As a family man, you consider only the best, or top family cars in India when deciding on which one to buy. Today, let’s look at the Kia Carens and Maruti Suzuki XL6, and find out what makes them family-friendly car models in India.
In this article, we will share
- What family-focused buyers look for in a car
- Kia Carens vs Maruti Suzuki XL6– a detailed analysis of their features, space, and safety
- How to pick the right car for you
So, are these perfect cars for a small family, or can they accommodate large families, too? And which of these is the right car for a family man? Read on.
What a Family-focused car buyer looks for in a car
Here’s what a family-focused buyer should look for in car:
- Safety – A car must have essential safety features, and a good safety rating
- Space and comfort – The car must have ample space to accommodate all family members, and must include convenience features like rear AC vents
- Ride and handling – The car’s ride and handling need to be good
Family-focused car buyers prioritize safety, space, and comfort. Key features include multiple airbags, advanced safety ratings, and driver-assistance systems for protection.
Spacious interiors, ample legroom, and significant boot capacity are vital for accommodating family needs. Comfort elements like climate control, supportive seating, and a smooth ride are also crucial.
Additionally, features like rear AC vents, parking sensors, and user-friendly infotainment systems enhance the practicality of a family car. Fuel efficiency and low maintenance costs are also important considerations for these buyers.
Why Kia Carens and Maruti Suzuki XL6 are Popular
Kia Carens and Maruti Suzuki XL6 are popular among family car buyers for their combination of space, safety, and value. Both offer roomy interiors, ensuring comfort for all passengers, and ample boot space for family luggage. Safety-wise, they come equipped with features like multiple airbags, ABS, and parking assistance, appealing to safety-conscious families.
Carens excels with its stylish design, modern interiors, and availability of features like lane-keeping assist and a high GNCAP safety rating. It offers a range of engine and transmission choices, catering to different driving preferences.
The XL6 stands out for its robust build quality, reliability, and mild hybrid technology, offering an efficient and smooth driving experience.
These models are also backed by strong brand reputations. Kia is known for innovative features and robust build quality, while Maruti Suzuki is synonymous with reliability and excellent after-sales service. The blend of comfort, safety, practicality, and brand reliability makes them excellent choices for families.
Kia Carens and Maruti Suzuki XL6 Variants Shortlist in Rs 12-14 Lakh Range
For Kia Carens, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 10 January 2024 |
| Premium iMT | ₹12,00,000 |
| Prestige iMT | ₹13,35,000 |
| Prestige Diesel iMT | ₹13,95,000 |
For Maruti Suzuki XL6, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 10 January 2024 |
| Alpha | ₹12,56,000 |
| Zeta AT | ₹13,06,000 |
| Alpha Plus Dual Tone | ₹13,32,000 |
Kia Carens Premium iMT
Offers turbocharging for a responsive drive, essential safety features, and moderate body roll for a stable experience. Its spacious interior and boot capacity make it suitable for family use. If you’re budget-conscious, you can read our comparison of the Carens with Maruti Suzuki Ertiga.
Kia Carens Prestige iMT
Builds on the Premium variant with added features like synthetic leather upholstery and a better audio system. Its combination of luxury, safety, and practicality makes it ideal for families seeking a premium feel.
Kia Carens Prestige Diesel iMT
Offers the efficiency of a diesel engine, beneficial for long drives. It shares features with the Prestige iMT but adds the efficiency and torque advantages of a diesel engine. We have also compared the Carens and Ertiga for tech-savvy gadget lovers.
Maruti Suzuki XL6 Alpha
Known for its stable drive, mild hybrid technology, and LED headlights. It offers a blend of efficiency, safety, and comfort, suitable for family buyers.
Maruti Suzuki XL6 Zeta AT
Provides automatic transmission for ease of driving, along with safety and comfort features similar to the Alpha variant, making it a practical choice for families. If you’re a long-distance road trip lover, you can check out our comparison of the XL6 with Maruti Ertiga.
Maruti Suzuki XL6 Alpha Plus Dual Tone
Adds aesthetic appeal with a dual-tone option and maintains the same level of safety and comfort as other XL6 variants, appealing to families who value style along with functionality.
Our Pick for the Best Variant among Kia Carens and Maruti Suzuki XL6 for Family-focused Car Buyers
Considering the needs of a family-focused car buyer, the Kia Carens Prestige iMT emerges as the best variant. This choice is based on its comprehensive blend of safety, comfort, and practicality.
It excels in safety with six airbags, ABS, and stable high-speed driving capabilities. The comfort is enhanced by synthetic leather upholstery and a superior audio system, which together make long journeys more enjoyable for families. Its turbocharged petrol engine ensures a smooth and responsive driving experience, suitable for various driving conditions.
The Carens Prestige iMT also shines in terms of space, offering substantial legroom, headroom, and boot capacity, essential for comfortable family travel. The additional luxury features provide a premium feel, which, combined with practical elements like rear AC vents, parking sensors, and an intuitive infotainment system, make it highly suitable for families.
While slightly pricier than some other variants, the value it delivers in terms of additional features and overall driving experience justifies the cost. Its combination of luxury features, safety, and practicality make it the ideal choice for families looking for a well-rounded vehicle.
The Top 3 Choices
- Kia Carens Prestige iMT
- Maruti Suzuki XL6 Alpha Plus Dual Tone
- Kia Carens Prestige Diesel iMT
| Feature | Kia Carens Prestige iMT | Maruti Suzuki XL6 Alpha Plus Dual Tone | Kia Carens Prestige Diesel iMT |
| Power Windows – Front and Back | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rear AC Vents | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Parking Sensors | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| GNCAP Rating | 3 | 4 | 3 |
| Airbags | 6 | 4 | 6 |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 195 | 180 | 195 |
| Boot Capacity (liters) | 216 | 209 | 216 |
| Touchscreen Navigation | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Parking Camera | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Power Steering | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Engine – Fuel Type | Petrol | Mild Hybrid | Diesel |
| Turbocharging | Yes | No | Yes |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- Kia Carens Prestige iMT: Chosen for its comprehensive safety features, luxury elements, and spacious interiors. Its turbocharged petrol engine and overall build quality provide a premium and comfortable driving experience, ideal for family use.
- Maruti Suzuki XL6 Alpha Plus Dual Tone: Offers a stylish dual-tone exterior along with essential safety and comfort features. Its mild hybrid technology ensures fuel efficiency, making it a practical and economical choice for families.
- Kia Carens Prestige Diesel iMT: Ideal for families prioritizing fuel efficiency and long drives. The diesel engine’s efficiency and the variant’s overall features make it a practical choice for regular family outings.
The three variants offer a balanced mix of safety, comfort, and practicality, making them attractive choices for family-focused car buyers.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.
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