The Suzuki XL7 comes as a tough 7-seater Low SUV which is based on the Suzuki Ertiga. This car is offered in three variants, Alpha, Beta and Zeta. Present as a Low SUV at the lowest price, what are the weaknesses that need to be known about the Suzuki XL7 2023?
XL7 is sold starting from IDR 254.8 million for the Zeta MT type and the most expensive IDR 292.7 million for the Alpha AT type. With a price of under IDR 300 million, the XL7 is a realistic option for people who are looking for a low SUV that is comfortable, affordable, masculine, but also doesn't bother with maintenance.
Previously, the name XL7 was used as a 7-seater variant of the Suzuki Vitara. Meanwhile, the latest version of the Suzuki XL7 is a monocoque low SUV that utilizes the Ertiga base. If you quote today's terms, this XL7 is an Ertiga that has joined the body builder fitness program.
So conceptually, the design still has a lot in common with Ertiga, which is its older brother. So, is the Suzuki XL7 more varied in terms of completeness of features and specifications compared to the Ertiga? In order not to be more curious, here are some of the weaknesses of the Suzuki XL7 which make it less total in the Low SUV segment.
1. The interior of the Suzuki XL7 2023 still carries the atmosphere of the Ertiga
Sharing platforms are quite common in the automotive industry. Even at Honda it is known by anecdotes in regards to one dashboard because the design is exactly the same for five different models. What about the Suzuki XL7 and Ertiga?
Of course it's similar on the dashboard, and the interior is almost identical even though there are some adjustments in some parts. The difference is in the wood panel accents on the Ertiga, and the carbon panels on the XL7. For those of you who want a sporty and luxurious car design, you won't be comfortable when choosing the Suzuki XL7.
The interior materials used in the highest type of Suzuki XL7 are also exactly the same as the Ertiga, including the seats which faithfully use fabric. Even though the function of leather seats is quite important for a family car, so that the seats are easy to clean from water plants and food.
However, fabric is actually more comfortable because it is warm and soft when it is cold. Even if you are in a car with velvet or fabric seats, you won't smell the distinctive smell of a new car, so the risk of nausea or dizziness tends to be minimal.
2. The engine in the XL7 has no power upgrades and hybrid options
Even though it uses the same engine base, it turns out that Suzuki hasn't made any improvements to the output side of the K15B engine. Even though as a low SUV, the weight of the XL7 is definitely heavier than the Suzuki Ertiga. So, this could be one of the reasons why the price of the XL7 can be more affordable.
Based on the specification data, the 1,462cc VVT DOHC 16 Valve engine belonging to the XL7 and Ertiga produces 103 hp at 6,000 rpm and 138 Nm of torque at 4,400 rpm. Compare that to the output of the Mitsubishi Xpander Cross which is capable of generating power up to 104 hp and peak torque of 141 Nm.
When compared with the Honda BR-V, it will lose badly in output. This is because the 1,497 cc VTEC SOHC 16 Valve engine in the BR-V can produce 119 hp and 145 Nm of torque.
Not only that, the Suzuki XL7 2023 is also not available in the SVHS hybrid version, like the Ertiga, which already has it first. In contrast to electrification cars where all power sources rely on electricity, SVHS technology uses a power source that comes from a conventional gasoline engine coupled with an ISG (Integrated Starter Generator) and a Lithium-Ion Battery.
As is known ISG functions as a motor and generator that captures and stores electrical energy to the Lithium-Ion Battery. This electrical energy keeps the car's electrical components running when the car is in the stopped position (engine auto start stop is active), so it will make fuel consumption more efficient because the combustion process does not occur.
3. Minus Cruise Control, the driving sensation becomes less comfortable
The cruise control feature is now no longer a monopoly on expensive cars, because in the middle class range of Rp. 250-350 million, more and more are using this feature. But it's a shame because the Suzuki XL7 doesn't get this feature.
The advantage of the cruise control feature is that it can make the car go automatically at a certain speed without the need for us to step on the gas. The vehicle speed is regulated via the buttons on the steering wheel.
So far, only the Xpander Cross is the only model in the Low SUV segment that gets the automatic rate feature. The driver's right leg can rest for a moment while crossing the freeway. We can deactivate this feature when pressing the brake pedal or from the button on the steering wheel.
