The combination of rising petrol prices and the abandoning of diesel engines is seeing Maruti Suzuki move towards CNG to offer buyers a choice of a more cost-effective powertrain. Recently, Maruti Suzuki extended its S-CNG portfolio to its Nexa line of products by launching the Baleno CNG and XL6 CNG.
The XL6, as we know, shares a lot in common with the Ertiga, including the platform, engine, and now even the CNG kit. We tell you more about the similarities and differences between the XL6 CNG and the Ertiga CNG.
Maruti Suzuki XL6 CNG vs Ertiga CNG: engine, fuel economy
The Ertiga and the XL6 are both based on the Heartect platform and powered by the same 1.5-litre K15C engine. With the CNG kit on board, both MPVs make 101hp in petrol mode and 88hp in CNG mode. They also get a 60-litre CNG tank tucked in the boot. According to Maruti, the Ertiga CNG will return 26.11km/kg while the XL6 will return slightly more, at 26.32km/kg.
Maruti Suzuki XL6 CNG vs Ertiga CNG: exterior, interior
The XL6 is positioned as the more premium alternative to the Ertiga. It looks more rugged and the raised bonnet line, a larger and bolder grille, and a scuff plate give the XL6 a crossover-like appearance. On the inside, the XL6 features an all-black theme, compared to the beige on the Ertiga. Most importantly, however, is the fact that the XL6 is a 6-seater with captain's chairs in the middle row, while the Ertiga is a 7-seater with a bench seat layout.
Maruti Suzuki XL6 CNG vs Ertiga CNG: variants
While the XL6 CNG has been launched only in the entry level Zeta trim, the Ertiga CNG is offered in the mid-spec VXi and the higher-spec ZXi trims. The Ertiga’s range-topping ZXi+ variant doesn't get a CNG option.
In terms of features, the XL6 CNG Zeta trim gets equipment like cruise control, push-button start, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity but misses out on equipment like 360-degree camera, tyre-pressure monitoring system and ventilated seats, which are offered on the higher trims.
The Ertiga CNG, in its higher ZXi trim, comes with features like steering mounted audio controls, auto climate control and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. However, it does not get equipment like reversing camera, cruise control and auto headlamps, which are only available on the ZXi+ variant.
Maruti Suzuki XL6 CNG vs Ertiga CNG: pricing, availability
The XL6 CNG Zeta is priced at Rs 12.24 lakh, which makes it Rs 1.74 lakh more expensive that the mid-spec Ertiga CNG VXi and Rs 64,000 more than the higher-spec Ertiga CNG ZXi. The CNG-powered XL6 is Rs 95,000 more expensive than its equivalent petrol-only variant. The Ertiga CNG costs Rs 1.1 lakh more than its petrol-only counterpart.
The XL6 CNG is sold through Maruti’s premium Nexa chain of dealerships, while the Ertiga is sold through the Arena showrooms. When it comes to waiting periods, dealer sources tell us that the XL6 currently commands a waiting period of less than a month, while the Ertiga CNG has a waiting period of seven months.
Maruti Suzuki XL6 CNG vs Ertiga CNG: which one to buy?
While both MPVs share the same CNG powertrain, the additional premium for the XL6 over the Ertiga gives you a more comfortable second row, thanks to captain's chairs and a few more features like cruise control and side airbags. What also works in the favour of the XL6 is that currently it has a much less waiting period compared to the Ertiga.
Also see:
Maruti Suzuki achieves record production in India; crosses 2.5 crore units
from Autocar Indiahttps://cdni.autocarindia.com/ExtraImages/20221103110423_Ertiga_and_XL6_Collage.jpg
