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2001 SUZUKI XL-7

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Alex Law
LAS VEGAS: On packaging and pricing alone, the 2001 Suzuki XL-7 would be a worthy addition to the compact SUV market in Canada.

But there's a lot more to this clever and stylish vehicle than those two commendable features, so it deserves to be on a lot of families' shopping lists when it goes on sale in December.

In fact, the XL-7 should be at the top of a lot of shopping lists, since it's being presented in a very compelling way by Suzuki Canada at just the right time. Because of changing buyer tastes and the evolution of some compact SUVs and the unchanging nature of others, the XL-7 exactly strikes a note no one else is aiming for.

Specifically, it services families who want the ability to sit two adults and up to five kids in a comfortable, competent and compact package that's got all-wheel-drive and a car-like ride in an SUV shape and is a solid value in the bargain. Right now, that's a very short list?it starts with theXL-7 and ends with the XL-7.

Oh, sure, there are other vehicles that meet or beat the XL-7 in certain aspects of its character, but from that unique perspective described above there is nothing that surpasses it on all fronts.

Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4 are considerably smaller while costing about the same, the Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Jimmy are getting bigger, and the Dodge Durango, Nissan Pathfinder and Toyota Pathfinder still have a truck-like ride.

XL-7's value issue is strong, thanks to a below-$29,000 sticker price (probably with monthly lease payments in the sub-$350 range) for a unit with a standard equipment list that includes solid V6 power, air conditioning with a Micron filter, anti-lock brakes, remote keyless entry, power windows, doors and locks, a tilt steering wheel, an AM/FM CD player, adjustable armrests, privacy glass, rear wiper/washer, and an under-floor compartment in the rear cargo area.

About the only thing most people would want to add to that list would be the 4-speed automatic transmission, which is likely to retail for about $1,500.

Suzuki Canada will also sell a Plus version and a Touring version, both of which will come with more features and, of course, cost more.

However it's equipped, the XL-7 is primarily attractive because of its basic structure, which is long (4665 mm) and narrow (1780 mm). Too narrow for three adults in the middle, the XL-7 is fine for holding three kids and for easing into tight spaces.

Two adults would fit in the middle seat, which slides fore and aft, but they better not be too big because Suzuki had to be careful about seat position if it was going to have any room for that third row.

Because Suzuki put the wheels really close to the corners (the wheelbase is 2800 mm), they were able to install huge second doors. As a result, second seat access is about as good as it can be in a vehicle with swinging doors, and it's not too bad for the third row either, when you flip-fold the second seat out of the way.

With all three rows upright there is minimum storage room, but to get more storage room with all the seats used the vehicle would have to be considerably longer and that would change XL-7's basic compact-but-utilitarian nature.

Ergonomically the XL-7 is quite acceptable, with cupholders and storage bins and decent gauges and easy-to-use seats and all that kind of thing. Suzuki finally got rid of those radios with those tiny buttons, so their one big problem has been dealt with. Maybe next time they'll put the stereo above the climate control system, which is the way God meant it to be.

Just as impressive as XL-7's packaging is its ride, which is extremely car-like and surprisingly nimble.
Alex Law
Alex Law
Automotive expert