Introduction
The 2022 Maruti Suzuki XL6 is here. It's not a new-gen model but a facelift that gets a few cosmetic tweaks and additional features. Most importantly, it gets a more efficient powertrain with a new automatic gearbox. Our first drive impressions will be out on April 26. Meanwhile, we'll take you through the changes that this Maruti's flagship MPV gets for the 2022 model year.
Exterior
The overall shape, design, and silhouette remain the same as the outgoing model but there are a handful of cosmetic changes. This updated XL6 sports a new chrome X-bar radiator grille flanked by LED headlamps. The bumper design, fog lamps and other bits continue as is. Onto the sides, you'll notice the XL6 rides on 16-inch dual-tone machine-finished alloy wheels with a striking pattern. The car also comes equipped with LED tail lamps but with a smoked finish. And the gloss black garnish on the tailgate gets a re-aligned chrome accent. Lest we forget, the carmaker has added three dual-tone shades of Splendid Silver, Brave Khaki, and Opulent Red, paired with a black roof. These shades are available as monotone colour options as well. So, this takes the available colour options to six including Nexa Blue, Arctic White, and Grandeur Grey.
Interior
Inside the cabin, the 2022 XL6 carries forward the same dashboard and six-seat layout as its predecessor. The latter is actually a reason for the 'XL6' name. Unlike the Ertiga, which it is based upon, the XL6 gets captain seats in the second row. All seats are wrapped in faux leather and the seats in the third row continue to get a reclining function. There's no spectacular change in the use of materials and even the age-old knob style air-con controls, as seen on several Maruti models, are carried forward here too. There are roof-mounted air vents in the second row and the cabin continues to be ergonomic and practical.
Features
Now, none of the features has been omitted from the previous model, in fact, this model benefits from some more equipment. For example, the perforated seats have helped the carmaker provide ventilated front seats. It gets a three-way adjustment too, which will be beneficial in a climate like ours. Besides, the seven-inch SmartPlay Pro touchscreen infotainment system has been updated with over 40 connected car features. Even on to the safety front, four airbags, a tyre pressure monitoring system, ESP, and hill hold assist have been made standard across trims. Furthermore, the top-spec Alpha trims get a 360-degree camera as well. For additional equipment like an air-purifier, window visors, etc., there's a long list of genuine accessories that buyers can opt from.
Engine and gearbox
Under the hood of this XL6's latest iteration is a new-gen 1.5-litre petrol mild-hybrid engine producing 102bhp of power and 136Nm of torque. While a five-speed manual is offered as standard, the brand is also offering a new six-speed automatic with paddle shifters this time around. There will be no diesel or CNG model but Maruti has made this powertrain more fuel-efficient. The five-speed MT XL6's fuel economy is rated at 20.97kmpl, whereas the automatic version is at 20.27kmpl.
Conclusion
At a time when the Indian market is crowded with SUVs and the MPV market is slowly catching up, Maruti Suzuki has done a good job of updating the XL6 with prices starting at Rs. 11.29 lakh (ex-showroom). This has made the car up-to-date with modern features. Besides, the new XL6 is now available in three variants — Zeta, Alpha and Alpha+. It gives prospective buyers more options to choose from. And, though the prices have gone up, it still remains to be a good pick amongst the few MPVs, like the Kia Carens, Mahindra Marazzo, and the Toyota Innova, though a lot more expensive.
Pictures by Jay Shah
