Suzuki XL6: Fun for large families is spelt with three letters

With the introduction of its extra-large SUV with space for six people, á la the Suzuki XL6, Suzuki is bringing great looks and fun to a market segment starved for stand-out style.

UNVEILING THE SUZUKI XL6

The new Suzuki XL6 is the latest in a modern range of new SUVs that include the recently launched Fronx, the go-anywhere Jimny and soon the five-door Jimny, the stylish and modern Grand Vitara and already-popular models such as the S-Presso, the Vitara and the Ignis.

Four versions of the XL6 are en route to Suzuki dealers. They are the Suzuki XL6 in GL specification with the option of five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission and the Suzuki XL6 GLX with the same choice between manual and auto.

PRACTICAL AND COMFORTABLE

The XL6 fits in below the flagship Grand Vitara in terms of specifications but will offer the largest number of seats of the Suzuki SUVs.

The model has a total length of 4.445 metres and a stretched wheelbase of 2.74 metres. This has allowed Suzuki to add six seats inside. These seats are configured in two individual front and two individual middle seats, with a bench seat placed in the third row.

Each row has two three-point seatbelts and separate head restraints. Each seat in the front and middle row can slide and recline, with the driver’s seat also adjustable for height. The middle row of seats – the captain seats – have foldable armrests.

The cabin layout and captain seats offer a new level of comfort for an SUV of this size, while also adding 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.

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BOLD SUV DESIGN

With the launch of the Suzuki XL6, Suzuki is inviting its customers to “Think big”.

“The XL6 is one of our largest models, and we wanted to ensure that it has a stand-out design,” says Brendon Carpenter, Brand Marketing Manager of Suzuki Auto South Africa.

To create this bold and imposing presence, the Suzuki designers penned large headlamps and a large Suzuki hexagonal grille large Suzuki “S” logo. The logo is flanked by a broad chrome garnish that terminates in the daytime running lights in the headlamp clusters.

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.

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The XL6 comes standard with colour-coded side mirrors with integrated turn signals. On two-tone models, the mirrors are painted metallic black. The mirrors are electrically adjustable and can fold electrically when parked.

As part of the growing range of Suzuki SUVs, the XL6 has silver faux bash plates fitted to the front and rear bumpers. The designers visually connect these bash plates with silver side skirts and a broad polycarbonate trim running from the lower bumper section across the wheel arches and below the door sills.

The silver and black trim add to the SUV silhouette, which is further benefitted by the XL6’s impressive 180 mm ground clearance and 185/65 15” machine polished alloy wheels for both the GL and GLX variants. A full-size spare wheel is also included across the range.

“The design of the XL6 uses longer horizontal lines, for instance in the integrated roof rails and on the long shoulder line, to emphasise its larger size. It also has some historic Suzuki SUV design cues in the clamshell bonnet and the bonnet hinge insert that hark back to some of the most iconic Suzuki SUVs of the past,” says Carpenter.

At the rear, the bold theme of the front design is repeated in the large rear lights and tailgate garnish. 

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KITTED TO THE HILT

Suzuki is well-known for its generous interior specifications, and the XL6 is no exception.

Every single XL6 will be fitted with a 7” touch screen infotainment system with six speakers and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The large screen is also used to display the image from the in-built rear-view camera.

Electric windows are standard, as are 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. Suzuki has also added automatic headlamps and key synchronized electric fold-in mirrors to this specification level.

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BY THE NUMBERS

The XL6 is equipped with a 1.5 litre petrol engine with 16 valves, multipoint fuel injection and a variable valve-timing system. This engine delivers 77 kilowatts at 6 000 rpm and 138 Nm of torque at 4 400 rpm.

In the XL6, this engine delivers impressive fuel consumption figures. In a combined testing cycle, which includes both city and highway driving, the XL6 with manual transmission used only 6 litres per 100 km. The same engine mated to the four-speed automatic transmission used 6,1 litres per 100 km in the same testing cycle.

The engine delivers power to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission. The XL6 rides on a combination of MacPherson front struts with coil springs and a proven Torsion beam and coil spring rear suspension set-up.

All versions of the new XL6 have ventilated disc brakes in front, fitted with ABS anti-lock brakes, and rear drum brakes.

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SUZUKI SAFE

Suzuki will offer a comprehensive range of active and passive safety systems as standard on every Suzuki XL6.

To start, Suzuki engineers have incorporated its HEARTECT platform into the design of the XL6. This platform offers superior structural rigidity and crash protection, without the traditional compromise of adding significant weight to the vehicle.

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 to both the GL and GLX automatic variants, 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.

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PERSONALISE YOUR XL6

There are several new and unique colours and colour combinations available on the XL6. The colour choices include Celestial Blue, Grandeur Grey, Arctic White Pearlescent, and Splendid Silver.

On the GL, buyers also have the choice of Opulent Red and a unique new colour called Brave Khaki Pearlescent.

Buyers of the GLX versions have the option of a two-tone colour scheme where Opulent Red, Brave Khaki or Splendid Silver are matched with a Pearlescent Midnight Black roof colour. These models also have side mirrors painted in the same Midnight Black colour.

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SUZUKI SERVICE AND SUPPORT

As with all its new models, Suzuki has added a comprehensive service and support package to every XL6. It includes a 4-year / 60 000 km service plan, a 5-year / 200 000 km promotional mechanical warranty with roadside assistance for the same period. A 10-year anti-corrosion warranty is also part of this comprehensive package.

The Suzuki XL6 is being shipped to Suzuki dealers across Southern Africa and will soon be available for test.

Published by Suzuki Auto South Africa on Motorpress

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