December 2022 - Maruti Nexa XL6 Petrol, CNG Variants Explained - Which One To Buy?

Updated: Maruti Suzuki recently introduced the XL6 CNG in Zeta variant. This variants explained article includes the buying recommendations and updated prices of the Nexa XL6 petrol and CNG variants along with the CNG engine specifications.

Also Read: Kia Carens Petrol Variants Explained - Which One To Buy?

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, Petrol, CNG Variants Explained - Which One To Buy?

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Maruti Nexa XL6?

The pros or advantages of Maruti Nexa XL6 are:

• The most affordable car with captain seats in the second row
• Option of factory-fit CNG bi-fuel for low running costs
• Well-loaded and value for money Zeta variant seems suitable for most buyers
• Sufficiently different design from the Ertiga helps shed the ‘taxi’ image
• Maruti’s reliability and large service network
• Good fuel efficiency from the hybrid petrol engine - even with the power-sapping torque converter automatic
• About 10% higher mileage than the pre-facelift model
• Replacing the old 4-speed automatic with a 6-speed torque converter automatic now brings it on par with the competition
• Respectable ground clearance of 180mm
• Top-notch survivability score in GNCAP crash safety tests is right up there with the 5-star rated XUV300 and Nexon*

*Survivability score depends on how well the car protects the driver and front passenger’s critical body parts like the head, neck and chest in the GNCAP crash tests.

The Maruti Nexa XL6 has the following shortcomings or problems:

• Automatic transmission now has 6 gears but it’s still of the vintage, power-sapping torque converter variety
• No diesel engine option
• Nexa exclusive - limits the sales and customer reach a bit
• Non-removable third-row seats make less boot space than the smaller Renault Triber in 2-row mode (550 litres vs 625 litres for Triber)
• Although the survivability score is good, a 3-star overall GNCAP rating may not inspire confidence among buyers
• Ex-showroom price starts above Rs. 10.0 lakh and will therefore incur significantly higher taxes in many states
• The Alpha and Alpha Plus variants seem overpriced considering their additional features and incremental cost over the base Zeta variant

What Is The Price Of Maruti Nexa XL6 Petrol And CNG Variants?

The Maruti Nexa XL6 is available in 3 variants - Zeta, Alpha and Alpha Plus. All 3 variants get petrol-manual and petrol-automatic powertrain combinations. The petrol-manual variants cost between Rs. 11.29 lakh and Rs. 12.89 lakh. The XL6 petrol-automatic variants cost an additional Rs. 1.50 lakh over the petrol-manual. These carry ex-showroom price tags ranging between Rs. 12.79 lakh and Rs. 14.39 lakh.

Maruti Suzuki also recently introduced the XL6 CNG-manual in Zeta variant. It costs Rs. 12.24 lakh (ex-showroom) and it’s Rs. 95,000 more expensive than the Zeta petrol-manual.

Maruti Nexa XL6 Zeta - Base Model Features

The base Zeta variant of the XL6 costs Rs. 11.29 lakh with the manual and Rs. 12.79 lakh with the automatic transmission. The XL6 automatic carries a premium of Rs. 1.50 lakh over the XL6 Zeta petrol-manual. The Zeta variant also gets the CNG bi-fuel option for an additional Rs. 95,000 and it costs Rs. 12.24 lakh (ex-showroom). The base variant of the XL6 gets almost all must-have features for this price like:

• LED headlamps
• LED tail lamps
• Auto AC
• Rear AC vents
• Cruise control
• 16-inch alloy wheels
• Power mirrors
• Keyless entry with push-button start/stop
• Touchscreen infotainment with Android Auto and Apple Carplay
• 2x side thorax airbags
• Telematics
• Puddle lamps

The XL6 Zeta looks like a value for money package with the petrol-manual, CNG-manual as well as petrol-automatic powertrains. Although, the automatic transmission seems to carry a slightly higher than usual asking price of Rs. 1.50 lakh. Whether you want the XL6 with the manual or an automatic transmission, Zeta is the variant to buy and it is our top recommendation for all XL6 buyers.

Maruti Nexa XL6 Zeta vs Alpha Variant - Features, Price Comparison

The Alpha variant of the Maruti Nexa XL6 costs Rs. 12.29 lakh with the manual transmission and Rs. 13.79 lakh with the automatic. These prices are Rs. 1.0 lakh more than the XL6 Zeta. For this additional sum, you get the following features:

• 360-degree camera
• Auto-headlamps
• Auto-folding outside mirrors
• Vanity mirror with light
• Leather upholstery
• UV-cut windows

The Alpha variant of the Maruti Suzuki Nexa XL6 doesn’t add enough features to warrant an upgrade because none of the features are must-have. Moreover, its incremental cost over the Zeta is quite high for the additional features. We’d suggest getting the Zeta variant and installing a rear camera, which is easily available from the aftermarket for a nominal price and is very easy to install too. If you are still keen to buy the Alpha, then you will have to compromise a bit on the value-for-money front.

