Searching for a new family car that’s practical, fuel-efficient, and packed with features? The Maruti XL6 CNG Base Model 2025 might be just right. I took a deep look at the XL6 Zeta CNG variant, comparing it with its popular sibling, the Ertiga, and pulled out everything you need to know before making your decision.
Overview of the Maruti XL6 Zeta CNG Variant
The Maruti XL6 CNG Base Model 2025 is designed with Indian families in mind. If you’re planning to buy a six-seater CNG car for your family trips, school runs, or daily commutes, this one checks a lot of boxes.
Here’s why the XL6 stands out:
- Offers many features you usually see in higher trims.
- Feels more premium and better equipped than the Ertiga, especially on the important basics.
- Great value for money with a wallet-friendly CNG running cost.
Price Highlights:
- Ex-showroom price: ₹12,78,500
- On-road price in Lucknow: ₹14,72,447
You get plenty for your money. The XL6 Zeta CNG’s blend of features and efficiency make it a practical choice if you want more than just a people carrier.
Exterior Features and Design
Front Profile
The front of the XL6 Zeta CNG gets a sharp makeover compared to other Maruti models.
- LED headlamps: Two each for high and low beams for better night visibility.
- Bold front grille: Deep chrome elements and Suzuki logo at the center.
- DRLs and turn indicators: Smartly placed for modern looks.
- Fog lamps: Factory-fitted, helping in foggy or rainy conditions.
- Skid plates: Both front and rear, offering extra protection and sporty look.
- Silver roof rails: Integrated on top, giving it a rugged yet urban flair.
- Dual windshield wipers and a sharp, Shark-fin style antenna.
- Front bonnet details: Slight curves and muscle for a sturdy look.
Everything up front feels upmarket and solid, pointing to Maruti’s focus on making the XL6 feel special even before you sit inside.
Side Profile
When viewed from the side, the XL6 Zeta CNG expects attention with premium touches:
- Chrome-plated door handles: Elevate the look and go well with the side cladding.
- Request sensor on the driver’s door for keyless entry.
- Electrically adjustable/foldable side mirrors: Comes with LED turn indicators for convenience and safety.
- Alloy wheels: 16-inch dual-tone diamond cut rims, which look much better than the ones you’ll find on the Ertiga.
- Tire specification: 195/60 R16 – a size that delivers comfort without sacrificing looks.
- Brakes: Disc up front, drum at the rear for reliable stopping.
- Side cladding: Makes the body robust and less prone to dings.
- Safety features: ABS and EBD included for extra peace of mind.
Alloy Wheel Comparison:
| Feature | XL6 Alloy Wheels | Ertiga Alloy Wheels |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 16-inch | 15-inch |
| Design | Dual-tone, diamond | Basic silver |
| Style | Premium, edgy | Conservative, simple |
Rear Profile
Around the rear, practical touches and details make a difference for everyday use.
Main rear features:
- Smoke grey LED tail lamps with a light guide for better visual appeal.
- Chrome accents around the lamps and center logo.
- Nexa sticker and Suzuki badge, cementing the upscale appeal.
- Rear wiper and defogger for clear views in any weather.
- High-mounted stop lamp for safety.
- 3D “SL6” badging and high-security number plate.
- Rear parking sensors: Four ultrasonic sensors that beep when within three feet of an obstacle, making tight parking stress-free.
- Silver-colored skid plate.
- Spare wheel and visible exhaust tail pipe.
All these boost both beauty and function—it looks good and works in real-world conditions.
Boot Space and Utility
Maruti’s engineers paid attention to every centimeter in the XL6 Zeta CNG.
- Electromagnetic boot release for effortless opening.
- Inside, you get:
- 60 liters or 9 kg CNG cylinder without eating up usable space.
- 45-liter petrol tank for those long runs and flexibility.
- A sturdy wooden plank covers the CNG tank, so you can safely stack everyday items or travel bags.
- Toolkit slot includes all essentials at hand’s reach.
- Need to load more? Fold the rear seats flat to extend storage, perfect for carrying extra luggage on weekend trips.
- This clever packaging means you don’t sacrifice cargo space, even with the big CNG tank.
Interior Cabin and Seating Comfort
Rear Passenger Area
The moment you step in, you’ll notice black door padding with a modern finish. Here’s what you get as a passenger:
- Integrated speakers placed low, ensuring good audio quality.
- 1-liter bottle holder and lots of little storage cubbies.
- Power window controls easily accessible.
- Sleek chrome inside door handles for added style.
- Child safety locks to keep little ones secure.
Moving to the seats:
- Fabric upholstery feels premium and is easy to maintain.
- Captain seats in the middle row: both come with adjustable headrests and armrests—giving a more relaxed, VIP-like feel.
- ISOFIX mounts for child seats.
- Third-row seating with surprising space, thanks to clever seat design.
- Adjustable headrests and dedicated bottle holders on both sides.
- Large quarter glass means lots of daylight and ventilation, keeping things airy even during summer.
- 12V power socket for gadget charging.
- Grab handles and reading lights for passenger comfort.
Despite the big CNG cylinder under the boot, I found enough legroom in the last row for adults on shorter journeys or kids on longer ones. It doesn’t feel cramped; in fact, the focus on space here really shines.
