SUZUKI XL6

The new Suzuki XL6, recently launched in and around Gauteng, elevates the Ertiga experience with a new front fascia, some fancy SUV-type body cladding, more comfortable seating for six, and a higher specification level than its more ordinary donor.

Intended to compete against the Mitsubishi Xpander, the Honda BR-V, and the Mahindra Marazzo (in its Indian home market), the new Suzuki XL6 (a seven-seater XL7 version is available in India) follows the recent trend towards more SUV-styled people-movers now sweeping the southeast-Asian market.

Suzuki Auto South Africa started preparing for the arrival of the new XL6 when it dropped the GLS model from the Ertiga line-up last year. According to the automaker, the XL6 fits below the flagship Grand Vitara and offers the largest number of seats of the Suzuki SUVs.

AN SUV? REALLY?

In my view, though, the SUV description should not apply to the front-wheel-drive-only XL6. The biggest giveaway in this regard is the 15” alloy wheels (with the same design as used on the Ertiga GLS) that appear too small for the bodywork – making a mockery of the moniker.

Sharing componentry with the Ertiga is not all bad, though, as this means all four versions of the XL6 (with GL or GLX trim) are powered by the proven and durable (and likely the most prolific engine in the country) 1.5-litre K15B engine. Delivering 77 kW of power and 138 Nm of torque, the engine is mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission in both model derivatives.

At the launch, we only sampled the top-of-the-range GLX derivatives that are distinguished from the GL models by the addition of synthetic leather upholstery on the seats and steering wheel, automatic LED headlamps and key-synchronised electric fold-in mirrors.

Standard specification includes a 7” touchscreen infotainment system with six speakers, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and an in-built rear-view camera, electric windows, power steering, front climate control, rear manual aircon, three 12V power sockets, a USB port, Bluetooth phone connectivity, remote central locking, keyless entry with push-button start and ventilated cupholders in the front console.

However, immediately noticeable is the seating layout with two big and comfortable individual captain seats (with foldable armrests) in the middle row and a bench seat in the third row that can tilt forward and fold down in a 50:50 configuration for additional luggage space. 

Upmarket Ambience 

Also noticeable was the more upmarket and sophisticated ambience of the XL6 cabin and the improvement in overall quality of materials and trim compared to the Ertiga. Much improved sound insulation in the cabin and around the engine bay – most likely due to Toyota’s renowned quality control systems – further contributed to this.

On the road, the XL6 also felt more solid and refined than the Ertiga due to reduced engine and road noise levels, but in terms of dynamics, with a combination of MacPherson struts up front and a torsion beam setup in the rear, there was no discernible difference between the six-people carrier and its seven-seat MPV sibling.

We also preferred the manual derivative with its slick-shifting ’box, as the long ratios in the auto model (third gear is exceptionally long) made it difficult to overtake without some careful pre-planning. Suzuki claims a consumption of 6.0 l/100 km for the manual model and 6.1 l/100 km for the auto, but we achieved around 6.8 l/100 km on the overall route.

LAST WORD

All versions of the new XL6 have ventilated disc brakes in front and rear drum brakes, and come with a range of safety systems, including dual lSOFIX child-seat mounts, dual airbags, ABS with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), electronic stability programme (ESP), as well as Hill Hold Control on both automatic variants. Several unique colours and colour combinations are available on the XL6 and two-tone colour schemes on the GLX models.

Report by FERDI DE VOS | Images © SUZUKI AUTO SOUTH AFRICA