Kia Carens vs Maruti Suzuki XL6 for Style-conscious Buyers: Which is the Best Variant in Rs 10-15 Lakh Range?
What are the best designed cars, or top car models with great design in India? What appeals to a design buff in a car? Let us look at the Kia Carens and Maruti Suzuki XL6, and see what makes these models stylish cars.
In this article, we will share
- What a style-conscious buyer looks for in a car
- Kia Carens vs Maruti Suzuki XL6 – a comprehensive analysis of their variants, design, and style
- How to pick the right car for you
What a Style-Conscious Buyer Looks for in a Car
Here’s what a style-conscious buyer should look for in a car:
- Design aesthetics – is the car well-designed, both outside and inside?
- Convenience features – What convenience features does the car have?
- Road presence – How does the car look on the road? Is it distinctive/good-looking/stylish, and a head-turner on the road?
A style-conscious buyer prioritizes a car’s aesthetic appeal, seeking a vehicle that makes a bold statement on the road. They appreciate striking exterior designs with sculpted body lines, futuristic lighting elements, and premium paint finishes.
Inside, they look for a well-crafted interior with high-quality materials, attractive dashboard layouts, and advanced infotainment systems. Features like sunroofs, alloy wheels, and ambient lighting add to the car’s visual appeal. Style-conscious buyers also value a smooth and powerful driving experience that complements the car’s fashionable appearance.
Why Kia Carens and Maruti Suzuki XL6 are popular
The Kia Carens and Maruti Suzuki XL6 have gained popularity among style-conscious buyers due to their distinct designs and feature-rich offerings.
The Kia Carens boasts a futuristic and striking exterior, with sculpted body lines, sleek lighting elements, and a bold stance. Its premium interior features high-quality materials, a modern dashboard layout, and advanced technology, such as a large touchscreen infotainment system. The Carens also offers a range of powerful engine options, including turbocharged variants, which provide an exhilarating driving experience that complements its stylish appearance.
On the other hand, the Maruti Suzuki XL6 showcases a balanced and sculpted design, with glossy paint finishes and blacked-out pillars that add a touch of sophistication. The XL6’s interior is well-appointed, with a modern dashboard design, synthetic leather upholstery in higher variants, and a host of comfort and convenience features. The XL6 also benefits from Maruti Suzuki’s mild-hybrid technology, which enhances fuel efficiency without compromising on performance.
Both the Kia Carens and Maruti Suzuki XL6 offer a compelling combination of style, features, and performance, making them popular choices among style-conscious buyers who seek a car that stands out from the crowd.
Kia Carens and Maruti Suzuki XL6 variants shortlist in Rs 10-15 lakh range
For Maruti Suzuki XL6, we have:
| Variant | Price as on 8 April 2024 |
|---|---|
| Zeta | ₹1,156,000 |
| Alpha Plus Dual Tone | ₹1,332,000 |
| Alpha Plus AT Dual Tone | ₹1,482,000 |
For Kia Carens, we have:
| Variant | Price as on 8 April 2024 |
|---|---|
| Premium | ₹1,045,000 |
| Prestige iMT | ₹1,335,000 |
| Prestige Plus iMT | ₹1,485,000 |
Maruti Suzuki XL6 Zeta
The XL6 Zeta variant offers a stylish exterior with sculpted body lines, LED headlights, and 16-inch alloy wheels. The interior features a modern dashboard design, a 7-inch LCD touchscreen infotainment system, and cloth upholstery. The Zeta variant is an attractive choice for style-conscious buyers who desire a well-equipped car with a balanced design. If you are a family-focused car buyer, you can read our comparison of the XL6 with Citroen C3 Aircross.
Maruti Suzuki XL6 Alpha Plus Dual Tone
The Alpha Plus Dual Tone variant takes the style quotient up a notch with its dual-tone color scheme, adding a touch of exclusivity. It features synthetic leather upholstery, a 360-degree camera, and cruise control, offering a more premium experience. This variant is ideal for buyers who seek a distinctive and feature-packed car.
Maruti Suzuki XL6 Alpha Plus AT Dual Tone
As the range-topping variant, the Alpha Plus AT Dual Tone offers the convenience of an advanced automatic transmission, along with all the features of the Alpha Plus Dual Tone variant. It is the perfect choice for style-conscious buyers who prioritize comfort and effortless driving. If you’re buying your first car, you can check out our comparison of the XL6 with Honda City and Kia Seltos 2023.
Kia Carens Premium
The entry-level Premium variant of the Carens showcases a futuristic and striking design with sculpted body lines and a bold stance. While it may not have the most advanced features, the Premium variant offers a strong foundation for style-conscious buyers who prioritize aesthetics.
