By Otsile Kadiege

We recently joined Suzuki Auto SA for the local launch of the new XL6 SUV. The six-seater XL6 is based on the popular Ertiga and offers customers a more upmarket, premium people mover at an attainable price.

Exterior

On the outside, stand out features that set it apart from the Ertiga include a significantly different front-end that’s accentuated by newly designed headlights with LED daytime running lights, a patterned mesh grille and faux skid plate. 

The XL6 comes standard with colour-coded side mirrors with integrated turn signals. On two-tone models, the mirrors are painted metallic black. The mirrors are electrically adjustable and can fold electrically when parked. Other highlights include 15-inch machine polished alloy wheels across the range, prominent contrast wheel arches and large L-shaped LED taillights which are also darkened.

Overall, the new XL6 has quite a neat look with a few design and styling cues which help it stand out from the Ertiga.

Interior design and tech

Inside, the XL6 gets seating for 6 passengers with captain’s chair seats in the second row while the third row can tilt forward and fold down in a 50:50 configuration for additional luggage space if needed. It also features a handful of upmarket amenities like fabric seats with faux leather inserts, rear manual air conditioning.

As standard, the XL6 range is fitted with a 7-inch touchscreen with an infotainment system that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a built-in reverse camera, a six-speaker sound system, three 12V power sockets, USB port, keyless entry with push-button start and ventilated cup-holders in the front console.

We were quite impressed by the cabin’s premium look and feel, as well as its roominess thanks to ample headroom, wide rear door openings and front row spaciousness. However, the second and third-row are a bit tight and the luggage capacity is heavily compromised when all seats are in use.

Powertrain and driving impressions

The XL6 is powered by a 1.5 litre petrol engine with 16 valves, multi-point fuel injection and a variable valve-timing system. This engine delivers 77 kW at 6 000 rpm and 138 Nm of torque at 4 400 rpm. The engine is paired to either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed auto gearbox. Suzuki claims 6.0l/100km for the manual and 6.1l/100km for the auto. 

What was meant to be a rather short drive turned into a long one after getting lost numerous times, but that availed the opportunity for us to squeeze in an extra hour behind the wheel. Our highlights and lowlights include Suzuki’s ever-impressive K15B 1.5-litre petrol engine which has adequate power and torque but will definitely struggle when fully-loaded with luggage and passengers.

Safety

Safety and assistance systems include ABS with EBD, ESP, front dual airbags, rear PDC, a reverse camera and hill hold assist. 

Pricing and warranty

XL6 1.5 GL manual – R326,900

XL6 1.5 GL auto – R345,900

XL6 1.5 GLX manual – R341,900

XL6 1.5 GLX auto – R360,900

The Suzuki XL6 includes a 4-year / 60 000 km service plan, a 5-year / 200 000 km promotional mechanical warranty with roadside assistance for the same period. A 10-year anti-corrosion warranty is also part of this comprehensive package.