Maruti Suzuki XL6 vs Maruti Suzuki Ertiga: Comparing Variants Under Rs 14 Lakh for the First-time Car Buyer
Buying a car for the first time, but confused about which are the best cars for first-time buyers in India, and which option to choose? Let’s look at two Maruti Suzuki MPVs, the XL6 and the Ertiga, and find out which variant will be the best for you.
In this first-time car buyers’ guide, we will share
- What a first-time buyer should look for in a car
- Maruti Suzuki XL6 vs Maruti Ertiga – an in-depth guide to their variants, features, cost, and driveability
- How to pick the right car for you
Maruti is known for making affordable cars, which is especially attractive to first-time car buyers in India. Both XL6 and Ertiga have reasonably priced variants for that matter.
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What a First-time car buyer looks for in a car
This is what a first-time buyer should look for in a car:
- Safety – What safety features does the car have? What is its safety rating?
- Affordability – The car should be well within budget and affordable.
- Fuel efficiency – The car should have good fuel efficiency, thereby reducing its running cost.
- Ease of driving – The car should be easy to drive, with features that help in driving and offer convenience for new drivers.
For a first-time car buyer, the focus is primarily on safety, affordability, fuel efficiency, and user-friendly features.
When looking for top cars for first-time buyers, they often seek a vehicle that offers a seamless driving experience, especially in city conditions, without being overwhelmed with too many complex gadgets.
Reliable after-sales service, low maintenance costs, and good resale value are other significant considerations.
Why Maruti Suzuki XL6 and Maruti Suzuki Ertiga are Popular
Both Maruti Suzuki XL6 and Ertiga are trusted names in the Indian automobile market. Maruti Suzuki’s reputation for providing value for money, coupled with an extensive service network, makes them a preferred choice for first-time buyers.
The Ertiga, with its spacious 7-seater capacity, has become synonymous with family comfort, while the XL6, with its premium appeal, offers a blend of sophistication and functionality. The brand ensures reliable after-sales service, and both these models offer impressive fuel efficiency, which is a boon in the age of rising fuel prices.
Furthermore, their user-friendly features, designed keeping in mind the Indian road conditions, provide an uncomplicated driving experience. With safety features like ABS and airbags coming as standard, it’s no wonder these models are favorites among first-timers.
Maruti Suzuki XL6 and Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Variants Shortlist in Rs 9-14 Lakh Range
For Maruti Suzuki XL6, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 24 August 2023 |
|---|---|
| Zeta | ₹ 1,156,000 |
| Zeta AT | ₹ 1,306,000 |
| Alpha Plus | ₹ 1,316,000 |
For Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 24 August 2023 |
|---|---|
| VXI | ₹ 978,000 |
| ZXI | ₹ 1,088,000 |
| VXI AT | ₹ 1,128,000 |
Maruti Suzuki XL6 Zeta
XL6 with Kia Carens
Maruti Suzuki XL6 Zeta AT
For those seeking an automatic transmission for ease in city driving, this variant becomes an obvious choice. It provides all the advantages of the Zeta variant while adding the convenience of an automatic gearbox.
Maruti Suzuki XL6 Alpha Plus
Almost identical to the Zeta in terms of features but comes at a slightly higher price. The added cost might not deliver significant additional value for first-time buyers.
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga VXI
our guide to the best Ertiga variants
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ZXI
A step up from the VXI, it adds push-button start, rear parking sensors, and a touchscreen system. A sensible choice for those wanting a bit more tech without going overboard on the budget.
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga VXI AT
Ertiga with Kia Carens
Our Pick for the Best variant among Maruti Suzuki XL6 and Maruti Suzuki Ertiga for First-time car buyers
Upon closely evaluating the essential attributes that a first-time car buyer usually prioritizes, the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ZXI emerges as the optimal choice.
Not only is it moderately priced, but it also boasts significant safety features such as ABS, a commendable ground clearance of 185mm for Indian roads, and appreciable fuel efficiency. The presence of knee/curtain airbags offers an added layer of safety.
Furthermore, it has the convenience of a push-button start and steering mounted controls, which makes the driving experience more comfortable.
In comparison to the XL6 variants, the Ertiga ZXI offers a blend of necessary features at a more affordable price point, making it the right car choice on our list for first-time buyers.
The Top 3 choices
- Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ZXI
- Maruti Suzuki XL6 Zeta
- Maruti Suzuki XL6 Zeta AT
| Attributes | Ertiga ZXI | XL6 Zeta | XL6 Zeta AT |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ground clearance (mm) | 185 | 180 | 180 |
| Highway Mileage (kmpl) | 20.51 | 20.97 | 20.27 |
| Knee/curtain airbags | Yes | No | No |
| Overall Mileage (kmpl) | 20.51 | 20.97 | 20.27 |
| Power Steering | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Push Button Start | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Parking Sensors | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Steering Mounted Controls | Yes | Yes | Yes |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The Ertiga ZXI clinches the top spot, given its exceptional balance of safety, convenience, and value. It provides an edge with the presence of knee/curtain airbags and higher ground clearance, crucial for first-time drivers.
- The XL6 Zeta stands second due to its substantial features list at a reasonable price point.
- The XL6 Zeta AT follows closely. The automatic transmission in the Zeta AT becomes its USP, which can significantly aid novice drivers, especially in congested city conditions.
Together, these three models encapsulate the desired blend of essentials for those entering the realm of car ownership.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.
Also read: Upcoming 2022 Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza rendered