[Leoshashi]

Originally Posted by PYSO

Another remote possibility is that Maruti has quietly done some sound insulation updates. Mine is a Dec 2020 manufactured car. Those who have xl6 manufactured in 2021 can perhaps share their experience with sound insulation in their xl6.

Nope. I keep a tab on such updates by MSIL and there isn't any update on noise insulation front. Mostly they have updated some mechanical parts.

Regards,
Shashi

[anurag_khurana]

Leoshashi ...sir , I seriously want to buy XL6 but it's interiors are stopping me to take the plunge...your page has always inspired me to buy XL6 so want to take your advice on this...these days I have tried seltos / creta / city 4/5th gen....though XL6 trumps all regarding space and comfort but Interiors are not that plush in comparison.
Kindly share your views and help me out.

[Leoshashi]

Originally Posted by anurag_khurana

Leoshashi ...sir , I seriously want to buy XL6 but it's interiors are stopping me to take the plunge...your page has always inspired me to buy XL6 so want to take your advice on this...these days I have tried seltos / creta / city 4/5th gen....though XL6 trumps all regarding space and comfort but Interiors are not that plush in comparison.
Kindly share your views and help me out.

Agreed, Seltos or Creta give much more "pampered" feel. Also given the gadgets on board, the XL6 feels like a cave in comparison. But in terms of space, comfort and practicality, there is simply no competition. Even when similar engine(1.5NA) is concerned, the Suzuki K series feels far superior on road. BHPian and good friend Sumit recently got a Creta MT 1.5 petrol, and he also owns a Ciaz 1.5 MT. The Creta feels relaxed and silent, but not peppy like the Suzuki K series(even when compared against my van).

Depends all on your priorities and needs. Even a 20L Crysta GX feels spartan in front of XL6 Alpha. But does it make the XL6 a better car than Crysta? I seriously doubt.

It all depends on you, what you need and what you like. Don't go on my views alone because what works for me may not work for you. You have to spend time in a car and if you feel it's not special, I'd recommend not getting it.

Regards,
Shashi

[PYSO]

Originally Posted by anurag_khurana

Leoshashi ...sir , I seriously want to buy XL6 but it's interiors are stopping me to take the plunge...your page has always inspired me to buy XL6 so want to take your advice on this...these days I have tried seltos / creta / city 4/5th gen....though XL6 trumps all regarding space and comfort but Interiors are not that plush in comparison.
Kindly share your views and help me out.

I see the XL6 as a clever combination of

1) Space, comfort, flexibility, utility of a MUV (score - 9/10)
2) Peppy engine, handling, steering, fun to drive of a sedan (score - 8/10)
3) Low price-point, operating cost and fuel efficiency of a hatchback (score - 7/10 - especially zeta MT variant)
4) Ground clearance, tall seating, looks of a Crossover SUV (score - 6/10)

The competition to xl6 mostly score high on only one out of the above four dimensions, with low scores on the other three.

The multi-talented car that xl6 is, there are of course some negatives (which may or may not be deal breakers for you)

1) Interiors are decent, but not premium
2) Feature list is decent, but misses out on many fancy features
3) Tyres are rather small for the size of the car (can be upgraded)
4) Braking is not excellent, but gets the job done
5) 3-star NCAP safety rating is what it is expected to get

Take a few test drives, and you will figure out if it is a good fit for you.

[venkyhere]

Originally Posted by PYSO

I see the XL6 as a clever combination of
..
handling, steering, fun to drive of a sedan (score - 8/10)

Is this an opinion shared by a lot of people ? IMHO, there is a huge difference

[Leoshashi]

Originally Posted by venkyhere

Is this an opinion shared by a lot of people ? IMHO, there is a huge difference

The XL6 handles better than any MPV out there, thanks to it's monocoque construction and relatively stiffer suspension, the handling is as good or bad as say an erstwhile Maruti Ritz. But you are constantly aware of the high center of gravity.

Calling its handling like a sedan is too far fetched IMHO. Steering is nicely calibrated and feelsome by EPS standards. And the only fun element it has, is probably the growly engine note and decent acceleration by NA petrol standards. It is a family car and should be treated like that.

Regarding braking, it may feel average during normal use but in critical situations, the Brake Assist function nicely kicks in and I've managed to stop way ahead of a possible crash. Given it's regular braking capabilities and the speed I was carrying, I was once sure of crashing into a truck/divider but my panic braking perhaps triggered the BA and the braking force was immense and I managed to slow down well in advance. This behavior was quite opposite of what some Hyundais are known to exhibit under panic situations.

