We’ve seen spy shots of both MPVs for months, but you really need to look beyond the surface as the changes are skin deep
Maruti Suzuki is planning to bring as many as eight new models to the Indian market this year. The brand has already introduced new cars like the Baleno and CNG variants of many other models. The Japanese automobile has started accepting bookings for the new 2022 Ertiga and XL6. But they are going to look the same as the current model.
While the updated Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and XL6 only get minor visual updates, the real change lies under their hood with an updated petrol engine.
2022 Maruti Suzuki Ertiga And XL6
Also in the que is the new XL6
The current version of the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga came to the market in 2018 while the more premium XL6 arrived in 2019. Maruti Suzuki likes to give a longer shelf life to its products unlike many other manufacturers in the market. The fewer updates ensure that there are minimal disruptions on the production line of these high-in-demand models.
The upcoming Maruti Suzuki XL6 and Ertiga only get new grilles and wheels
Updating any part of the looks means changes in the production lines. While changing the soft parts like the bumper is easier, changing the metal parts like the shape of the doors or the bonnet requires a lot of changes in the manufacturing equipment. These changes, in turn, increase the price of the new cars as well.
But there are no visual changes in both the vehicles
Maruti Suzuki understands the Indian market very well and that is why it is ruling the sector. The price-sensitive Indian market definitely wants more affordable cars than newer looking models on the roads.
As in other minor facelifts, the new Ertiga and XL6 will feature minor tweaks to the exterior and possibly a couple of new features on the inside.
The biggest change in the new Ertiga and the XL6 lies under the hood. Both the cars will come powered by a new 1.5-litre petrol engine and the new six-speed automatic transmission. The updated versions of the Ertiga and XL6 will hit the showroom floors before April 2022 end.
All-new 1.5-litre petrol engine
Maruti Suzuki will bring the new Ertiga to the Indian market
While the current versions of Maruti Suzuki XL6 and Ertiga also have a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, the new powertrain will have significant updates, despite measuring the same cubic capacity.
Dubbed as K15C Dualjet engine, the new powertrain will be replacing the current 1.5-litre K15B engine, which made its debut in the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz in 2018. This new engine has its engineering inspiration from the 1.2-litre K12C four-cylinder petrol engine, which now powers compact cars like Swift, Dzire and Baleno.
Like the K15B engine, the new K15C Dualjet engine is a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder, naturally-aspirated powertrain, which produces a higher power output of 115 PS – almost 10 PS more than the peak power output of the current K15B engine.
The 5-speed manual gearbox will be retained in the new versions of the Ertiga and XL6, though the optional outdated 4-speed torque converter in these UVs will be replaced by a new 6-speed torque converter.
This new 1.5-litre K15C Dualjet engine has already debuted in the Vitara SUV sold in other global markets. The Indian market is likely to miss out on the 34 PS hybrid motor paired with the engine in the Vitara. Instead, the Indian version of the 1.5-litre K15C engine will come bestowed with Maruti Suzuki’s mild-hybrid technology, which features an idle start-stop system, integrated starter generator and torque assist.
Minor tweaks to make it feel like an update
And the seat configurations remain the same as well
Apart from a new engine, the updated versions of Ertiga and XL6 will come with minor visual tweaks to the grille and a mildly revised rear bumper. The updated XL6 will get bigger 16-inch machined alloy wheels available in the Indonesia-spec XL7. On the inside, the new versions of these MPVs will come with features like a larger touchscreen infotainment system and side and curtain airbags. In addition to this, the dashboard and instrument console will also have revised new layouts.
Like now, the updated Ertiga will be sold through Arena outlets, while the updated XL6 will continue to be available as a rugged-looking version of the former through the more premium NEXA outlets. Soon after their launch, these updated MPVs will be ready for delivery from May 2022. While the Maruti Suzuki XL6 will compete with the newly launched Kia Carens, the Ertiga currently has no direct rivals in its price positioning.
What are your opinions on the updated Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and XL6? Drop them in the comments section below.
Keyword: Here’s Why The Upcoming Ertiga And XL6 Are Just A Nip And Tuck Affair