2001 SUZUKI XL-7
23 November 2000
2001 SUZUKI XL-7 With More Passenger and Cargo Capacity, and More Style,
The New XL-7 Drives Affordable SUVs Into Exciting New Territory
BREA, Calif., Nov. 22 After forging a reputation as a
pioneer in the small SUV market, Suzuki does it again by introducing the new
2001 Grand Vitara XL-7, its largest and most versatile vehicle ever. The
XL-7 offers an unsurpassed combination of style, range of seating and cargo
capabilities and affordability to cut through the clutter of the increasingly
competitive SUV market. With standard V6 power, impressive feature content
and versatile three-row seating, the stylish new XL-7 is a more sensibly-sized
and affordable alternative to the mammoth three-ton SUV.
Suzuki's vision for a new-generation SUV was first revealed to the public
in the form of the XL6 concept SUV at the January 2000 North American
International Auto Show in Detroit. Blending high style and impressive
flexibility in a manageably sized package, the striking XL6 took the SUV
market in a new direction. Now, the 2001 XL-7 brings that same "best
all-around" theme and dynamic look to SUV buyers who demand more value for
their money.
Building off the success of the Grand Vitara small SUV, Suzuki designed
the XL-7 with a 12.6-inch longer wheelbase, and a commanding 19.1 inches
longer overall length, making it the largest SUV that Suzuki has ever produced
and seventh SUV model Suzuki has sold in the U.S. Under the hood, power comes
from an up-sized, all-aluminum 2.7-liter DOHC V-6 engine that can be coupled
with manual or automatic transmissions and rear- or four-wheel drive. The
rear-wheel-drive XL-7 starts under $20,000 MSRP, while four-wheel-drive models
start under $21,000. This aggressive pricing and feature-packed content puts
the XL-7 at the head of the new generation SUV class.
Versatility Rules
Utility, convenience and style are prime motivators for many SUV buyers.
Take a look inside the XL-7 and you'll find all these attributes in abundance.
Even base models come with third-row split seating that folds to boost the
cargo and passenger-carrying options. (Buyers for the luxury Acura MDX or the
Mercedes Benz M-class must pay extra for their optional seating upgrade.) For
shuttling kids, their friends and all the essential gear around town, the XL-7
is without equal: Measuring 183.7-inches in overall length, it is 18 inches
longer than the Toyota RAV4, 10 inches longer than the Ford Escape or Mazda
Tribute and six inches longer than the Honda CRV.
To ensure that all the XL-7's extra interior space is easily accessible,
the rear doors are extra wide -- about eight inches wider at the base and
12 inches wider at the top, compared to other SUVs in the class. The XL-7's
second row seating features fore and aft adjustment, and shares the
split-folding capability of the third row to provide maximum versatility for
loading passengers and cargo.
If the mission demands maximum cargo capacity, the XL-7's 73.0-cubic-foot
capacity with the second and third row seats folded down provides plenty of
room. In addition to the ample interior space, an additional 100 lbs. of
cargo can be carried on the XL-7's standard roof rails.
Special touches make the interior all the more useful: There's storage
below the cargo deck and in under-seat storage bins; the full-sized spare tire
mounts outside the cargo area on the back door and a cargo area light assists
nighttime loading.
Exceptional Comfort And Class
The XL-7 is available in a variety of trim levels in either of two- or
four-wheel drive. On the Standard model, the XL-7 offers class-leading
equipment levels. The equipment includes features customers want, such as a
V-6 engine, air conditioning with micron air filtration, power windows and
door locks, power mirrors, keyless remote entry, cruise control, tilt steering
wheel and an automatic lighting system. Other standard equipment includes
multi-reflector halogen headlights, rear wiper/washer, privacy glass,
adjustable armrests and a first aid kit in the rear cargo area that's stocked
with items to help with life's little emergencies.
Moving up to the Plus model, the XL-7 gains rear air conditioning, 16-inch
aluminum wheels and an AM/FM stereo system that includes an in-dash CD player.
Upgrade to the Touring model, and the equipment list swells to include
anti-lock brakes, power sunroof, AM/FM stereo with in-dash CD and cassette
player, fog lamps and rear spoiler. The top-of-the-line Limited model is
graced with automatic transmission, leather upholstery and step-side running
boards. So equipped, the XL-7 is truly a full-fledged luxury SUV.
Safety, Strength and Durability -- with Good Road Manners
The XL-7 clearly differentiates itself from its competition with its
abundant interior space and standard V-6 powerplant. Less obvious are the
XL-7's noise, vibration and harshness reduction features and its safety
engineering.
The XL-7's V6 engine is isolated with special liquid-filled mounts that
help eliminate vibration. Add to that calibrated suspension bushings and
extensive sound attenuation technologies, and the XL-7's comprehensive noise,
vibration and harshness control strategy delivers a quietly serene ride.
The body structure is strategically reinforced in the interest of
durability, safety and noise control. Front and rear crush zones are
engineered to work in concert with XL-7's bumper system and ladder frame to
help dissipate crash energy in severe impacts. To help maintain the integrity
of the passenger compartment in a side-impact collision, the XL-7's "A," "B"
and "C" pillars are constructed of the same high-tensile steel used in the
ladder box frame. Steel reinforced posts and side impact beams help create a
robust passenger compartment. Inside, the interior features a variety of
safety technologies, including second-generation dual airbags, child seat
tether anchors and rear-door child safety locks.
