Suzuki’s XL7 has been in the market for a few years now, and while other countries already got the hybrid version in their lineup for some time, the Philippines has yet to get its hands on one. Though the GLX AT Ertiga Hybrid costs around Php1,153,000, the XL7 costs Php1,181,000, slightly more expensive than the former, giving the newer Ertiga the edge in almost everything.
Exterior
The XL7 looks more in tune with the times than the Ertiga with a sharper look, making it appealing to a wider demographic. To differentiate itself further from the Ertiga which it was based, it was given a more aggressive looking front end, with angular headlights and a blacked out grille with a silver Suzuki badge adorning it.
The use of black cladding is very prominent in the XL7, on the front bumper, side skirts, as well as the rear, and are decorated with grey accents for a sportier vibe. To compliment the look, it sits 20mm higher than the Ertiga, which gives it an edge over harsher conditions. The rear taillamps are taken from the Ertiga as they both share the same platform.
Given the rugged design, it’s built to compete those in the more premium MPVs in that price point at the time, however it has yet to be given a due refresh.
Interior
Most of the interior pieces were from the Ertiga, but are customized to fit with the more youthful vibe of the XL7. While the Ertiga sports faux wood grain panels and beige interior accents, the XL7 sports a blacked out interior with faux carbon fiber panels on the center console, and black leather and fabric lined seats. It sports the same center console layout as the Ertiga Hybrid, but it was introduced here in the XL7 before, with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a reverse parking camera, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, and audio controls are found on the steering wheel so there’s no need to reach for the touch screen to skip a track.
There’s also ventilated cupholders which keep your cold drinks cool as well, same as the Ertiga, which is a nice touch. The analog-digital gauge cluster shows your management as well as monitors for brake input, power and torque delivery.
The car seats seven comfortably, with a 2-3-2 seating configuration, and as an MPV, the the third row seats can be folded for more space to store things in the rear. There’s good legroom even for tall people at 5’5, and my niece and nephew were able to sleep comfortably at the reclined third row seats during a long drive. That and combined with low NVH levels ensure that the XL7 provides a quiet experience.
Ride can be quite firm, as you can feel the jolts and potholes and uneven roads in the city. There’s two airbags at the front passenger side, but it lacks those at the middle and third row seats.
Performance
The 1.5 liter naturally aspirated K15B four-cylinder engine is left unchanged from the non-hybrid Ertiga from before, with 103hp and 138Nm of torque at 4400rpm, mated to a four speed automatic. Although an old engine at best, it is among the tried and tested engines in Suzuki’s portfolio even to this day, and manages around 8.2 kilometers per liter in the city, and around 10 in mixed conditions including the highways. While reliable and economical, the XL7 Hybrid has been already in other countries such as in India and Indonesia for a while now, and it needs that to go along with the Ertiga Hybrid in the lineup.
With its lightweight construction and a firm suspension setup, the XL7 can weave through Metro Manila traffic with ease, and there’s ample power delivery as you step on the gas pedal from a full stop. The slightly higher ride height, good visibility, and the compact size carrying over from the Ertiga makes it easy to park for a 7-seater MPV, even in tight parking lots such as the one in the condominium basement.
The overall tried-and-tested performance that was shared with the old Ertiga still works to this day, with a different packaging that appeals to more people, but it does need an update to keep up with the demands of the times ahead as electrification in the country is slowly becoming more apparent.
