want an automatic. There is no diesel engine offered with the XL6.

The Ertiga comes with one: the 1.5-litre DDIS 225 unit that develops 95PS of power and 225Nm of torque. Unfortunately, these aren’t class leading figures as the Marazzo’s 1.5-litre unit develops the most power and torque. 

The Lodgy diesel can be had in two states of tune. While the motor in its 85PS guise qualifies it as the least powerful diesel here, the 110PS variant takes second position. 

Special credits must be given to the XL6 and Ertiga petrol as they’re the only BS6-compliant models in this bunch. 

Prices And Verdict:

The XL6 makes for a strong case if you need a well equipped petrol MPV. Considering  that the Alpha MT and ZXI+ MT variant are Rs 76,000 apart, we feel the XL6 offers you the most bang for the buck as it comes with a host of premium features and the comfort of a six seater. But if you’re looking for a diesel people mover, you might have to look elsewhere as the XL6 doesn’t come with one.