Maruti Suzuki XL6

The Maruti XL6 is a premium derivative of the Ertiga MPV. The '6' in the name is there to emphasise that this is a pure six-seater with captain's chairs taking the place of the Ertiga's middle row bench. Revised styling and added features also make the XL6 a very different proposition to the Ertiga. The XL6 is only available with a petrol-electric hybrid engine that can be had with manual and automatic gearbox options. In line with its premium positioning, the XL6 retails from Maruti's Nexa showroom network

The Maruti XL6 looks like a rugged version of the Ertiga. Unique to the XL6 is its SUV-like front end that’s characterised by a high set bonnet, bold grille and large LED headlights. Scuff plates add to the pseudo SUV look but the overdone side cladding does draw your attention to the XL6’s relatively small wheels. Roof rails and a dual-tone tail gate are other elements you’d find on the XL6 though there’s no escaping there’s a lot of Ertiga to the look.
Inside, the XL6 feels like the premium Ertiga it is. Sure, the dashboard and even the dials are carried over from the standard MPV but the XL6's all-black interior theme does give it a more upmarket look. The faux black ash wood finish, the leatherette seats, and even the knitted roof lining are other elements that uplift the experience. Of course, among the main talking points in the XL6 is its middle row. The captain’s seats are comfy, though taller occupants will find thigh support a bit lacking. The seats can be slid back and forth and the backrests recline as well but independently adjustable armrests are missed.
As on the Ertiga, the XL6's third row seats are useable and average-sized adults will find the seating position comfy too. What's also handy is that the rearmost seats split and fold to sit flush with the boot floor, to take luggage capacity from 209 litres to a useful 550 litres.
The XL6’s driving experience is unsurprisingly identical to the petrol Ertiga’s. Initial responses are good and if you hold gear you'll also appreciate the borderline sporty top-end. However, the mid-range is flat so you'll have to shift down a gear if you want a quick overtake. There is fair power for driving with a full load but drivers used to torquier turbo-diesels will find pulling power a bit lacking here. The XL6’s 5-speed manual gearbox is easy to use while the 4-speed torque converter automatic works well in average town driving. The auto does get the engine overly excited when you need a quick dose of power and this can be irritating at times.
The XL6's suspension delivers a pliant ride in town. Large potholes do thud through into the cabin at high speeds but, like the Ertiga, the XL6 feels surprisingly well-planted out on the highway. The steering also has a good deal of weight to it. However, there's quite a bit of road noise at 80kph and upwards in the cabin and this takes away from the premium feel this car is trying to establish.

The XL6 is available in Zeta and Alpha trims. XL6 Zetas get LED headlights, keyless go, auto climate control, cruise control and a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Alpha trim costs a significant premium but also gets you leatherette seats and a reverse camera.
Of the gearboxes, while the XL6 automatic makes sense for urban buyers, it is quite pricey and fuel economy isn’t great either. The light and easy-to-use manual will suffice for most buyers.