Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7

November 2001

Seven seats for Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7

 Delta Motor Corporation, marketers and distributors of Suzuki vehicles in South Africa, has announced that the largest and most powerful production model produced by the Japanese manufacturer, the seven-seater Grand Vitara XL-7, has been added to the South African line-up to compete against the likes of the Land Rover Freelander, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and Nissan X-Trail 

The Grand Vitara XL-7 is visually similar to the standard five-door Grand Vitara, but is a completely new model to complement the range and has larger dimensions and a unique seven-seat configuration.

Delta has positioned the Grand Vitara XL-7 to target customers requiring the features normally only found in large, luxury SUVs  in a more compact vehicle without the practical restraints and high running costs associated with larger, heavier 4x4s.

According to a Delta release, the Grand Vitara XL-7 is the result of extensive international market research conducted by Suzuki which identified the need for a vehicle that could accommodate a family and its related cargo or luggage within practical dimensions. That vehicle also had to provide the high level of off-road ability required by recreational users.

The XL-7 nomenclature describes the new Suzi’s variant format. The XL is an abbreviation for Extra Large, while the 7 refers to the seating capacity for seven passengers. Compared to the standard Grand Vitara, overall length of 4685 mm is up by 470 mm and the wheelbase – at 2800 mm - up by 320 mm, while the height and width have remained the same. Ground clearance is 190mm and the curb weight 1680 kg.

To improve access for passengers of the two rear rows of seats, the two rear side doors are 200 mm wider than on the Grand Vitara. A longer rear quarter panel that incorporates a rear quarter light window provides a unique side profile for the XL-7.

Although similar in appearance to it’s sibling Vitara, the XL-7 has some unique styling features, including new chrome accents and a new badge. Viewed from the side, the larger overall size of the vehicle is immediately obvious.

High tensile steel is used extensively in the construction of the body, which is mounted on a tough and durable ladder frame chassis with extensive crumple zones, particularly in the A, B, and C pillars. Side intrusion beams are fitted to all side doors.

The driver and front passenger are protected by dual full-size, second generation airbags that operate in conjunction with seat belts fitted with pre-tensioners and force limiters. Seat belts in the front and middle rows of seats are height adjustable, a first in this class of SUVs.

Six spoke aluminium wheels with locking wheel nuts are fitted. Tyres are 235/60 R16 radials.

The XL-7 has Suzuki’s dual range four-wheel drive system with “Drive Select” 4WD transmission, which provides on the move selection of all wheel drive at speeds of up to 100 km/h. The front hubs lock automatically when four-wheel-drive is selected.

Under the hood is Suzuki’s H27A engine, an all aluminium, 24-valve double overhead camshaft 2,7-litre V6. Output is rated as 127 kW at 6000 r/min and 231 Nm of torque at 3300 r/min.  Significant technological features include a direct drive valve train that reduces mechanical losses with the cams acting directly on the valves. Noise and vibration are minimised through the use of hydraulic front engine mountings, an oil pressure type timing chain adjuster, and micro-grooved bearings.

Delta’s performance figures for the XL-7 include a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 10,6 seconds and a top speed of 175 km/h. The overall fuel economy is rated at 10,8 litres per 100 km, with 13,8 litres per 100 km in urban conditions and 9,1 litres per 100 km on the open road.

To aid in the offroad department, a McPherson strut layout is used for the front suspension with separate coil springs and dampers with a long suspension travel. A five-link suspension system locates the rear axle, allowing long suspension travel while maintaining control over lateral movement to ensure precise handling.

Steering is a power assisted rack and pinion system. Brakes are ventilated discs at the front and drums at the rear. A four-sensor three-channel ABS anti lock system is standard. Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) is integrated in the ABS system.

Both driver and front passenger seats are equipped with fully adjustable armrests. The middle row of seats folds and has a 60/40 split and a centre armrest. An individual slide adjustment for these seats permits adjustment for individual preference in consideration of passengers in the third row of seats.

This third row of seats is forward facing, and like the second row is split and folding, but with a 50/50 split.  A walk through feature on the middle row of seats eases access to the rear two seats.

The rear compartment features three storage compartments under a false floor panel for the stowing of oddments. A courtesy light is provided in the rear of the vehicle, as is an auxiliary power outlet.

Interior features include electrically operated windows; central door locking; electrically adjustable side mirrors; a radio tape combination with CD shuttle option, and air conditioning. The comfort of rear seat passengers is ensured via additional air conditioning ducting through roof-mounted vents with separate fan controls. An additional evaporator unit is fitted to maximise cooling efficiency and a master control for the rear air-conditioning is located on the front centre console.

Also available is a LIMITED version of the Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7. Additional features on this model include full leather upholstery and wood grain finish on the dashboard.

Security on both models is provided by a transponder type immobiliser system. For added convenience a keyless entry system is provided via the remote central locking system.

The vehicle is covered by a 3 year/100000 km warranty and is priced at R264700 for the launch.