The all new 2007 Suzuki XL7 takes a major step forward in the process of turning a practical but rather boring looking vehicle into something more compelling, without sacrificing the convenience of space and good design.
Not that blending in is necessarily a bad thing. There are certain situations where anonymity is considered to be a requirement for success. In sports for example, the mark of a good referee or umpire is to strictly enforce the rules of the game without ever becoming a noticeable part of it. When it comes to the highly competitive automotive market, however, anonymity is most assuredly not a path to the winners circle.
It's both larger in size and more powerful than last years XL-7, (notice the slight difference in nomenclature used for the ’07 model) offers seating for seven and contemporary styling based on an extended wheelbase version of GM's Theta crossover platform. Powered by a 3.6-liter, 24-valve DOHC V6, the 2007 Suzuki XL7 delivers 252 hp @ 6,500 RPM and 243 lb.-ft. @ 2,300 RPM. Quiet and responsive, this engine is also fuel efficient and fun to drive. Step on the gas as you pull out to pass a slow moving transport truck and the V6 easily overtakes with only a minimal amount of engine noise.
Equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission, shifts are smooth and barely perceptible. Though most of the buyers for this vehicle may never use it, the new Suzuki XL7 also provides the option to shift gears manually with what is termed manumatic control. As you would expect when considering the purchase of a new CUV, (Crossover Utility Vehicle) all-wheel-drive is available. In the case of the XL7, this means electronically controlled on-demand AWD.
In my opinion driver and passenger side window switches are better suited on the doors where they are easily accessible and never require the coordination of having to reach around a gear lever to activate the opposite side windows. Suzuki has chosen instead to follow the same window control design as laid out in the Saturn VUE, Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent. All three are close cousins of the new 2007 Suzuki XL7.
It seems the winds of change are blowing at Suzuki these days. With the introduction of the 2007 XL7, the CUV market has a new and much improved vehicle over last year’s model. Bright days are ahead for this company, what with the all new SX4 hitting dealer showrooms this fall as well. Available in a range of attractive colors and trim options and starting at just $22,899 it offers great value at a reasonable price. So much for anonymity I guess.
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