Maruti’s new XL6: Smooth and subtle
The Hindu
The new XL6 gets some subtle changes on the outside and some not-so-subtle ones under the skin. Has it all worked though?
Now that the MPV space has seen the addition of the premium Kia Carens, Maruti has updated the XL6 with some mild styling changes, and also upped its game with some interesting feature additions, with a new engine and a new 6-speed automatic gearbox. Does it pass muster?
Touch Up
At the front, the refreshed grille and a chunky chrome bar joins the LED Daytime Running Lamps in the headlamps. Over to the side, the new XL6 now gets bigger, 16-inch metal-finish wheels with new styling. They fill the wheel arches better and help the car look more proportionate. The rugged-looking black cladding remains, with the roof rails. At the rear, the tail-lamps carry over the same shape as before but get a smoked effect now. And there is a chrome bar on the boot lid as well.
Nerd Fest
Inside, the dashboard layout is the same as before, but what has changed is the faux wood panel design. Also, the steering now gets a handy mechanical improvement with a telescopic function, in addition to the tilt, which helps find a better driving position.
The 7.0-inch touchscreen too gets updated to the SmartPlay Pro UI, which gets more functionality and a refreshed UI. What is also new is the connectivity tech. The XL6 now gets Suzuki Connect App support, which opens up 40 new functions you can control from your smartphone, with Amazon Alexa integration. The other new bits include a TPMS (tyre pressure monitoring system) and a 360-degree camera.
Lower down on the centre console are switches for yet another highlight of the updated XL6 — ventilated seats. On the top-spec Alpha+ trim, you get perforated leatherette cooled seats, which work perfectly for our hot and humid climate. Another worthwhile update is the addition of blowers for the cupholders up front, to keep your beverage cool for longer. However, what is not appreciated is the lack of USB ports. Throughout the cabin, there is just a single port at the front, and given that this is a big family car, it is a rather strange oversight for an update that is focused on new tech.
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