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Why I replaced my Maruti Ertiga with an XL6 automatic: Likes & dislikes

2nd February 2024, 08:33 by Rahul Nagaraj

Already gave a fuel efficiency of 16.5 km/l (full AC) on the highway in the 1st month itself.

BHPian vbhath recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I owned a 9-year-old Ertiga Zxi (70k km) but towards the end of 2022, I was looking for a replacement. While I had absolutely no issues with the Ertiga I wanted to switch to an automatic and something which can be around for the next 10 years.

We had the following important requirements:

Gear Type: Automatic but non DCT
Seater: 7
Fuel: Petrol
Mileage: 20 km/l on highway
Maintenance: Low maintenance cost
Price: Under 20 L
Safety: 5-Star Global NCAAP
Driving style: Sedate. There is no fast acceleration. Highway speed - 90 to 110
Occupancy: 80% of the time 3 in the car, 15% of the time 6 in the car, rest 5% 7 or 8 in the car

Features I was NOT looking for: ADAS, Sunroofs and IMT

Probably you are having a good laugh now as currently, no car exists in India which can fulfil all the above criteria. If you have an Ertiga, the options for an upgrade are quite limited unless you have tonnes of money. For a Salaried professional, a Car is not an asset but a one-time expense.

The options were Ertiga, Carens, XUV/Scorpio, Safari, Alcazar, Triber, Citreon. Thus started multiple rounds of elimination. (I would just like to apologize upfront if my comments end up offending any of the owners of the below respective cars.)

Carens: This was ruled out as it had DCT which has heating issues in city traffic. Though the ride quality was smooth and had great features and an excellent 3rd row, I had to ditch it.
XUV/Scorpio: Lots of horror stories on niggles on the newly delivered car. That coupled with the price and long waiting period, effectively eliminated this as well.
Safari: Highly Impressed by the build. However, No petrol option. The price for the features I was looking for was on the higher side.
Triber: Too small and not so powerful
Alcazar: Cost was a barrier and so was the DCT gearbox. Also, 2nd and 3rd seat legroom is not great
Citroen: Unknown in India. Not sure how long it would stick around in our country.
Ertiga: Ticked all the boxes, except Safety. But then it would not be an upgrade right? Was not getting many additional features from my existing Ertiga.

It was then someone told me about the XL6 as an option. It was not on my original list as it was not a 7-seater. But since I had exhausted other options it was time to have a look at the XL6 Automatic

I turned to BIMAL NEXA on ORR Mahadevapura. A showroom visit and a TD later the decision was taken. Alpha Plus Automatic Celestial Blue it was. It was decently loaded and I felt that with 6 on board, it was more comfortable than a 7-seater due to the space in between the captain seats.

Also, captain seats provided more comfort than bench seats.

The delivery was prompt in just 3 weeks with very minimal follow-ups. A good discount was provided on the below accessories. Got a good value for my Ertiga and the transfer process was smooth.

Window Visors
Window and Door Chrome
All armrests were changed to match the dashboard styling
NEXA door sill guard illuminated,
Rat Mesh
Paint protection
Under chassis coating and PVC Mats.

I also fitted a DDPI Pro Dashcam. (front only)

Below is the feedback after 6 weeks and 1500 Kms.

Super Likes:

Smooth drive with very low NVH: A very sturdy feeling one gets probably due to the R16 wheels and cabin insulation. The passengers in captain seats felt as if they were riding a Volvo Club class bus.
The UV/IR windows: A real blessing. The difference can be felt and it makes the AC more effective.
Ventilated seats- I never wanted one. But after experiencing loved it. Very effective in hot conditions.
360 camera: The 360 top view image can be tricky in low light conditions. What is more useful is the front and left side camera for tight parking.
Paddle Shifters- Easy to use and useful when you want to quickly accelerate from a toll booth or a traffic signal. The downshifts are used when you want to overtake and hence want to move down from 5/6 to gear 4.
Suzuki Connect: Handy features with almost no lag.
Looks: The DRL headlights and chiselled looks make the XL6 very attractive from the site front and sides. The rear look is average.

Likes:

Audio and Infotainment: No complaints, decent sound quality
Mileage: Already gave 16.5 (full AC) on the highway in the 1st month itself.
Cruise control- Works like a charm. Though in India we have limited usage of this feature.
Android Auto wireless connectivity: No issues whatsoever.
All-black leatherette interiors: Gives quite a premium look

What could have been better:

The plasticky dashboard, could have been made firmer and softer
The driver armrest could have been broader and longer.
On D mode, it should have shown the gear number on the Instrument Panel
The gear shift lever doesn’t have an illumination to show which gear I am on. (of course, with practice it is no longer required)
High rev sound on 1st and 2nd gears. To avoid this you have to accelerate slowly. Or if you want to get quickly off the blocks (like from a toll or a signal), use the paddle shifters to quickly move to 3rd gear.
Thud on polymax speed breaker- If you are alone in the car, you have to go slow over the polymax speed breakers, else you get an uncomfortable thud sound when the rear wheel crosses over. Normal tar speed breakers are comfortably crossed.
Cruise control (resume function): To be used carefully as it resumes to set speed quite fast.
Auto off/on feature: Irritating functionality. Every time needs to be switched off.
Number plate housing: Lot of noise after you close the boot window

Features which I would have liked to be included:

Auto-dimming IRVM, USB sockets instead of just power sockets, curtain airbags for the middle row, weight sensors for rear seats to avoid unnecessary buckling of seat belts and a slightly larger display area for the HU.\

Nice to have a feature which has been a bonus for me:

TPMS, interior lights to the cabin’s footwell area for both the driver and the front passenger, Shark Fin antenna and roof rails for that enhanced look, LED DRLs

The first long drive: Was itching to take out the car on the highway. Finally got the opportunity during the Christmas break when we drove down from Bangalore to Mangalore. Thoroughly enjoyed the smooth highway ride. The cruise was enjoyable but couldn’t hold for long due to the long weekend traffic, the curves and the up-and-down inclines of the road. Shiradi ghat was crossed with great ease as the steering is light. The automatic proved to be a boon especially as you enter into village areas. One hand can comfortably placed on the armrest while the left leg can be folded at will.

The family is loving it and happy with the decision we took. My trust in Suzuki continues as this is my 4th car from their stable.