Maruti XL7 SUV

Maruti XL7 SUV: My Personal Take

The news of the Maruti XL7 coming hit me hard and my first thought was: Another Maruti SUV? *Don’t they already have this segment covered? For Maruti, it’s always been about affordable, no frills cars in the Indian market and I mean. This time though, it seems like they are trying to do more than just a vanilla budget SUV. But as I dug a bit deeper I realized the XL7 has a teeny tiny bit premium flair to it that could make us think about Maruti’s lineup in a different way. As someone who tends to view these things with a pinch of skepticism, I had one question in mind: *It could dethrone the incumbent as the king of the one phone to rule them all within six months.* So, let’s just see what Maruti may have in store for us with this new addition.

What's the Buzz about the Maruti XL7?

Then why is so much fuss being made about Maruti XL7? Well, it is expected to act as a bigger and more premium sibling of the regular XL6. The XL6 was a sophisticated, urban MPV with a pinch of SUV vibe, whereas the XL7 seemingly tries having a more proper SUV experience. Maruti's rumored motivation seems to be building a car in between a practical family mover and a tougher looking SUV you'd still be happy to take out for a weekend adventure.

At least on paper, what makes the XL7 stand out is more room, some better features, and slightly more robust design. And, after all, it’s Maruti, known to offer good value for money. If they can accomplish this on a price front, this could be a nice pick for the folks who have been looking for something other than just a basic family car.

Design and Styling: A Step Up?

It looks like the Maruti XL7 will take a fair bit of inspiration from the XL6 for styling, but with a couple of changes made to give it a little more SUV appeal. It’s a bit beefier, bit more muscular, a bit more road presence. Expect bold front grille, cladding around the wheel arches, actually useful roof rails instead of whatever going on there now.

I’m also wondering if they’ll make it a taller stance and possibly put some skid plates to match up with that rugged vibe. The real kicker is seven seats. There’s no third row here, but if you’re a part of a big family, or just want more room in general, that third row could really come in handy. But I want to see whether Maruti can give a design that’s both functional as well as stylish without making it look too bulky.

Engine and Performance: A Familiar Heart?

Rumour has it the Maruti XL7 will continue with the same 1.5-litre K15B petrol engine that we have seen in other Maruti offerings. It’s been a fine car for city driving, with the occasional highway sprint. It may not win you any drag races, but it’s reliable, fuel efficient, and easy to maintain, all things that Maruti owners find attractive.

I would guess the power will still be around 105 PS, which should be enough for a family SUV. But here’s what I want to see: Will Maruti turn the suspension and handling around to make it feel more SUVlike? But whatever the XL7 will aim to be, it's a much cosier and more comfortable city cruiser than the XL6 has always been, and so if it's going to say it's a decent SUV, it's going to need some confidence in how it handles rougher roads. Maybe a bit higher ground clearance, and a bit stiffer setup?

Interior and Features: Will It Be a Step Up?

That’s where things get interesting. But rumor has it, the XL7 will be equipped with a few more creature comforts than the XL6. There are leatherette seats, a larger touchscreen infotainment system, and if Maruti really goes all out, maybe even a panoramic sunroof in the story we are talking about. That sounds like a pretty tempting treat for anyone looking to add in a little upscale without climbing the price higher. But if they can fit some premium features in without ballooning the price it will be a very sweet deal.

What I'd like to see is the use of soft touch materials on the inside and a better second row experience; those captain seats make long drives easy. I'm also intrigued by whether they can better the third row, beyond legibly being to cram kids in there. After all, if you have seven seats, why do you only have use for five?

Who is the Maruti XL7 meant for?

So, would I recommend it? If you have always wanted the XL6 but always felt it was lacking something of that extra bit of SUV, then the XL7 will do the trick. It’s as practical as it’s always been, but with more space and hopefully some extra character. I think it’d be a fantastic option for families that want an SUV look and feel but don’t really need hardcore off road capabilities.

It’s almost the same as moving from a regular coffee to a grande; it’s just a bigger coffee. This could be a sturdy choice for these desperate for a 7 seater without wanting to proceed with the larger SUV segment if Maruti can get the pricing right.

What to Keep in Mind

Of course, no car is perfect and the XL7 will probably have it’s share of compromises, but it’s time to take a serious look at itself. If they don't change the engine, it might easily feel underpowered when fully loaded. Seven people and luggage? The trouble with that 1.5 liter engine is that might have a hard time when you were overtaking, or going up hills. Then there is Maruti’s penchant for using a little too much hard plastic in its interior. If they can’t increase the quality, then what’s supposed to be an upgrade might not really feel like an upgrade.

Then there’s the competition. But in some aspects, the XL7 will likely be squaring up against the likes of the Hyundai Alcazar and even the Tata Safari. Clearly, both these SUVs have more to offer in terms of features and power, so Maruti has a lot to do to carry on with this name. If they can get their pricing right and put together a balanced bundle, they could well be onto a winner.

Final Thoughts: Should You Wait for It?

So, what’s my take? So if you are not in the market for a typical family SUV, the Maruti XL7 might well be worth a wait. And if Maruti play their cards right, it could be a pretty good addition to its lineup of cars, by hitting that sweet spot where practicality meets style. As I stated, it’s all subject to how packed they decide to make it and at what price point.

What about you? Would you ever consider the Maruti XL7? You rather want a beefier version though, perhaps the Hyundai Alcazar? Let me know if you have thoughts!