Suzuki XL7 test drive since 2007 SUV
Suzuki size XL
The American Suzuki line differs from the Russian about the same as the automobile preferences of a resident of Ayova or Minnesota from the claims of the villain of the Valdai Upland. There is something in common, but to take a closer look, no less differences. There is both the ocean of both Grand Vitara and SX4. And the models Reno and Forenza are our chevrolet from Korea. And there is also XL7 the largest in the American ruler
He does not look like his predecessors: the seven -seater, the largest and most powerful in the lineup. Presented only this year, XL7 is not officially delivered to Russia, and therefore is almost unknown. And, at the same time, every second does not leave the feeling that he is very familiar
The name is certainly by hearing: previous generations of XL7 still plow the bumpy Russian asphalt and for the American market an SUV Riddle. In the sense that the stereotypical idea of \u200b\u200bsuch a machine (even in absentia, even if it never crossed the Russian border), as a rule, quite accurately characterizes the car. Therefore, testing Suzuki XL7, we often found confirmation of our ideas on the topic of what it could be. But there were surprises.
So, before us is Suzuki XL7. The name is no Vitara or Grand Vitara. Behind Latin letters and the Arabic number hides a record car for a length manufacturer: a little more than 5 m.
This is no longer a SUV, although to a full -fledged SUV he still has to grow. Technologically, of course: neither handouts, nor frames ... We know how Americans well know at least Chevrolet Trail Blazer. The most expressive element of the new headlight model. It seems that the upper corner of the optical block is covered with a hood. From a bizarre pentagon, it clearly blows the Japanese spirit: something else real than the heroes of the Manga comics. Nevertheless, I did not find any other stylistic solutions that are resonant with optics. Perhaps the fog of the tumor should have to be done, but there are no ordinary rounds here here
The interior is truly American: a wide steering wheel with an abundance of buttons, a massive handle of the machine plus the most non -European approach to the question of where to place the buttons?.
For a long time I was looking for the control keys to the windows and fog lights and lanterns: the former are in the central tunnel, and the latter are located just above everyone who will hide them better, is guaranteed a prize from Suzuki. Joke!
But seriously, there is a large and very convenient color display from which all road information is perfectly read. Light leather chairs are comfortable and easily dirty. For a medium -sized person, the side support is almost not felt, and if you forgot to fasten, you will begin to fly along the cabin.
Prices The approximate minimum cost of brought to Russia XL7 1,500,000 rubles. However, for this money you will receive a car in a very rich configuration, and most importantly all -wheel drive (front -wheel drive versions are also presented behind the ocean). If you need a navigation system, chrome discs and even DVDs will increase by another 500,000 rubles.
The rear, that is, the third, a number of seats (by the way, the number 7 in the name just speaks of the number of places), at first glance, is completely impractical: the pillow seems to be too lifted, which is why an acute angle forms between it and the back. But in reality, you can get a job here. The main thing is not to be painful to think where to put your legs.
XL7, to a large extent, the fruit of the development of General Motors engineers. They supplied the car with a platform known to us by Opel Antara and Chevrolet Captiva, as well as much more powerful than the previous version, the engine: V-shaped six 3.6 liters, 252 liters. With.
The indicator is not so hot which Europeans remove more from similar engines, but the motor is quite tracted, and the first hundred car passes very briskly. Many sedans are lagging behind
It will be more correct to talk about cross -country ability, if you imagine for which roads it was created. Remember? That's right, for American! That is, for even, mostly asphalt, the only obstacle on which a police officer or a neighboring cat can become. So: overcoming single obstacles to XL7 does not cause difficulties: a 20-centimeter clearance is enough, and the suspension is very comfortable. A constant all -wheel drive and an acceptable moment at low speeds allow you to confidently feel on a less stiff surface.
Calling XL7 not ready for road surprises will be incorrect. Passengers will evaluate the comfort that independent pendants endow the salon: in front of Macpherson, a multi -link behind. And in the seven -seater version, a system of hydropneumatic shock absorbers from Sachs can appear in the suspension of the rear wheels.
The electronic unit independently regulates the height of the road clearance in the area of \u200b\u200bthe rear axle, focusing on the speed of movement and a number of other indicators. Even on a bumpy or simply broken road, you have to cope with noticeable rolls and swinging but without prejudice to well -being.
Uninhabited by modern technologies; spacious and comfortable; A reasonably dynamic and qualitatively assembled XL7 could take root in Russia. But here it requires more from SUVs and (similar to them).
If there is no frame and locks, be kind to fork out for advertising and promote yourself as a charismatic car: an attribute of a modern citizen. Therefore, XL7 is still in the shade
The car was provided by the company S-Neva
Text: Ilya Orekhov
Photo: Roman Ostanin
Source: Wheel magazine [No. 118/2007]
