| 2001 SUZUKI XL-7 Drives Affordable SUVs Into Exciting New Territory
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 (see pictures below left). 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, 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. Under the bonnett, 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.
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. 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 forthcoming Ford Maverick or Mazda Tribute and six inches longer than the Honda CRV.
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.
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 Maverick, CRV and RAV4. The standard power-assisted steering blends confident highway handling with easy low-speed maneuverability.
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, 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.
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.
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