Last month, Suzuki launched the six-seater XL6 in South Africa, an “SUV” that bears a striking resemblance to an MPV with a starting price of R326,900.
This makes for a tough choice for buyers looking to get into a new Suzuki with space for five or more passengers, as the flagship model of the seven-seater Ertiga is only R1,000 cheaper than the base XL6 at R325,900.
With identical engines, the only real attributes setting them apart are their looks, features, and of course, that one seat.
If you’re in the market for one of these Suzukis, here are all the important specifications you need to know about.
Features
The top-spec Ertiga and base XL6 are both sold in GL trim level, therefore, the siblings share a generous amount of creature comforts.
No matter the chosen model, buyers can expect a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a multifunction steering wheel, cruise control, ventilated front cup holders, manual airconditioning with rear-seat vents, a reverse camera, rear parking sensors, ABS with electronic brake-force distribution, dual front airbags, and 15-inch alloy wheels.
Apart from these fitments, the XL6 comes with all-round LED light clusters whereas the Ertiga only has LEDs at the rear, climate control for the front seats as opposed to the manual settings on the Ertiga, and keyless entry and start.
This specific Ertiga does provide hill-hold control, however, which is only available in the automatic XL6.
Despite having fewer seats, the XL6 measures slightly larger than the Ertiga at a length of 4,445mm (+50mm over the Ertiga), a width of 1,775mm (+85mm), and a height of 1,720mm (+30mm).
This has resulted in a slightly larger cargo hold that accommodates 209 litres with all rows of seating erected – 56 litres more than the Ertiga – while both can haul up to 550 litres if the rear row is fully collapsed.
The front and middle rows of the two Suzukis can also slide and recline, and both have a height-adjustable driver’s seat, whereas the middle row of captain’s chairs in the six-seater XL6 offers foldable armrests and easy walk-through access to the back, which is something the seven-seater Ertiga does not.
Power
Both the XL6 and Ertiga employ Suzuki’s widely used 1.5-litre petrol motor with 77kW and 138Nm and directs drive to the front axle.
In the top-spec Ertiga, the powerplant is matched with a four-speed automatic gearbox, lending it a combined fuel spend of 6.2l/100km and thus, a maximum driving range of 726km.
For the base XL6, the manufacturer has installed a five-speed manual shifter, as such, it uses slightly less propellant at 6.0l/100km pushing its range to a higher 750km.
Regardless of which Suzuki you end up going for, both are sold with a generous 5-year/200,000km warranty and a 4-year/60,000km service plan.
Suzuki Ertiga
Suzuki XL6
Keyword: Entry-level Suzuki XL6 vs flagship Suzuki Ertiga – A R1,000 difference