Suzuki’s versatile XL6 made for a fine vacation carrier
While it’s a natural for growing and larger families needing a bigger, more versatile, and luxurious enough everyday driving solution, as it is by uber operators needing an efficient yet comfy taxi answer, Suzuki’s little people carrying XL6 certainly impressed us as a vacation companion over the past few weeks.
We needed a mini-MPV to take us on several outings we’d planned, and rather than just go for broke this year, we thought we’d find out how a more basic car would serve that need. Suzuki graciously agreed to letting us have this royal metallic blue XL6. And we were on holiday!
Suzuki’s XL6 is a stand-out MPV solution
Billed as stand-out high-value, high-specification solution, the XL6 is another recent addition to Suzuki’s rapidly evolving small SUV line-up. The growing range now offers an impressive choice from the Fronx to Vitara, across to Grand Vitara all the way along to the Jimny. Which is now of course also sold as an even more practical and versatile five-door 4×4.
So, there’s now a Suzuki to answers any plausible smaller SUV, and MPV need. Talking about MPVs, this XL6 GLX manual stars as a people carrier. Practical and comfy in spite of its bargain basement positioning, it slots into the range just below the flagship Grand Vitara to complement the more basic Ertiga MPV. But it’s a spacious, full six-seater solution with all the people carrying advantages of MPV motoring. And perfect for our holiday needs.
Bold and imposing, large LED DRL headlamps and a grand S-embossed chrome-trimmed grille sit under the hallmark Suzuki clamshell bonnet. LED foglamps flank a black grille and silver bash plates on the colour-coded bumper. Blackened trim spreads back over the skirts to punctuate wheel arches framing a neat set of 185/65 15” machine polished alloys.
Practical 6-seater has plenty spec
Our two-tone blue and pearlescent midnight black pearl GLX had black key synchronised-folding integrated turn signal power wing mirrors to match the roof with its silver rails. Chrome door handles on a long shoulder line emphasise its size. The chrome spreads back to the tailgate between LED lights.
Sitting on 180 mm ground clearance, the 4.4 metre long XL6 rides on a 2.74 metre stetch wheelbase. That helps create the space to comfortably seat six people in three rows of two each. The driver and front passenger, and the two middle row occupants sit on individual faux leather chairs. Hindmost passengers make do with a 50:50 split bench seat.
All four front and middle seats slide and recline, while the driver can adjust his or her pew for height too. Each seat has its own three-point belt and head restraint, while middle row captain seats even offer foldable armrests, and easy access to the rear compartment. The third row folds down to deliver cavernous luggage space with a full-size spare wheel in place.
XL6 packs it all, and everyone in
Fully equipped, the XL6 dash is dominated by a 7” touch screen for its six speaker CarPlay, Auto, Bluetooth and USB infotainment. Easy to operate via touch buttons on its frame and the multifunction leather power steering wheel, the system also has a rear-view camera with parking sensors.
XL6 spec spreads to automatic headlamps, power windows, and automatic front, and manual rear climate control. Add remote central locking with keyless entry and button start. And an alarm-immobiliser, three 12V power sockets, and it even has ventilated cupholders in the front console.
77 kilowatts and 138 Newton-metres may not seem like earth shattering outputs. Yet the XL6 gets on with it better than both those numbers, and its size suggest. Significantly sprightlier then the automatic version we drove earlier last year, Its surprisingly easy and cheerful to drive in.
16 valve 1.5 litre manual sprightly to drive
This multipoint fuel injected, variably-timed 16 valve 1.5 litre petrol four-pot turns the front wheels and the 6-speed manual has a positive enough feel to it. Fuel consumption is even more impressive. We easily matched or bettered its 6 litres per 100 km claim.
XL6 rides MacPherson front strut and torsion beam coil spring suspension and has discs up front and rear drum anti-lock ABS brakes with EBD. Its stiff Heartect platform plays host to active passive safety systems from dual airbags to dual Isofix child-seat mounts, child door locks and an electronic stability programme with hill hold, and a high-level LED stop lamp.
We enjoyed many a magical moment with our holiday XL6 over December. While it may lack the allure of some more sophisticated and far more expensive people carriers, it makes up and then some in sheer character and capability. A versatile little minibus, it comfortably, efficiently, and luxuriously transports you and the family wherever you want to go, in quite impressive style.
XL6 does what all Suzukis do best
The XL6 is of course not alone in its versatility, but being a Suzuki, it has its advantages and an inimitable style that may well be hard to beat, especially on holiday! Which is what all modern day Suzukis do in all their rather specialised and pleasing little ways… – Michele Lupini
Testing: Giordano Lupini, images: Marcella Lupini
ROAD TESTED: Suzuki XL6 1.5 GLX Engine: 77 kW 138 Nm 1.5 litre petrol I4 Drive: 6-speed manual FWD TESTED: 0-60 km/h: 4.85 sec 0-100 km/h: 10.56 sec 0-120 km/h: 16.11 sec 400m: 17.1 sec @125 km/h 80-120 km/h: 6.98 sec CLAIMED: VMax: 165 km/h Fuel: 6 l/100 km CO2: 140 g/km Range: 760 km Warranty/Service: 4y 60K km 5y 200K LIST PRICE: R351K RATED: 8 How does it shape up? Check Auto's Test Records now!