Maruti XL6 Zeta CNG

Namaste and welcome to our popular Indian car review blog! When it comes to buying a new car in India, our minds are usually buzzing with questions. Is it budget-friendly? How safe is it for my family? What about monthly maintenance and running costs? Does it have all the latest features, and will I get reliable service from the company?

These are absolutely crucial points, especially for family cars. Today, we are taking a deep dive into a vehicle that promises to tick many of these boxes, especially if you are looking for a blend of premium comfort, space, and incredible fuel efficiency: the new Maruti XL6 Zeta CNG. Maruti Suzuki has always been a master at understanding the Indian buyer, and their latest offering in the premium MPV segment with a factory-fitted CNG kit is designed to impress. Let us explore if the XL6 Zeta CNG is the perfect companion for your family adventures.

Main Highlights of the Maruti XL6 Zeta CNG

Engine Specifications

• Engine Type: K15C
• Fuel Type: Petrol and CNG
• Max Power (Petrol Mode): 103 PS at 6000 rpm
• Max Power (CNG Mode): 86.63bhp@5500rpm
• Max Torque (Petrol Mode): 136.8 Nm at 4400 rpm
• Max Torque (CNG Mode): 121.5Nm@4200rpm
• Mileage (CNG): An impressive 20.97 km/kg (ARAI certified), making it incredibly economical for daily commutes and long drives.

Design Overview

The XL6 stands out with its bold and premium design, offering a distinct road presence that separates it from the regular Ertiga. Its SUV-like stance, combined with sophisticated elements, makes it a head-turner.

• Exterior:
  • Muscular and upright front grille with chrome accents
  • Quad LED reflector headlamps with integrated LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lights)
  • Cladding on wheel arches and side skirts for an SUV-ish look
  • Roof rails for added utility and style
  • Sporty alloy wheels
  • LED tail lamps
• Interior:
  • All-black premium interior theme
  • Plush captain seats in the second row for enhanced comfort and individual space
  • Spacious cabin with a focus on passenger comfort across all three rows
  • Flat-bottom steering wheel for a sporty feel
  • Chrome and silver accents tastefully placed for a premium touch

Key Features (Zeta CNG Variant)

• Infotainment: 7-inch SmartPlay Pro touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
• Connectivity: Suzuki Connect telematics suite for connected car features
• Climate Control: Automatic Climate Control with roof-mounted second and third-row AC vents
• Comfort and Convenience: Push Start/Stop button, Keyless entry, Cruise Control, Power windows, Steering mounted controls, Height adjustable driver seat, Rear parking sensors and camera
• Premium Touches: Ambient lighting, Puddle lamps (on higher variants, Zeta might not have it), Ventilated front seats (Alpha+ only, not Zeta CNG)
• Note: The XL6 Zeta CNG, while feature-rich, does not offer a sunroof, 360-degree camera, or wireless phone charging, which are generally found in higher segment vehicles or specific higher variants of the XL6.

What is the Ground Clearance of Maruti XL6 Zeta CNG?

• The Maruti XL6 Zeta CNG offers a healthy 180 mm of ground clearance, which is quite adequate for tackling Indian road conditions, including speed breakers and minor undulations, without much worry.

What is the Boot Space of Maruti XL6 Zeta CNG?

• With all three rows up, the petrol XL6 offers 209 litres of boot space. However, in the CNG variant, a significant portion of the boot space is occupied by the CNG cylinder. While Maruti Suzuki has integrated it smartly, expect limited boot space when all seats are in use. This is a common trade-off for CNG cars, something potential buyers should keep in mind.

What are the Dimensions of Maruti XL6 Zeta CNG?

• Length: 4445 mm
• Width: 1775 mm
• Height: 1755 mm
• Wheelbase: 2740 mm

Powertrain Options

• Currently, the Maruti XL6 is offered with a single 1.5-litre K15C Dual Jet Dual VVT petrol engine. This engine comes with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. The XL6 Zeta CNG variant is exclusively available with the 5-speed manual gearbox.

Safety Features

Maruti Suzuki has equipped the XL6 with a range of safety features to ensure peace of mind for its occupants.

• Dual Front Airbags (standard on Zeta CNG)
• ABS with EBD (Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)
• ESP (Electronic Stability Program)
• Hill Hold Assist
• Rear parking sensors and camera
• ISOFIX child seat mounts
• High-strength steel structure using HEARTECT platform

NCAP Rating Table

Safety is a major concern for Indian buyers. Here is a look at the XL6s NCAP ratings.

Rivals of Maruti XL6 Zeta CNG

The XL6 Zeta CNG carved a unique niche, but it faces competition from:

• Maruti Suzuki Ertiga CNG: Its own sibling, offering similar benefits at a lower price point and a 7-seater layout.
• Kia Carens: A strong rival in the premium MPV segment, though without a direct CNG offering yet.
• Toyota Rumion CNG: A rebadged Ertiga, offering the same strong CNG proposition with Toyota's reliability.
• Other 5-seater compact SUVs (if buyers are open to fewer seats): Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara.

How is the Car? Pros & Cons of the XL6 Zeta CNG

Pros (Advantages)

• Unmatched Fuel Efficiency: With an ARAI-certified 20.97 km/kg, your running costs will be incredibly low, especially with rising fuel prices.
• Premium Cabin Experience: The all-black interior with captain seats offers a more luxurious and comfortable feel compared to its direct rival, the Ertiga.
• Spacious and Versatile: Excellent space for six adults, making it perfect for family outings or long journeys.
• Maruti Suzuki Reliability and Service: Extensive service network across India and Maruti's renowned low maintenance costs offer great peace of mind.
• Smooth Engine and Ride Quality: The K15C engine offers decent performance for city and highway drives, and the ride quality is comfortable, absorbing bumps well.
• Environmentally Friendly: Running on CNG significantly reduces tailpipe emissions.

Cons (Disadvantages)

• Compromised Boot Space: The CNG tank eats into a significant amount of boot space, limiting luggage carrying capacity, especially when all six seats are occupied.
• Reduced Performance in CNG Mode: While adequate, the power output is lower in CNG mode, leading to slightly slower acceleration and requiring more gear changes on inclines or during overtakes.
• Only Manual Transmission: The Zeta CNG variant is only available with a manual gearbox, meaning no automatic convenience for those who prefer it.
• Lacks Some Modern Features: No sunroof, 360-degree camera, or wireless charging in the Zeta variant, which some competitors offer in similar price ranges (albeit not always with CNG).
• Price Premium over Ertiga CNG: Being a premium offering, it carries a higher price tag than its 7-seater sibling, the Ertiga CNG.

Conclusion: Is the Maruti XL6 Zeta CNG Right for You?

The Maruti XL6 Zeta CNG truly presents a compelling package for the Indian car buyer. If your priorities are premium comfort, a spacious six-seater layout, Maruti Suzuki's bulletproof reliability, an extensive service network, and most importantly, incredibly low running costs thanks to the high CNG mileage, then the XL6 Zeta CNG is definitely worth considering.

While you might have to make a slight compromise on boot space and accept a manual gearbox, the overall value proposition is strong. It is a fantastic choice for families looking for a versatile, comfortable, and highly fuel-efficient vehicle that does not compromise on a premium feel. Head to your nearest Nexa showroom for a test drive and experience this green, comfortable, and economical MPV for yourself!