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- Hot off the heels of its Fronx launch, Suzuki has unleashed its new XL6.
- It has space for six in a SUV body style.
- As expected from Suzuki, the XL6 also offers a high specification level for both GL and GLX models.
Suzuki's new XL6 is aimed at larger families who often need a six-seater configuration for general travel. It's a bit of an oddity in the range because Suzuki classifies it as a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV).
It is more akin to a Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) in general style and dynamics. This is due to the longish wheelbase and the fitment of 15-inch alloy wheels, so the vehicle's proportions are more MPV-like than a typical SUV, which has chunkier looks thanks to larger wheels in a shorter body.
In fact, the seven-seater Suzuki Ertiga, which is classified as an MPV, has an identical wheelbase of 2 740mm to the new XL6. Still, the XL6 is wider and longer than the more obviously utilitarian Ertiga. Visually, the XL6 has some nods to the typical SUV look, such as silver-coloured skid plates front and rear, running boards, and black wheel-arch surrounds.
What makes the XL6 unique is that its accommodation consists of six individual seats rather than having a bench seat arrangement in the middle row. This gives the XL6 a feel that is both more luxurious and sporty, and in this sense, it just about justifies its "sports utility" tag.
Under the bonnet
The basic mechanical speciation offers few surprises. The engine is the familiar K15B non-turbo four-cylinder petrol unit, as used in a number of other models in the Suzuki range, such as the Ciaz, Vitara Brezza, Grand Vitara, and now the recently-introduced Fronx.
The power output is 77kW with a maximum torque of 138Nm. The new XL6 can be ordered with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearbox, and drive is through the front wheels.
Trim-wise, there are two levels: the entry GL and the upper-level GLX trim. This brings the size of the XL6 model range to four models, these being the GL Manual, GL Automatic, GLX Manual and GLX Automatic.
There is not much difference between the two trim offerings. The GLX version's extra equipment consists of full-leather trim, electrically folding wing mirrors, automatic headlamp activation and a dual colour tone option, with the GLX generally being distinguished by a black roof.
How does it drive?
Once behind the wheel of the XL6, one is impressed by the level of fit and finish, even though, being a relatively affordable vehicle, there is not too much in the way of plush soft-touch finishes. But the dashboard style is pleasant and uncluttered. All models have a seven-inch touchscreen, which is quite modest by today's standards.
Also modest is the airbag complement of just a frontal driver and passenger airbag, which is a bit below par, as there are much less-expensive vehicles in this category that come with side airbags to supplement the two front airbags.
Overall, the XL6 has a solid, secure feel on the road, although I found a rather weird "dead spot" in the steering feel that had me making small corrections until I became used to it.
Performance-wise, the gear ratios in the lower gears are pretty short, so you will quickly run up to the redline in first gear after pull-off. With 77kW to move a dry weight of 1 165kg, acceleration can be described as adequate rather than brisk. Suzuki provides no acceleration figures, but I estimate a 0-100km/h time in the 12- to 13-second region at the coast. Top speed is rated at around 170km/h.
With just two large people on board, it is possible to retain fifth gear for most open road driving, and here Suzuki's choice of gear ratios enables an overall fuel consumption figure in the 6.0-litre/100km region, as the modest little non-turbo engine is usually churning away in the middle of the power band. Around town, a figure of 6.5-litres/100km should be easily attainable.
We drove the GLX model on the launch in the Hartbeespoort Dam region this week and came away with the impression that this is yet another Suzuki model that is well-priced and good value for money.
Value-for-money offering
The entry-level model is the GL manual at R326 900, while the GLX manual only adds another R16 000 to come in at R342 900. The GL Automatic costs R345 900, and the GLX Automatic is the range-topper at R360 900.
The XL6 models come with a five-year or 200 000km warranty and a four-year or 60 000km service plan as part of the deal.
With all six seats hoisted, there is not too much in the way of luggage room, measured at 209 litres by Suzuki, and adequate only for a couple of small bags or briefcases. With the third seat row folded, the luggage space increases to a much more realistic 550 litres.
So, for a holiday car, the XL6 is effectively a four-seater, and we wonder whether some customers would have preferred a bench seat for three people in the second row.
Suzuki has been enjoying third place in the South African new vehicle sales race for some time now, and it will be interesting to see how the XL6 fairs in its category as a low-priced SUV-cum-MPV.
It doesn't have any off-road pretensions, but thanks to a ground clearance of 180mm, it will do well on bad-quality dirt roads, and that is a factor for many people who traverse bad rural roads on the weekends.
