Big 6 seater from Suzuki
Suzuki is encouraging drivers to think big when with the new Suzuki XL6 launched last week. Suzuki is calling the XL6 a multipurpose SUV ideally suited for families and adventurous types.
The XL6 fits in below the flagship Grand Vitara in terms of specifications but, with six seats, it has the largest number of seats in the Suzuki range. It is a jumbo-sized SUV packing in a good amount of tech as standard, maintaining a quality interior while keeping the cost low.
Many South African families may find it when looking for a vehicle capable of delivering on all of their demands while staying within their budget. I believe the XL6, with most features standard across the range, is perfectly suited for the South Africans in search of good value.
The drive
The launch took place around the hills surrounding Hartbeespoort Dam and a wrong turn meant that the 180mm ground clearance was put to test early on but with no issue there.
Suzuki stuck with its tried and tested K15B engine which has proven efficient, durable and dependable. Another benefit of sharing a power plant between models is savings when it comes to servicing and maintenance for the owner in later years. The engine delivers 77 kW at 6 000 RPM and 138 Nm of torque at 4 400 rpm.
There is no denying that the XL6 and its power
plant welcomes a down change, or two, on steeper inclines but this was no surprise given the landscape. Nevertheless, I didn’t find this much of a bother and the engine feels like one that would happily spend the day revving at 4 400 RPM without hassle.
With all of this considered we believe the added control over gearing that comes with a manual makes this the one to go for.
In a combined testing cycle, which includes both city and highway driving, the claimed fuel consumption of the manual transmission uses 6 litres per 100 km and the automatic 6.1 litres per hundred. During the launch, the trip meter of our XL6 suggested we were not quite meeting these figures but they were never far from reach.
Interior
Of special note in this model are the six seats and three rows of seats including the distinct captain seats. These seats are configured in two individual front and two individual middle seats, with a bench seat placed in the third row.
Each seat in the front
and middle row can slide and recline, with the driver’s seat also adjustable for height. When it comes to the captain seats, these have the added benefit of foldable armrests.
The cabin layout and captain seats offer a new level of comfort for an SUV of this size, while also adding most-welcome easy access to the rearmost seats. The third row can tilt forward and fold down in a 50:50 configuration for additional luggage space if needed.
Every single XL6 is fitted with a 7” touch screen infotainment system with six speakers, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The screen is also used to display a crystal clear image from the in-built rear-view camera.
Electric windows are standard, as is power
steering, front climate control, rear manual air conditioning, three 12V power sockets and a USB port, Bluetooth phone connectivity, remote central locking, a keyless entry with push-button start and ventilated cupholders in the front console.
Where the GLX models up the ante, is with the addition of synthetic leather upholstery on the seats and steering wheel.
Exterior styling
The model has a total length of 4.445 metres and a stretched wheelbase of 2.74 metres. All variants come with 185/65 15” tyres and machine polished alloys as well as a full-size spare wheel.
Again, all four versions of the Suzuki XL6 are
equipped with LED head and tail lamps and LED front fog lamps, chrome detailing in the grille, on the door handles and in the tailgate garnish.
The GLX sets itself apart on the outside with automatic headlamps and key synchronized electric fold-in mirrors. In addition, there is also the option for a two-tone colour scheme on the highest specification models.
Safety
All versions of the new XL6 have ventilated disc brakes in front, fitted with ABS anti-lock brakes, and rear drum brakes.
The range of safety systems further include dual lSOFIX child-seat mounts, dual airbags, childproof rear door locks, ABS with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), electronic stability programme (ESP) and strengthened door impact beams.
Suzuki has also added ‘hill hold control’ on automatic transmissions, while all models have an alarm and electronic vehicle immobiliser and a high-level stop lamp with LED lights. Every XL6 also has four parking sensors as standard.
Pricing:
GL manual: R326 900
GL Auto: R345 900
GLX Manual: R341 900
GLX Automatic: R360 900
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