Suzuki’s impressive XL6 people carrier surprises on test
There’s an interesting niche that’s exploding in the South African car market. Fed as much as it is by growing and larger families desperate to find a larger, more versatile, and luxurious enough solution to their everyday driving needs, as it by uber operators needing an efficient yet comfy taxi answer, the mini-MPV niche has rapidly become a key battleground.
Toyota has long played a vital role in this ever-evolving segment, with its ever-evolving range of solutions. Honda, Mitsubishi, and Suzuki have played their parts too. But Suzuki has just redefined its part in the game with this new full six-seater SUV body style XL6, which also happens to share its heart with its Toyota Rumion rival.
Suzuki says XL6 is a stand-out solution
Said to deliver high specification in a stand-out solution, the XL6 also further complements Suzuki’s rapidly growing and evolving small SUV range. A range that now offers an extreme variety of choice from Fronx to Vitara, across to Grand Vitara all the way along to the Jimny, now of course also sold as an even more practical and versatile five-door 4×4.
All cars that offer answers to any plausible smaller SUV need. But it’s the people carrier end in which this XL6 GLX automatic stars. Practical and comfy, it slots into the range just below the flagship Grand Vitara. But in a spacious, full six-seater solution offering all the people carrying advantages of multipurpose vehicle motoring.
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 below. Its blackened trim spreads back over the skirts to punctuate wheel arches framing neat 185/65 15” machine polished alloys.
XL6 seats six in three rows of two
Our two-tone opulent red and pearlescent midnight black pearl GLE had black key synchronized-folding integrated turn signal power wing mirrors to match the roof with its silver integrated rails. Chrome door handles on a long shoulder line emphasise the car’s size. The chrome spreads back to the tailgate between LED lights.
Sitting on a tall 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.
Fully equipped XL6 has it all inside
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 it’s on the face of it, tardy test figures suggest. Its surprisingly easy and cheerful to drive in spite of that lack of promise on paper.
16V 1.5 litre works well with automatic box
This multipoint fuel injected, variably-timed 16 valve 1.5 litre petrol four pot works very well with the automatic gearbox to turn the front wheels. In spite of the ‘box only having four forward ratios, and even when four or five adults-up. Fuel consumption is even more impressive. We easily matched or bettered its 6.1 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.
There’s no doubt that the new Suzuki XL6 will not be the trump card on the drag strip. Nor do we believe that it will be very successful at beauty contests. But as a little minibus that comfortably, efficiently, luxuriously and safely enough transports you and the family, or up to five fares to wherever they reasonably want to go in quite impressive style, it’s a star.
XL6 does what all Suzukis do best
It’s of course not alone in its ability to do that, but being a Suzuki, it has its advantages and an inimitable style that may well be hard to beat at doing what it is intended to. Pretty much what all modern day Suzukis are doing in all their rather specialised and pleasing little ways… – Michele Lupini
Images & testing: Giordano Lupini
ROAD TESTED: Suzuki XL6 1.5 GLX auto Engine: 77 kW 138 Nm 1.5 litre petrol I4 Drive: 4-speed automatic FWD TESTED: 0-60 km/h: 5.42 sec 0-100 km/h: 12.40 sec 0-120 km/h: 18.44 sec 400m: 18.5 sec @120 km/h 80-120 km/h: 9.94 sec CLAIMED: VMax: 165 km/h Fuel: 6.1 l/100 km CO2: 144 g/km Range: 740 km Warranty/Service: 4y 60K km 5y 200K LIST PRICE: R370K RATED: 8 How does it shape up? Check Auto's Test Records now!
