Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Vs Mahindra Xylo

 

The people carrier from the makers of the peoples car takes on one from a much larger family

First, the essentials 

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga 

Price in lakh (Ex-showroom, Mum)     Rs 5.89-8.45  

ENGINE 1373cc, I-4, petrol/ 1248cc, I-4, diesel 94 bhp@6000 rpm/89 bhp@4000 rpm 13.25 kgm@4000 rpm/ 20.39 kgm@ 1750 rpm  

TRANSMISSION     5-speed manual     

DIMENSIONS in mm (L/W/H) 4265/1695/1685 

WHEELBASE 2740 mm  

GROUND CLEARANCE 185 mm  

KERB WEIGHT 960-1060 kg

Mahindra Xylo  

Price in lakh (Ex-showroom, Mum)     Rs 7.09 - 10.14 

ENGINE    2498cc, I-4, diesel/2179cc, I-4, diesel 112 bhp@3800 rpm/122 bhp@4000 rpm 26.5 kgm@1800-2200 rpm/ 28.55 kgm@1800-2800 rpm  

TRANSMISSION 5-speed manual  

DIMENSIONS in mm (L/W/H) mm 4520/1850/1905 

WHEELBASE 2760 mm  

GROUND CLEARANCE 186 mm  

KERB WEIGHT 1800 kg  

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT THIS CAR? Maruti Suzuki Ertiga 

Here’s my people carrier from the maker of the people’s car! The Ertiga is front-wheel driven – I can upgrade from my Ritz without re-learning driving. The Ertiga offers two peppy engines, which are pretty fuel efficient. It’s comfortable too. The middle row slides and getting in and out for my grandparents isn’t an issue either.  

Mahindra Xylo 

With the recent facelift, the Xylo is not bad looking. You get a lot of metal and power for less money – it’s like the Innova without that stiff price tag. It is massive inside; you could have a party in it and it is versatile too. It is more rugged than any Maruti Suzuki will be and there is this go-anywhere feel about it.

WHAT ARE YOUR FRIENDS GOING TO say BEHIND YOUR BACK ABOUT THIS CAR? Maruti Suzuki Ertiga  

That you have upgraded from a smaller Ritz to a larger one, with a few Honda Jazz elements. They will snigger at the way it looks at the back and wonder at what local mechanic you got the body job done. Your friends will curse you, especially the ones sitting in the last row. They will know you had a tight budget, which is why you didn’t buy a proper people carrier. 

Mahindra Xylo  

They will laugh at your attempt to justify this big MPV’s looks. Then they will comment on what a good school it is for students of ergonomics to learn how to do MPV interiors better. They may relax in the luxury of the Xylo, but will have things to say about its gearing and the way it dives while braking. They will also notice you don’t have place to park it anywhere.

Is it a car to drive or to be driven in?  

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga 

It is a Suzuki, so some fun-to-drive elements can be expected in it, even if it’s an MPV. It is front-wheel driven, so it is quite chuckable. The new 1.4-litre K Series motor is brilliant – if carrying less load, it is a fun car to pilot. The diesel is also the best in the business. Maruti Suzuki’s ride quality has improved. So you can do both!  

Mahindra Xylo  

The diesel motor of the Xylo is a strong performer. Even with a full load, the low-down torque helps. The gearing and gearshift quality may be off, but the engine overwhelms it with its gusto. The Xylo cannot be hustled around corners too fast, but as far as driving pleasure goes, it is best felt on the open highway – it cruises brilliantly. Passengers are kept comfortable overall. Net net, it is better to be a passenger in it. 

What will your neighbours think of you when you buy it ?  

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga 

That you are a family man with family values. You want your family with you wherever you go. You are frugal and don’t want to indulge anyone. You have been buying Suzukis all along, so you are not a risk-taker and aren’t impulsive. All great attributes to attract a wife, but not good enough to get yourself a girlfriend!  

Mahindra Xylo 

That you are in the fleet taxi business – undercover, of course. You have a driver to take you to office and then you send him to different customers to ferry them from one place to another. Otherwise, why would you buy a utility vehicle as a personal carrier? Or, you got yourself the Xylo to mark your parking territory.