Maruti Nexa XL6 Alpha vs Alpha Plus Variant - Features, Price Comparison

The Alpha Plus variant of the Maruti Nexa XL6 costs Rs. 12.89 lakh with the manual transmission and Rs. 14.39 lakh with the automatic. These prices are Rs. 60,000 more than the XL6 Alpha. For this additional sum, you get:

• Tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
• Optional dual-tone exterior for additional Rs. 16,000
• Ventilated front seats
• Rear spoiler

The Alpha Plus variant of the Maruti Suzuki Nexa XL6 is not recommended as it doesn’t justify the additional asking price. However, for the high perceived value and usability of ventilated front seats, you can consider buying the top model. Since the Alpha variant gets leather upholstery, it can get sweaty even with air conditioning turned on. Fabric seats of the base Zeta variant are a lot more breathable. So, the ventilated seats may become a must-have feature for you if the XL6 Alpha is already on your radar.

Which Variant Of The Maruti Nexa XL6 Petrol, CNG Should You Buy?

With the Nexa XL6, the choice is still easy. The Zeta variant makes better financial sense than the Alpha and the Alpha Plus variants. It offers almost all must-have features for a good price while making the Alpha and Alpha Plus look like expensive upgrades. Moreover, it’s available with all powertrain options. The fabric upholstery of the base Zeta variant is also more breathable than the leather seats of the Alpha. To get some ventilation, you have to jump straight to the Alpha Plus. If the price gap between the base Zeta and the Alpha Plus was Rs. 1.0 lakh, then the top variant would have earned our recommendation. But, the way things stand right now, the Zeta remains an easy recommendation for the XL6 buyers. Because of the flat price difference between manual and automatic variants, this recommendation is valid for XL6 automatic and CNG buyers also.

What Are The Engine Specifications Of The Maruti Nexa XL6 Petrol, CNG?

The lower 2 variants of the Kia Carens with the 1.5L normal petrol engine seem like suitable competitors for the Maruti Suzuki XL6. The 1.5L normal petrol engine of the Kia Carens has 12PS more power and 7Nm more torque than the XL6. It also has a 6-speed manual transmission while the XL6 has a 5-speed manual.

The XL6, however, has the option of a 6-speed torque converter automatic while the Carens 1.5L doesn’t get an automatic transmission at all. The XL6 also maintains its upper hand in terms of fuel efficiency. The mild hybrid engine of the XL6 petrol helps it deliver 20.97kmpl mileage with the manual and 20.27kmpl with the automatic. Meanwhile, the Carens only promises 15.7kmpl.

Find out how you can get the best mileage or fuel efficiency from your car:

10 Tips To Get Better Mileage From Your Petrol, Diesel Or CNG Car

*Estimated

With the CNG powertrain, the XL6 offers a lower power and torque output but much better fuel efficiency while running on cheaper fuel. The XL6 CNG costs Rs. 95,000 more than the petrol-manual. Considering the official mileage figures, fuel costs in Delhi and ex-showroom prices, you can expect to recover this amount in about 45,000 - 50,000km.

You can use our Fuel Cost Calculator to see how much any petrol, diesel or CNG car will cost to run based on the latest fuel price in your city.

V3Cars Fuel Cost Calculator

What Are The Dimensions Of The Maruti Nexa XL6?

The Carens is a larger car than the XL6 and you’ll notice the difference without a measuring tape when you see the 2 cars on the road next to one another. The Carens is longer and wider and has a longer wheelbase too. However, the exterior dimensions don’t translate into a larger boot space. With all seats upright, the boot space of the Carens only has 7L more storage than the XL6.

*Expected

What Are The Colour Options Of The Maruti Nexa XL6?

The XL6 is available in the following 6 monotone exterior colours:

• Blue
• Brown
• Red (not available with Alpha Plus)
• Grey
• Silver
• White

In addition, there are 3 dual-tone colour options available with the top-spec Alpha Plus variant for an additional Rs. 16,000:

• Brown with black roof
• Silver with black roof
• Red with black roof

Note: Here is a quick look at our length-based segmentation of cars to give you an idea of how we classify cars based on their size.