Extra points for the armrest comfort. The second-row captain seat’s armrest, when you actually use it, adds a layer of luxury rare at this price. Plus, the AC vents (blowers, not active coolers) offer airflow you can direct and adjust easily. A real bonus on hot days.
Driver Side and Front Cabin
Maruti’s thoughtfulness continues up front.
Central locking is keyless—just keep the smart key in your pocket. There are three unlocking points: driver side, co-driver side, and near the boot.
What the driver gets:
- Door with speaker slot, bottle holder, and utility space.
- Power window controls and chrome inside handle.
- ORVM controls for quick mirror adjustments.
- Mixed leather and fabric seat upholstery.
- Height-adjustable driver seat for the perfect driving position.
- Six airbags, including SRS units, offer top-end safety assurance.
- Adjustable headrests for front occupants.
- Tilt and telescopic steering wheel: set it just how you like it.
- Engine start-stop button at your fingertips.
- Dual-fuel mode toggle lets you switch between CNG and petrol instantly.
- Big, easy-to-read instrument cluster providing all key information.
Plus, everything from headlight adjustment to traction control to pedal and bonnet release is within easy reach.
Feature checklist:
- 6 airbags (driver, passenger, side)
- Adjustable steering (tilt & telescopic)
- Height adjustable seats
- SRS airbag stickers
- Traction control and headlight adjuster
The whole cockpit feels organized, safe, and ready for long, relaxed drives.
Infotainment and Dashboard Features
Maruti nailed the basics for tech lovers while keeping it simple for anyone hopping inside.
- 8-inch full LCD touchscreen: Comes standard, even in the base variant.
- Android Auto & Apple CarPlay support
- Bluetooth, USB, FM Radio
- Multifunction steering wheel: Volume, calls, and voice (Google/Siri) commands are all steering-mounted for distraction-free control.
- Cruise control: Ideal for long highway runs, also steering-mounted.
- Fully automatic temperature control: Digital AC panel and front defogger with automatic and manual modes.
- Hazard lights easily accessed next to the infotainment.
- 12V power and USB ports up front for charging.
- Cool bottle/cup holders within easy reach.
- Multi-Information Display (MID): Shows coolant, fuel levels, odometer, current and average mileage—all easily checked with the press of a button.
In short, everything I need for a smooth, connected drive, even on long out-of-town trips, is included right from the base model.
Mechanical and Performance Specifications
Engine and Mileage
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 4-cylinder, 1462 cc |
| Valvetrain | Inline 4-valve, DOHC |
| Max Power | 87 BHP |
| Max Torque | 121.5 Nm |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Petrol Mileage | ~20 kmpl |
| CNG Mileage | ~26 kmpl |
You get a sweet spot for both city and highway efficiency, especially with the big CNG tank—making long drives affordable.
Suspension and Brakes
- Front suspension: Coil spring with MacPherson strut
- Rear suspension: Coil spring with torsion beam
- Braking: Reliable disc up front, drum at the rear
There’s enough road clearance and comfort tuning to tackle both city potholes and highway stretches.
Safety Recap
- 6 airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Four rear parking sensors
Pricing, Insurance, and On-Road Cost Breakdown
Here’s how the price shapes up for Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh (as of this review):
- Ex-showroom price: ₹12,78,500
- RTO and registration (15 years): ₹1,42,735
- Insurance (1 year zero dep + 2 years third party): ₹37,827
- TCS (1% of ex-showroom): ₹12,785
- Extended warranty (optional): ₹31,970
- Accessories: ₹15,527
- Registration tag: ₹600
Grand total on-road price: ₹15,20,829
Note: On-road costs change depending on state taxes, insurance choices, and optional extras. To see the price for your city, drop your city and desired variant in the comments.
Each chunk above has a clear reason:
- RTO: Legally registers the car for 15 years, so you don’t worry about paperwork anytime soon.
- Insurance: Covers both your car and others—choose add-ons for more peace of mind.
- TCS: For models above 10 lakh, this 1% is required.
- Warranty: Extending it saves future repair costs.
- Accessories: Popular ones include floor mats, seat covers, and mud flaps.
- Registration tag: For compliance with local rules.
If you like customizing your car, I suggest considering the extended warranty and essential accessories for that new car feel.
Additional Interior Amenities and Practical Features
Even the little things make family life easier in the XL6 Zeta CNG.
- Passenger vanity mirror on sun visor
- Two AC vents for passenger comfort
- Sunglass holder up top
- Grab handles on all doors for easy entry/exit
- Day and night rearview mirror to cut glare at night
- Ticket holder built into the sun visor
- All-black sporty dashboard trim
- Fuel lid opener next to driver seat
- Cup holders and storage bins everywhere you look
Conclusion
After taking a close look at the Maruti XL6 CNG Base Model 2025, I’m convinced it stands out in the crowded six-seater space. Here’s why:
- You get real value, top-tier safety, and a plush feel without the “top model” price.
- Every feature feels picked with large families and practical drivers in mind.
- Even with that big CNG cylinder, you don’t lose out on cabin or boot space—a rare achievement in this segment.
- Maruti’s 1462 cc engine strikes a perfect balance between economy and driveability.
If you’re comparing it to the Ertiga, the XL6 outshines its sibling in areas that matter daily—wheels, style, comfort, and features. And once you add in the cost savings from running on CNG, the total package becomes hard to beat.
