Maruti Suzuki has planned five new models for the Indian market, which are reported to arrive in this fiscal year (2020-2022). The plan outlines the new-generation Celerio hatchback, Vitara Brezza subcompact SUV and Baleno hatchback and the updated Ertiga and XL6 MPVs. Launched in August 2019, the Maruti XL6 MPV underpins the Heartect platform and comes with 6-seater layout. In February 2020, the Japanese automaker introduced the Suzuki XL7 (7-seater version of the XL6) in the Indonesian market.
According to a fresh media report, the 2022 Maruti XL6 might be offered with the 7-seats configuration early next year (possibly in the month of January). Similar to the Indonesian model, the India-spec version could be named Maruti XL7. It will be slightly longer (5mm) and taller (10mm) than the XL6. The new model will offer a bench seat for the middle row occupants. In terms of design and styling, the Maruti XL7 will be similar the XL6 and carry most of the features and components from its smaller version.
The 2022 Maruti XL6 7-seater model, however, could be offered with the newly-designed alloy wheels with slightly wider tyres. The contrast black roof, rear spoiler and XL7 badge on the tailgate will further distinguish it from the XL6. The Indonesia-spec XL7 comes with the slightly larger 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, IRVM with rear camera display and a foldable armrest for the bench-type middle row seats.
The Maruti XL7 will offer a boot space of 803-litres with third and second row folded, 550-litres with third row folded and 153-litres with all three rows up. That means, the updated 7-seater model will have around 111-litres extra cargo space than the XL6. The updated MPV will also witness minor cosmetic changes and feature upgrades.
No changes are likely to be made under the hood. The 2022 Maruti XL6 7-seater MPV will derive power from the same 1.5L K15B petrol engine delivering power worth 105PS and 138Nm of torque. Reports suggest that the carmaker might introduce the BS6-compliant 1.5L diesel engine to the MPV model lineup. Transmission choices will include a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic.
