Sibling rivalry: Maruti Suzuki XL6 Vs Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

Using the same base to make two different products with varying top hats is a common practice among manufacturers. It keeps costs under control but diversifies the range allowing the manufacturer to attract a wider range of buyers. The Maruti Suzuki XL6 and Ertiga are two such products. They make use of the same platform, engines and cabin elements but are sold differently via the Nexa and Arena set of stores.    

Well what makes them stand apart? Read on to find out.

Exterior
The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and XL6 share the same platform and thus look the same in profile but the latter is longer by 50mm and this is quite visible. Where they do stand apart is in the face. Where the Ertiga sticks to the conventional design in terms of the face. Highlights include the grille, projector headlamps and the bumper. The XL6 is the more flamboyant of the two thanks to the large chrome grille, rectangular fog lamp housing, body cladding and of course, those LED headlamps. Further, the XL6 gets the same alloy wheels as the Ertiga but painted completely in black.

Interior
This is a department where the two cars stand quite apart. They have the same layout and feature list but the XL6 gets captain seats in the second row (hence the moniker). Also, as compared to the Ertiga, it gets an all-black cabin with silver inserts which is in line with the Nexa design philosophy. The wheelbase is the same for both cars despite the additional 50mm over the Ertiga.

Engine and gearbox
Both cars make use of the K-Series 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 103bhp/138Nm. It can be had with either a five-speed manual or a four speed automatic. The Ertiga also gets a 1.5-litre diesel engine producing 89bhp/200Nm and is only offered with a six-speed manual.

Conclusion
The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga range starts from Rs 7.55 lakhs to Rs 11.21 lakhs (Average ex-showroom) while the XL6, across its four variants, is priced in the range of Rs 9.79 lakhs to Rs 11.46 lakhs.