[PYSO]

Originally Posted by venkyhere

Is this an opinion shared by a lot of people ? IMHO, there is a huge difference

Sometimes, asking for the majority opinion can be misleading.

I would expect 95% of people who buy the XL6 to be sedate drivers, who buy it mainly as a comfortable cruiser (and have probably never stretched it to a fraction of its performance capabilities).

If you are a performance oriented driver - my humble suggestion would be to get hold of a XL6, and try to stretch it to its limits (both in city traffic, and on the open highway - but not on the ghats where its prudent to be careful). I might be wrong about this - but I tend to think you will be surprised at what you can extract out of the car. I certainly was

Originally Posted by Leoshashi

The XL6 handles better than any MPV out there.

But you are constantly aware of the high center of gravity.

Compared with a Honda City - the ground clearance is 15 mm more, and the center of gravity is between 50 mm to 100 mm more (est). That is easily compensated by a 140 mm longer wheelbase of XL6. From a handling point of view - I think they are roughly the same. The steering of XL6 is better, IMHO. (I have driven only the 4th gen Honda City, and not the latest generation).

[Leoshashi]

Originally Posted by PYSO

The steering of XL6 is better, IMHO. (I have driven only the 4th gen Honda City, and not the latest generation).

I agree. Absolutely hated the flighty feel of the 4th Gen city and lifeless steering which needed constant correction at cruising speeds.

[Leoshashi]

Originally Posted by Leoshashi

PS: In some other news, the XL6 is due for some TLC. Have removed the wheels for Rotation and brakes cleaning. Also intend to wash and detail it thoroughly along with a possible oil change(haven't really inspected the condition of oil yet). Earlier I was determined to follow 5k oil change intervals, but will check condition of oil before taking a call. It looked fine around the 14k km mark, but since then the car has done only heavy traffic runs within the city. So oil may have deteriorated.

Utilized the weekend to carry out these jobs:

1. Engine oil change, cleaning air filter
2. Thorough wash and detailing the car
3. 5 Wheel rotation
4. Comprehensive brakes cleaning, and switch to Toyota's grease.

Tools and parts lined up for Oil change:

0W16 Shell:

68K00 Filter:

Crush Gasket:

Drained oil:

Torqued the drain bolt to 35Nm. Thanks to these practices, such nuts bolts still open without much difficulty, just like how it comes from factory:

Perfecto:

The alloys were insanely dirty with lots of Tar deposits:

Comprehensive washing:

Special attention was paid to wheel wells:

Wheels post cleaning:

Even the nuts were cleaned, hate when these get deposits all around:

Brake job, pads looked dirty:

Cleaned:

Wear looks minimal:

Stuffs used, really like Toyota's grease for it's longevity. Also used LM Copper grease on areas where pads/shoes slide:

Disc cleaned:

Drums were surprisingly clean:

Opening the right way using two 12 size bolts. Hate when mechanics hammer to remove drums:

Cleaned everything using APC and then washed using manual sprayer:

A Clean engine bay is car-gasm for me :

Regards,
Shashi

PS: I was shocked yesterday due to a very slightly tilted steering towards left on some familiar roads. But it got rectified on it's own after a few kilometers, guess one of the tyres from rear was developing conicity.

[RishavRBhardwaj]

I’m sure this one is got to be one of the most immaculately maintained XL6s on our roads.
PS: Most of us are so lazy we never take the wheels off our cars until we have a puncture/ go for a tyre change.

[Leoshashi]

Originally Posted by RishavRBhardwaj

I’m sure this one is got to be one of the most immaculately maintained XL6s on our roads.
PS: Most of us are so lazy we never take the wheels off our cars until we have a puncture/ go for a tyre change.

TBH it was mostly a stress-busting exercise. It had been almost a year since I washed my car properly like this.

Regards,
Shashi

[swami69]

Super work on your XL6. Very meticulously done through hard work. Congrats and keep it up

Swami

[MAKMADDY17]

Excellent job on your XL6. I love your clean engine bay pics, whether of 800 or this XL6.

Even I intend to get the oil changed on my S Cross after every 5000 km, since the engine starts sounding gruff after that even though the oil feels sufficiently fine and consistent.

[ramnaresh_2000]

The moment I read the title I was 100% sure it would be Leoshashi’s post. Kudos on the job well done. I am actually more interested in learning about car service myself, but due to limited parking space at my hometown and almost zero garage space at city (parking on road) I gave up this thought.

[Ashtoncastelino]

An absolute treat to read your threads sir , loved how you wrote it in detail with good amount of pictures. This DIY must have taken away half your day but the result was well worth it. The satisfaction one gets with a Successful DIY cannot be explained.

Btw any part number available for the Toyota grease ?