XL-7 Trades in its Off-Roading Gear for Luxury and ComfortOn its stands at this year's New York International Auto Show, Suzuki
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| The new XL-7 is a completely different machine than the outgoing model. (Photo: Suzuki Canada) |
showed the automotive press two new sport utility vehicles designed for the North American market to bolster the 2006 Grand Vitara, which spearheaded Suzuki's lineup revision. First up was the all-new SX4, a compact SUV-crossover that it designed in part with Italian automaker Fiat. The second vehicle, and the one that will ultimately launch Suzuki into the family-hauling crossover scene, is the all-new, second-generation XL-7.
Unlike
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| New XL-7 is a crossover, rather than a traditional SUV. (Photo: Suzuki Canada) |
the first generation XL-7 which was an extended version of the previous-generation Grand Vitara, with three rows of rather cramped seats and mildly altered styling, the new XL-7 was actually co-developed with General Motors. The new crossover ute is based on the extended wheelbase version of GM's Theta crossover platform, which will underpin the European-market Chevrolet Captiva, and most likely the next generation Saturn VUE. Currently, the Theta platform also forms the basis for the Chevrolet Equinox, Pontiac Torrent, and in its smallest form, the current (2002+) Saturn VUE. Suzuki has added its own touch to the Theta chassis with full-length underbody rails for increased rigidity, allowing for a towing capacity of 1,587 kilos (3,500 lbs).
The switch to a monocoque chassis from a ladder-frame unit should
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| Transfer case and live axles out of the equation; new XL-7 has multi-link and FWD as standard. (Photo: Suzuki Canada) |
really help put Suzuki in contention with rival crossover-makers, in terms of driving experience and passenger comfort. The XL-7 features a four-wheel independent suspension with rear multi-link design, and it comes equipped with standard front-wheel drive; an optional all-wheel drive system is available. On seven-passenger models, the XL-7 gains Nivomat self-leveling rear shock absorbers to keep a consistent ride height and optimize handling under full loads.
As
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| Powerful GM-derived engine creates 250 horsepower. (Photo: Suzuki Canada) |
you might expect with a GM-derived chassis architecture, the powertrain used is also GM-sourced. The XL-7 uses the Holden-designed, but Suzuki-built 3.6-litre V6 DOHC engine that generates an estimated 250-horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque; essentially the same engine used in the mid-range Cadillac CTS. This makes the second-generation XL-7 the most powerful Suzuki ever made. Despite being nearly an entire litre larger than the first XL-7's engine, the new V6 is expected to be equally as efficient as the old model, with an estimated fuel consumption rating of 13 L/100 km city and 9.8 L/100 km highway. This feat is possible through the use of variable valve timing, a unique engine control unit and a five-speed automatic gearbox.
The new XL-7 is dramatically different visually from the vehicle
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| The new design is much bolder than the previous model. (Photo: Suzuki Canada) |
it replaces, shedding its boxy shape for one that's sleeker, more modern, but also one that's more mainstream. The most unique aspect of its styling are its curiously oversized and angular headlamps, which just might be the start of a new styling direction for Suzuki. They were inspired by the Concept X introduced in Detroit last year. The rest of the design features styling cues that are consistent with the new Grand Vitara, including the bevel-edged hood and fenders, trimmed fender flares and the arcing curve of the window, which ever so cleverly matches up with the boxy angle of the rear liftgate.
