Maruti Suzuki invested Rs 100 cr to develop XL6 multi-purpose vehicle

The new model comes with 1.5 litre petrol powertrain with progressive smart hybrid system paired with lithium-ion battery. The XL6 will be available in five-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmission options. Manual trims are priced at Rs 9.79 lakh and Rs 10.36 lakh, respectively, while the automatic versions are tagged at Rs 10.89 lakh and Rs 11.46 lakh. It comes with six seat configuration with captain seats in second row. “The XL6 is an exclusive six-seater premium MPV, designed to meet the aspirations of evolved NEXA customers,” Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) MD and CEO Kenichi Ayukawa told reporters here.

The vehicle would be sold through the company’s Nexa premium retail chain which has expanded its presence in over 200 cities with 364 outlets, he added. “There is a considerable increase in demand for premium multi purpose vehicles (MPVs) owing to the ever-evolving customer needs,” Ayukawa said. XL6 is seventh model from the company’s stable to be compliant with BS-VI norms.

Ayukawa said that Indian auto industry is undergoing a major shift in terms of new regulations, new technologies and new policies. “On regulations, we will be ready much before the stipulated timelines,” Ayukawa said.

Through focus on new technologies like CNG, hybrid and electric vehicles the company aims to bring down emissions and give environment friendly mobility solutions to its customers, Ayukawa said. When asked if the company would rethink its decision to discontinue small diesel engines, Ayukawa said small diesel engines are not feasible for BS-VI compliance.

“For bigger size (diesel engine) we have to study and see market trends, if there is customer demand, we will consider, but is very difficult to continue with small diesel vehicles,” he noted. The company and its vendor partners have invested Rs 100 crore on the development of the new model. The company might also look at exporting the vehicle to neighbouring countries as well.