Suzuki Grand Vitara XL7 2004 test drive - 2006 SUV
What size? XL!
7 corresponds to the number of places in the cabin. XL means a half -meter increase to length. Ltd is a leather salon, a glass hatch and a cruise control. For owing exclusivity, Suzuki Grand Vitara XL -7 - the only one of all models of the brand - was equipped with a 2.7 -liter engine created on the basis of a well -known V6 volume of 2.5 liters. As befits a solid SUV, XL -7 is equipped exclusively with an automatic gearbox - the fussiness of the mechanics considered it not fit into its image. Extra -centimeters are distributed as follows: 32 went to increase the base and 18 to the rear overhang. Now it has become faster in the second row of seats and it became possible to place the third in the trunk. Moreover, due to the rogue, the hind side doors are heard to get to the additional places does not seem to be super-task. The back seats are unexpectedly hospitable. Like everyone else, they are equipped with adjustments to the angle of inclination of the backs. It’s comfortable to sit here, except that there’s nowhere to put your legs. We will have to ask the front neighbors to move - the benefit of the design of the middle seats provides for this possibility. The presence of a separate microclimate control unit in this part of the cabin (it is located on the ceiling) cannot but rejoice.
As for the organization of the driver's workplace, it is exactly the same as on the usual Grand Vitara. The same slightly old -fashioned design, the same successful profile of chairs and a good ergonomics of controls. It is important that for all its seven times, the XL-7 does not create a feeling of bulky: the dimensions of the car are clearly visible and in the city stream allow you to squeeze after the fields. And to the controllability of the car, given its frame design and a dependent rear suspension, there are no special complaints. The smoothness of the course is higher than that of a simple Grand Vitara, although we could not complain about it at one time. The course stability has become noticeably better - the wheels hit the wheels are now not able to knock down the car from the direct trajectory.
The six -cylinder engine does not graze on the bottom and is cheerfully spinning after 3000 rpm. And the machine operates quite confidently and
it is logical, although it is clearly related to the boxes of the previous generation - neither self -adjustment under the driving manner, nor a fashionable manual regime. But there are three as many as three buttons, including special -mode (winter and sports) and the highest gear. On the off -road, the machine can be either to help, for example, with a smooth start, or to the detriment, preventing him from getting out of captivity by rocking. With all this, Grand Vitara with its rigidly connected drive to the front wheels and is perceived by a nearby transmission that is perceived only as a serious SUV. For a complete set, only there are not enough interior differential locks. They are not in the list of options. But a mechanical checkpoint can be ordered by saving $ 1200 along the way.
It seems to us that such a transition from size L to XL is quite justified: thanks to it there were two extra places that could be completely useful, and the motor added two hundred cubes and almost thirty horses. So the buyer exactly imagines what he gives $ 3,000 in excess of the price of a short five -door with the V6 engine and in a similar configuration.
Source: Wheel magazine [No. 55/2002]