Suspension And Handling For The Real World
Engineered for a smooth and confident ride on the road, the XL-7 also has
the toughness required to stand up to natural terrain. Up front, the
MacPherson strut suspension features separate coil springs and dampers for a
tight turning circle and long suspension travel.
In back, the rear axle is positioned by a sophisticated five-link system
that allows generous wheel travel and closely controls lateral axle movement
in the interest of precise handling. The XL-7's shock absorbers are charged
with pressurized nitrogen for consistent damping action to smoothly handle
various road conditions.
Suspension tuning that's carefully calibrated for responsiveness to
driving surface irregularities lets the XL-7 iron the wrinkles out of natural
and paved surfaces alike. The resulting ride is comfortably compliant, with
plenty of suspension travel in reserve for large impacts. The ride
characteristics are further enhanced by the XL-7's long 110.2-inch wheelbase,
which substantially reduces fore and aft pitching over uneven surfaces.
To create a confidence-inspiring balance of handling quickness and
predictability, the XL-7 relies on rack-and-pinion steering gear, a standard
front lateral stabilizer bar and relatively wide, low-profile tires. With its
standard 235/60-16 tires, the XL-7 puts down larger contact patches than
competitors like the Escape, CRV and RAV4. The standard power-assisted
steering blends confident highway handling with easy low-speed maneuverability
and delivers a surprisingly tight 38.7-foot (measured curb-to-curb) turning
circle. Though the XL-7 is impressively roomy inside, it still delivers the
driving ease and around-town maneuverability that makes compact SUVs a
pleasure to drive.
Powerful V6 Motivation
Given the XL-7's high capability nature, standard V-6 power was mandatory.
In a price segment where four-cylinder engines are the norm, the XL-7's
2.7-liter V6 is clearly a cut above. Closely related to the 2.5-liter V6
engine that's available in the Grand Vitara, the XL-7 powerplant is an
advanced all-aluminum unit that leverages state-of-the-art technology,
producing peak output of 170 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 178 pound-feet of
torque at 4,000 rpm. To help maximize the engine's output, the rear
differential gearing has been lowered. The result is improved acceleration
while still maintaining good fuel economy.
Browse the XL-7's technical specification, and you'll see more than a
little in common with Suzuki's highly advanced, championship-winning
motorcycles. Four valves per cylinder ensure free breathing, while quad
overhead camshafts provide precise valve control even at high rpm.
Instead of using a rubber timing belt that requires occasional replacement
(about a $300 to $500 job every 60,000 miles in most cases), the XL-7 uses an
innovative two-stage timing chain that is self-lubricating, self-adjusting and
maintenance-free. Another maintenance chore -- valve tappet clearance
adjustment -- is eliminated completely with the Direct Drive Valvetrain (DDV).
Hydraulic tappet clearance adjusters do the job automatically. Maintenance is
further reduced by the direct ignition system that places the ignition coils
over the spark plugs to eliminate the need for a distributor and high-tension
ignition wires.
To maximize torque output and fuel economy, the XL-7 has a specially-tuned
crossover induction system. It's a contributing factor in the SUV's solid EPA
fuel mileage estimates. Rear-wheel-drive versions return 18/20 mpg
city/highway with the standard five-speed manual transmission, and 17/20 mpg
city/highway with the optional four-speed automatic. The four-wheel-drive
XL-7 logs a 17/20 mpg city/highway EPA rating with either transmission.
Putting The Power To The Ground
For buyers looking for the reliable traction, on-road and off, the XL-7's
optional four-wheel drive system delivers a high degree of capability. While
travelling in a straight line, you can shift-on-the-fly between two-wheel-
drive high and four-wheel-drive high at any speed up to 60 mph. A pneumatic
actuator automatically engages the front differential and front axle when you
select four-wheel drive -- so manually locking the wheel hubs is not required.
In four-wheel drive, two gear ratio ranges are provided: four-wheel-drive high
for smooth surfaces and four-wheel-drive low for treacherous, punishing
terrain. Most competitive SUVs don't offer a low range, so their drivers can
occasionally find themselves spending a lot more time in the great outdoors
than they had originally planned.
The XL-7 is well-suited for towing -- or for being towed behind another
vehicle. With its 3000-pound tow rating, it can easily handle a wide variety
of trailers. For RV owners looking to pull the XL-7 along on their next
adventure, four-wheel drive models can be towed with all four wheels on the
ground; there are no driveline components to connect or disconnect.
Additionally, XL-7s don't accumulate odometer mileage while being towed, which
can make for a substantial savings in depreciation costs.
Small Only in Price
One of the 2001 XL-7's strongest features is its bottom line. With
pricing starting under $20,000, it pushes the boundaries of SUV features and
functionality, while remaining highly affordable. No other vehicle in the
class combines the XL-7's comprehensive list of attributes with its standout
value.
All 2001 Suzuki models are covered by a 36-month/36,000-mile new vehicle
limited warranty and a 24-month/24,000-mile battery warranty. Perforation due
to corrosion is covered for 36 months with unlimited mileage. The Warranty
Repair Courtesy Vehicle Program provides a courtesy vehicle through Enterprise
Rent-A-Car to retail purchase or lease customers. If a Suzuki vehicle is
required to stay overnight at a Suzuki dealer to complete a warranty repair
during the 36 month/36,000 mile new vehicle warranty period, the Suzuki dealer
will provide a courtesy rental vehicle for up to a maximum of five days when
parts and labor are required or a maximum of three days on labor-only repairs
at a maximum rental value of $30.00 per day.
