Living with a Suzuki XL6: Part 1
If you’re eagle-eyed and are quite familiar with the Suzuki line-up of vehicles, then you would’ve noticed that the Suzuki XL6 shares similarities with the Suzuki Ertiga. And you wouldn’t be wrong because the XL6 is essentially a spruced-up version of the Ertiga.
The XL6 is a six-seater in an SUV body style, meaning it offers loads of space throughout the cabin.
If you’re into numbers, here are some: 4.45m and 2.74m are the length and wheelbase of the Suzuki XL6 respectively. What this translates to in reality is as mentioned, a generous amount of space in the cabin.
The second row of seats, which interestingly, is comprised of two individual seats, offers perhaps the best seating experience in the Suzuki XL6. On offer is a healthy amount of leg room along with headroom, making it perfect even for tall adults. These seats, with armrests on the sides, are also able to recline backwards and forwards, along with sliding too for added comfort.
The third row of seats is comprised of a bench for two additional passengers, however space here is more on the limited side and perhaps should be reserved for younger children.
Impressive standard specification
The Suzuki XL6 packs a bunch of standard niceties which include a 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, an integrated rear view camera, six-speakers, electric windows all around, power steering, front climate control and rear manual air conditioning, three 12V power sockets, a USB port, keyless entry with push button start, and perhaps this author’s favorite nicety, ventilated cupholders at the front.
Our GLX long-term test unit adds synthetic leather on the seats and steering wheel, automatic LED headlamps and electric fold-in side mirrors.
What’s under the bonnet?
Up front, a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine is on duty, and it delivers a humble 77kW and 138Nm of torque.
Power is sent to the front wheels in our test unit via a smooth-shifting 5-speed manual transmission. If changing cogs yourself isn’t your cup of tea, Suzuki has you covered with a 4-speed automatic derivative.
Jam-packed safety features
On the safety front, families looking to purchase a Suzuki XL6 will be happy to learn that it offers a number of appealing safety features such as dual ISOFIX child seat mounts, dual airbags, childproof rear door locks, ABS with electronic brake force distribution (EBD), electronic stability programme (ESP), hill hold control for automatic derivatives, an alarm and electronic vehicle immobilizer, and four parking sensors for added convenience.
What does it cost?
The Suzuki XL6 range kicks off from R344,900 for the entry level GL manual model and tops out at R379,900 for the range-topping GLX automatic model.
Our test unit, the GLX manual, comes in at R360,900. Families will be pleased to learn of the peace and mind that comes included in the price, in the form of a 4-year/60,000km service plan, 5-year/200,000km promotional mechanical warranty with 5-year roadside assistance, and a 10-year anti-corrosion warranty.
We’ll bring regular updates on our daily driver over the following weeks.