By Salman
69661 Views
Ertiga vs. XL6 Comparison
When discussing affordable SUVs capable of delivering a decent driving experience, the initial names that come to mind are the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and the Nexa XL6. The Nexa XL6 is Ertiga’s cousin but manufactured on a different platform. While the Nexa XL6 is a 6-seater MPV, the Ertiga can comfortably accommodate seven passengers, making them the ideal family cars to have on long expeditions.
Exterior Looks
The Ertiga flaunts a bold personality with its upright stance and high ground clearance. The chrome studded front grille with the Suzuki emblem entrenched at the centre adds to the excitement factor. The projector headlamps flanking the chrome grille illuminate the road ahead beautifully. The Ertiga features fog lamps placed low on the bumper to enhance illumination under adverse driving conditions. The multi-spoke alloy wheels add to the robust personality of the Ertiga and ensure that it stands out from other similar cars in its segment. The Ertiga is available in five gorgeous colours and is a worthy SUV to have in your garage.
The Nexa XL6 is similar to the Ertiga in many ways because of its identical structure. It has a similar grille arrangement, but the horizontal pair of lines passing through the Suzuki emblem extending to headlamps add to the vehicle’s magnificent appearance. The sturdy bumper distinguishes it from other SUVs and makes the XL6 look more elegant than ever. The raised wheel arches and the side cladding add to its imposing appearance. Other excellent exterior features include LED fog lamps, auto ORVMs, roof rails, and exquisite tail lamps.
Interior and Comfort
The Ertiga opens up to a lot of space in the interior, with its neatly arranged seats welcoming its occupants. The foldable middle seat allows the third-row passengers comfortable entry. The beige-coloured upholstery matches the interior trims and the wooden dashboard. The dual-coloured steering wheel with its flat bottom allows free leg movement to operate the vehicle controls. The automatic climate control features and the high-quality entertainment features add to the overall excitement levels. The second-row adjustable AC vents make it one of the most comfortable SUVs. The MID lets you stay updated with the vehicle’s operational controls. The SmartPlay audio system is compatible with iOS and Android to connect seamlessly with the outside world. Voice command features on the steering wheel allow you to control the audio system and even take phone calls.
The Maruti Suzuki Nexa XL6 is a 6-seater MPV that delivers a comfortable driving experience. The interiors comprise plush leather upholstery that personifies class and luxury. The second-row Captain seats provide exclusive comfort and differentiate it from the Ertiga that features a three-seat second row. The automatic climate control feature adds to the convenience of maintaining the desired temperature. The XL6 also features a SmartPlay audio system similar to the Ertiga with multi-source connectivity, navigation, music, and smartphone connectivity. Other excellent features include steering-mounted controls, cruise control, and an instrument cluster with TFT MID. In addition, this vehicle offers excellent boot space by folding the rear seat.
Engine and Performance
The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga runs on a powerful K15 petrol engine with progressive, smart hybrid technology. This engine pairs with a manual and automatic transmission system, depending on the variant you choose. The Ertiga also offers a CNG variant that ensures high fuel efficiency by delivering a 26.08km/kg mileage, whereas the petrol version delivers a best of 19.01kmpl. In addition, the petrol engine delivers 77kW power and torque of 138Nm to offer a decent driving experience.
The XL6 runs on a similar K15 petrol engine with smart hybrid technology that reduces the engine load and improves fuel efficiency. It is similar to the Ertiga engine in all respects. The smart hybrid technology setup uses brake regeneration technology that converts potential energy generated during deceleration and braking into electrical energy to store it in a dual battery setup. Thus, it saves fuel when the car is at a standstill. The idle start/stop function uses the energy stored in the battery to start the vehicle.
Ride, Handling, and Safety
The Suzuki Ertiga is built on a Heartect platform that employs high tensile steel at the right places to enhance overall safety, rigidity, and NVH performance. This technology absorbs impact energy to protect the passengers. The Ertiga comes with a set of dual airbags, ABS, EBD, ISOFIX Child Seat Anchorage, and reverse parking sensors. The front seat belts and hi-speed alert system provide absolute safety for everyone. In addition, Hill Hold technology and ESP ensure a safe drive for everyone.
The XL6 is built on the TECT platform that absorbs all crash energy impact to protect its occupants. In addition, the XL6 features two airbags for front-seat passengers. Features like seatbelt pretensioners, pedestrian protection compliance, ABS EBD, and ISOFIX child anchorage makes the XL6 one of the safest MPVs in its segment. Another exciting feature is that the XL6 comes with the Nexa Safety Shield available on all Nexa cars.
Verdict
The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is available in three trims that branch out into seven variants. The Ertiga Smart Hybrid LXI is the lowest-priced version at Rs 7.82 lakhs, whereas the top-end variant comes at Rs 10.60 lakhs. In contrast, the Nexa XL6 is comparatively expensive, with the lower-end model available at Rs 9.95 lakhs, and the top-end XL6 Alpha Automatic, at Rs 11.74 lakhs.
When choosing between the Ertiga and the XL6, it is a personal choice. If budget is not a concern, the XL6 is a better vehicle in almost all respects. However, the Ertiga has an advantage because it can seat seven passengers. Therefore, depending on your requirement, you can choose the ideal car for your family.