Kia Carens Prestige iMT
The Prestige iMT variant enhances the Carens’ style with 16-inch steel wheels, synthetic leather upholstery, and an 8-inch LCD touchscreen infotainment system. It also features a turbocharged petrol engine and an advanced dual-clutch transmission (DCT), offering a thrilling driving experience. If you’re a performance enthusiast, you can read our comparison of the Carens with Hyundai Creta 2024 and Kia Seltos 2023.
Kia Carens Prestige Plus iMT
As the top-spec variant, the Prestige Plus iMT offers the ultimate package for style-conscious buyers. It includes all the features of the Prestige iMT and adds 16-inch alloy wheels, LED DRLs, and a power sunroof, elevating the car’s visual appeal and premium feel.
Our Pick for the Best variant among Kia Carens and Maruti Suzuki XL6 for Style-conscious buyers
After carefully analyzing the variants of the Kia Carens and Maruti Suzuki XL6, we recommend the Kia Carens Prestige Plus iMT as the best option for style-conscious buyers. This variant stands out with its futuristic and striking exterior design, featuring sculpted body lines, sleek lighting elements, and a bold stance. The addition of 16-inch alloy wheels and LED DRLs further enhances its visual appeal, making it a head-turner on the road.
The Prestige Plus iMT offers a premium and well-crafted cabin that caters to the style-conscious buyer’s discerning tastes. The synthetic leather upholstery, slim dashboard design, and chrome-finished door handles create a luxurious ambiance. The 8-inch LCD touchscreen infotainment system with voice-activated controls and navigation adds a touch of advanced technology to the interior.
Performance-wise, the Prestige Plus iMT is powered by a turbocharged petrol engine that delivers quick acceleration and linear power delivery. The advanced dual-clutch transmission (DCT) offers fast and smooth gear shifts, enhancing the driving experience. The car’s suspension is well-tuned, providing a balance between comfort and stability, while the moderate body roll and good noise insulation contribute to a refined ride quality.
In terms of safety, the Prestige Plus iMT is equipped with six airbags, electronic stability control, and a rear parking camera, ensuring the occupants’ well-being. Additional features like a power sunroof, automatic climate control, and cruise control add to the car’s overall appeal and convenience.
Considering its futuristic design, premium features, advanced technology, and strong performance, the Kia Carens Prestige Plus iMT emerges as the best choice for style-conscious buyers who seek a car that combines cutting-edge aesthetics with a thrilling driving experience.
The Top 3 choices
- Kia Carens Prestige Plus iMT
- Maruti Suzuki XL6 Alpha Plus AT Dual Tone
- Kia Carens Prestige iMT
| Attributes | Kia Carens Prestige Plus iMT | Maruti Suzuki XL6 Alpha Plus AT Dual Tone | Kia Carens Prestige iMT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alloy Wheels | Yes | Yes | No |
| DRLs | Yes | Yes | No |
| Touchscreen | Yes (8-inch LCD) | Yes (7-inch LCD) | Yes (8-inch LCD) |
| Synthetic Leather | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Push Button Start | Yes | Yes | No |
| Cruise Control | Yes | Yes | No |
| Automatic Climate Control | Yes | Yes | No |
| Rear AC Vents | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Engine Type | Turbo Petrol | Mild Hybrid | Turbo Petrol |
| Transmission Type | DCT (Advanced Automatic) | AT (Advanced Automatic) | DCT (Advanced Automatic) |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The Kia Carens Prestige Plus iMT takes the top spot for its comprehensive package that caters to the style-conscious buyer’s needs. Its futuristic design, premium features like synthetic leather upholstery and a power sunroof, and advanced technology set it apart. The turbocharged petrol engine and DCT transmission offer a thrilling driving experience.
- The Maruti Suzuki XL6 Alpha Plus AT Dual Tone secures the second position with its distinctive dual-tone color scheme, adding a touch of exclusivity. The XL6’s sculpted design, combined with features like LED DRLs, synthetic leather upholstery, and a 360-degree camera, make it an attractive choice for style-conscious buyers. The mild-hybrid engine and advanced automatic transmission provide a smooth and efficient driving experience.
- The Kia Carens Prestige iMT rounds off the top three, sharing many of the premium features and advanced technology found in the Prestige Plus iMT variant. While it misses out on alloy wheels and some convenience features, the Prestige iMT still offers a stylish design, synthetic leather upholstery, and a powerful turbocharged engine, making it a compelling option for buyers who prioritize performance and aesthetics.
All three variants offer a unique blend of style, features, and performance that cater to the preferences of style-conscious buyers. Ultimately, the final decision depends on the individual buyer’s specific needs and preferences.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.