Car Buying Guide: Comparing Base Model XE and XL Variant Features
Choosing a new car can be exciting, but deciding between different variants can be tricky. This guide compares two popular car variants: the Base Model (also referred to as XE) and the XL variant, highlighting their key features and differences. Understanding these details can help you make an informed decision, especially if you’re looking for value or a specific set of features.
Car Key Types
The type of car key you get can impact convenience.
- Base Model (XE): Comes with a standard manual key. You will need to manually lock and unlock the car. It does not include remote central locking.
- XL Variant: Features a remote central locking key. This key has lock and unlock buttons for easy operation and includes the car brand’s logo on the back.
Front Profile Differences
The front design contributes to the car’s overall look.
- Both variants share a black grill with chrome inserts and standard halogen headlamps.
- Base Model (XE): Does not have a skid plate at the front.
- XL Variant: Adds a muscular-looking silver-finish skid plate, enhancing its front appearance.
Side Profile Breakdown
Significant differences are visible from the side of the car, affecting both aesthetics and functionality.
Wheels and Tires:
- Base Model (XE): Equipped with 16-inch steel rims and does not come with wheel covers.
- XL Variant: Also has 16-inch steel rims, but these are fitted with wheel covers for a more finished look. Both variants share the same tire size.
Indicators:
- Base Model (XE): Turn indicators are located on the front fenders.
- XL Variant: Turn indicators are integrated into the outside mirrors (ORVMs).
Outside Mirrors (ORVMs):
- Base Model (XE): Features matte black ORVMs that are manually foldable and adjustable.
- XL Variant: Comes with gloss black ORVMs that are electrically adjustable for convenience.
Pillars and Roof:
- Base Model (XE): The A-pillar is body-colored. It includes roof rails but lacks a shark fin antenna.
- XL Variant: Features a matte black finish on the A-pillar. It also has roof rails and includes a shark fin antenna.
Other Side Features:
- Both variants have body-colored door handles.
- Both cars offer a fuel tank capacity of 44 liters.
Rear Profile Comparison
The rear design also shows some notable distinctions, particularly in convenience features.
- Both variants feature normal halogen tail lights, an integrated spoiler, a high-mount stop lamp, and a black bumper with four reverse parking sensors and reflectors.
- Base Model (XE): Does not include a rear wiper or a defogger.
- XL Variant: Provides a rear wiper and a defogger for improved visibility in adverse weather conditions. It also features a skid plate at the rear.
Boot Space Details
When it comes to cargo, both variants offer similar boot space.
- Both the Base Model (XE) and the XL variant provide the same amount of boot space and do not include a parcel tray.
- Both variants feature adjustable headrests.
- Base Model (XE): Comes with a 14-inch spare wheel.
- XL Variant: Is equipped with a slightly larger 15-inch spare wheel.
Interior Features: Second Row
Passenger comfort in the second row is largely similar between the two variants.
- Both offer dual-tone door trims, power window controls, door openers, bottle holders, and fabric seats.
- Both provide ample legroom and knee room, along with grab handles and adjustable headrests. A roof light is also present in both.
- Neither variant offers a rear armrest.
- XL Variant: The main difference in the second row is the presence of speakers in the doors, due to the inclusion of an audio system.
Interior Features: Driver’s Side and Dashboard
The driver’s cabin and dashboard present the most significant differences, impacting comfort, technology, and convenience.
Door Panels:
- Base Model (XE): The door panel is dual-tone and includes controls for all four power windows. It has provision for speakers and a bottle holder. The ORVMs are manually adjustable and foldable.
- XL Variant: Features a similar dual-tone door panel with power window controls. However, it also includes controls for electric ORVM adjustment and comes with installed speakers. A bottle holder is also present.
Keys:
- Base Model (XE): Uses a manual physical key for starting the car.
- XL Variant: Uses the remote central locking key for ignition, offering more modern convenience.
Dashboard and Controls:
- Both variants feature a digital instrument cluster, manual AC controls, a hazard light switch, a boot unlock button, a 12V charging outlet, ample storage space, a 5-speed manual transmission, two glass holders, a manual handbrake, and dual airbags as standard.
- Both also offer tilt-adjustable steering.
- Base Model (XE): Has a plain steering wheel and does not include an audio system.
- XL Variant: Features a steering wheel with integrated controls for the audio system (volume, source, call functions). It comes with an audio system offering Bluetooth, USB, and Aux connectivity. Additionally, it includes a rear defogger switch and automatic climate control for a more comfortable cabin environment. A microphone and an automatic climate control sensor are also present in the roof area.
Information Display (MID):
- Both variants include a multi-information display showing trip A, trip B, range, service reminders, and tire pressure information.
Glove Box:
- Both variants have a deep glove box without an internal light.
Engine Specifications
Both variants are powered by the same engine options, offering a choice between non-turbo and turbo petrol engines.
- Engine Type: 1.0-liter petrol engine.
- Non-Turbo Option: Produces 72 PS of power and 96 Nm of torque, with an estimated mileage of around 18 kmpl.
- Turbo Option: Delivers 100 PS of power and 160 Nm of torque, with an estimated mileage of around 18-19 kmpl.
Pricing and Value
Understanding the price difference is crucial for assessing the value offered by each variant. Prices mentioned are approximate (ex-showroom and on-road in Lucknow).
- Base Model (XE): Approximately ₹6,00,000 ex-showroom, and around ₹7,00,000 on-road.
- XL Variant: Approximately ₹7,40,000 ex-showroom, and around ₹8,10,000 on-road.
The price difference between the Base Model (XE) and the XL variant is roughly ₹1,15,000. For this extra amount, the XL variant offers numerous additional features, including remote central locking, a front skid plate, wheel covers, electrically adjustable ORVMs with integrated indicators, a rear wiper and defogger, a larger spare wheel, an audio system with steering-mounted controls, and automatic climate control.
Conclusion: Which Variant is Right for You?
The XL variant provides a significant upgrade in features and convenience for the additional price. It could be considered a “value for money” option for those who can extend their budget, as it offers modern amenities and comfort features that are absent in the Base Model (XE). If your budget is tighter, the Base Model (XE) remains a viable option, offering the essential functionalities of the car. Your final choice will depend on your priorities for features, comfort, and budget.
