In the market for a comfortable 6-seater family vehicle? We compare Maruti’s latest with Mahindra’s Marazzo to pick a winner here
The idea of individual captain seats in the 2nd row was started by the Toyota Innova and ever since, has become a popular thing in the MPV segment. Mahindra’a Marazzo, launched last year, is being offered with such a set-up across all its variants and now Maruti has joined the same bandwagon. So, which of the two vehicles should you be looking at?
Exteriors
The Marazzo is clearly a bigger vehicle here, being longer, wider and taller than the XL6. This is because the XL6 is based on the Ertiga with only minor changes in terms of dimensions due to body cladding and new bumpers. The Marazzo even rides on taller 17-inch wheels as compared to 15-inch ones on the XL6.
However, this doesn’t mean the XL6 does not offer ample road presence. Thanks to a new front end with LED lights all around, the XL6 does end up getting a fair bit of attention. The matt black cladding all around and black alloy wheels further give it a sporty touch.
We like the alloy wheel design on the Marazzo, tear drop fog lamp design and the overall mass that gives it an extra dose of muscle. But clearly, round one is a tie as the new kid on the block does manage to grab an equal amount of lime light in here.
Interiors
The Marazzo offers a very spacious cabin and good space for 6 adults. The dual tone theme makes the interiors feel airy and we love the practicality on offer with lots of storage spaces. The seats too offer better comfort than that of the XL6’s.
The XL6 is based on the Ertiga which means good space on the inside but yet, it gets heated by the Marazzo here, even if just about. Both the cars offer same levels of equipment though the sound quality of the XL6’s system is better and this car even offers true keyless entry with push button start.
Boot space of the XL6 with all three rows up is 209 liters which is slightly more than that of the Marazzo. However, with the 2nd and 3rd row folded, the Marazzo ends up offering as much as 1055 liters, way more than the XL6’s 692-liter offering.
Round three then goes to the Marazzo, due to the sheer amount of space and better seat comfort.
Engine and performance
The Mahindra Marazzo is offered with a 1.5-litre diesel engine that is good for 121 bhp of power and 300 Nm of torque. There is no denying the fact that performance is very good with ample torque lower down in the rev range that is essential for city runs. The ARAI certified economy stands at 17.3 kmpl which is good for a large, heavy MPV.
The Maruti XL6 on the other hand comes with a 1.5-litre petrol engine that generates 103 bhp of power and 138 Nm of torque. The ARAI certified economy stands at as much as 19 kmpl depending on the transmission you pick. Yes, the XL6 comes with an optional automatic, something that is missing on the Marazzo.
We agree there is a world of difference in a petrol and diesel vehicle here. The Marazzo never feels short of torque whereas the XL6 offers a smoother drive and peppier outright punch. Gear shift quality of the XL6 is also way better than that of the Marazzo.
Ride and handling
The Maruti XL6 has the same set-up as the Ertiga which means it offers similar levels of comfort. Normal undulations and broken tarmac are handled well and the XL6 has lesser body roll than the larger Mahindra Marazzo. Give its better visibility from a driver’s perspective and lighter controls, the XL6 is also an easier car to drive.
This doesn’t mean the Marazzo tires you on the move. For a large MPV, it is easy to drive as well but the XL6 is better in this regard.
Pricing
The fully loaded Maruti XL6 with a manual gearbox retails at Rs 10.36 lakh ex-showroom Delhi. This makes it over Rs 4 lakh cheaper than the fully loaded Mahindra Marazzo that offers similar levels of equipment.
At this price, the Maruti XL6 makes for a better buy in spite of the lack of a diesel motor. Remember, it also offers an automatic that seals the deal further. For us then, the XL6 is a better buy than the Marazzo.
