ROAD TEST REPORT

MEMBER SERVICES
By Bob Hudson MIAME Vehicle Evaluation Engineer August

National Roads and Motorists Association Limited

ABN 77 000 010 506

No. 613

trading as

NRMA Member Services

SEPTEMBER 2002

SUZUKI XL-7 4WD Wagon

2.7-Litre V6 Manual
FEATURES BEST
Extra space and seating capacity compared with Vitara models Good overall performance Well finished and well equipped

WORST
Centre ramp-over clearance limits off-road ability Fiddly radio controls Only fair seat comfort and support provide good thigh support. With all seats in use, luggage space is rather restricted (particularly in length) but the ability to fold and/or slide the third and second row seats gives plenty of scope to expand the load area into almost van-like proportions. Loading luggage is easy via the large swing-out rear door, but you do need plenty of space behind the vehicle in order to fully open it. Except for the ridiculously difficult-to-decipher sound system controls, the XL-7s cabin controls are generally well laid out and easy to use. Surprisingly, Suzuki doesnt provide a dimmer for the instrument cluster lighting. On the road, the XL-7 provides quite a pleasant driving experience. Though the extra power produced by the larger capacity V6 engine is mostly nullified by the XL-7s extra mass (around 270 kg), its wider torque spread and good throttle response provide a relaxed, yet satisfying performance, both around town and out on the open road. The suspension layout of Macpherson struts up front and a five-link coil-sprung rigid axle at the rear carries over from the Vitara (with a few mods) and it serves the XL-7 quite well. Remembering that the XL-7 is a 4WD wagon and not some low-slung sportscar (and therefore judging it accordingly), it steers nicely and handles in a composed and relaxed fashion. The extra length in the wheelbase improves overall stability and ride comfort. However, some of the new soft road 4WDs with their unitary construction (the XL-7 has a full ladder frame chassis) provide a more compliant ride. Vitaras have always been fairly competent vehicles off-road and though the XL-7s ability has been reduced by a decrease in ramp-over angle (its more likely to scrape its belly when traversing a hump) and by limited front suspension travel, its still capable of handling conditions that most owners would probably never attempt. SUMMARY: Suzuki reckons the XL-7 name suggests excellent value in a seven-seater four wheel drive and that does pretty well sum up this newcomer to the growing ranks of medium-size off-road vehicles. The XL-7 is pleasant to drive, well designed, and well built, and scores highly on practicality and versatility. It should prove attractive to those buyers who occasionally need extra seating capacity but who dont want the cost or inconvenience of driving some gargantuan vehicle around all the time.

With seating for up to seven people, Suzukis new XL-7 four-wheel drive wagon will appeal to buyers who are looking for a more affordable and easier-to-handle alternative to large-size people movers or heavyweight 4WDs. The XL-7 has been created by stretching the wheelbase (and body) of the Suzuki Grand Vitara by around 320 mm to provide sufficient interior space for an extra row of seats. At the same time, the V6 engines capacity has been enlarged from 2.5 litres to 2.7 litres for a power increase of 24 kW and the final drive ratio has been lowered slightly for this model. As with Suzuki Vitara models, the XL-7 has a dual-range 4WD system, with on-the-fly high range selection and automatic locking front hubs. Its available with either five speed manual or four speed automatic transmission. The XL-7 is priced at $35,990 (manual), which Suzuki says makes it unique because no other manufacturer can offer a 7-seater 4WD for the price. The auto version costs $37,890. Nevertheless, the XL-7 is sure to be seen as a competitor for vehicles such as the Mazda Tribute, Ford Escape, Hyundai Santa FE, Renault Scenic and Honda CRV. Beside its attractions of relatively sharp pricing and seven seat capacity, the XL-7 comes with plenty of standard equipment. The list includes dual air conditioning, anti-lock brakes, dual front airbags, power steering, power windows and door locks, keyless remote entry, an engine immobiliser and power exterior mirrors. Theres also a premium sound system with CD player (but with a ridiculously fiddly control panel), a tilt steering wheel, a rear wiper/washer, roof rails and 16 inch alloy wheels. In stretching the Vitaras body and chassis, Suzuki went to some lengths to ensure that body rigidity wasnt compromised and their efforts seem well rewarded by the tight feel of the XL7s construction and the absence of squeaks and rattles when driving over varying surfaces. As usual with Suzukis, standards of fit and finish looked very good throughout in the manual XL-7 tested. Space for the XL-7s seven occupants isnt vast (but there again, it isnt in some of the much bigger 4WDs either) but as long as some adjusting of the front and second row seats is carried out (all or part of the second seat can be adjusted), its possible to carry up to seven adults without being too cramped. Seat comfort is fairly basic, particularly up front, where I found that the short cushions didnt

SUZUKI XL-7 4WD Wagon

SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE: Type ............................. V6, DOHC, 24 valves Capacity in litres..................................... 2.736 Induction .................Multi-point fuel injection Fuel recommendation.............................. ULP Claimed max. power ...... 130 kW at 6200 rpm Claimed max. torque ...... 231 Nm at 3300 rpm Specific power output.................47.5 kW/litre TRANSMISSION: Type .................................. Five speed manual Driving wheels ......Part-time four-wheel drive Speed per 1000 rpm in top gear....... 37.4 km/h WHEELS: ...................... Alloy, 7JJ x 16 inch TYRES: .......Bridgestone Dueler, 235/60 R16 Spare: ....................... Matching size and type STEERING: Type ............... Power assisted rack and pinion Turns lock to lock....................................... 3.8 Turning circle (measured) .............12.0 metres DIMENSIONS: Mass ................................................... 1680 kg Length .............................................. 4700 mm Width (incl. mirrors 1977 mm) ........ 1780 mm Height............................................... 1740 mm Ground clearance (measured)............. 184 mm Seating capacity ............................................ 7 Fuel tank capacity............................... 66 litres TOWING: Max. towed mass (trailer plus load)........ 1850 kg Max. towball download (laden trailer) ... 75 kg NRMA THEFT RATING: Points on 0-110 scale (high score best) .... 46.5 WARRANTY: .........Three years, 100,000 km MANUFACTURED IN:........................ Japan

TEST RESULTS
ACCELERATION: 50 - 80 km/h (in 3rd gear)...................... 5.7 sec 60 -100 km/h (in 3rd gear)..................... 7.3 sec 0 - 80 km/h ........................................... 7.6 sec 0 - 100 km/h ....................................... 12.3 sec 0 - 400 metres..................................... 18.0 sec FUEL CONSUMPTION: Litres/100 km in city ................................ 12.2 Litres/100 km on highway........................ 10.3 Litres/100 km overall ............................... 10.9 BRAKING: Distance to stop from 80 km/h ......30.4 metres NOISE: Interior at constant 80 km/h.............. 66 dB(A) Test vehicle supp;ied by Suzuki Australia
Pty Limited

Call NRMA Automotive Technical Services on 1300 655 443, should you require additional information on this vehicle, on other makes, or for general advice on automotive matters.