Production Models

The line between an MPV and an SUV has blurred over the years. Most of the time, you can't tell which is which. Perhaps, it all boils down to how automakers want to market a seven-seater, like the Suzuki XL7 GLX.

Seven-seaters are sought-after. By growing families who need cabin space and seat capacity afforded by so-called multi-purpose vehicles or MPVs, a.k.a. minivans. Sometimes they are also called mom-mobiles.

But some with more outdoorsy perceptions of themselves don't like to be thought of as driving mom-mobiles. The solution automaker came up with is to dress mini-vans as SUVs, sport utility vehicles. This maybe how 7-seater SUVs became a thing.

They now come in many sizes-from subcompacts to full-size. One subcompact seven-seater SUV in the local market is the Suzuki XL7 GLX.

The XL7 slots in nicely in the subcompact SUV segment in size- at 4450 millimeters long, 1775mm wide and 1710mm tall, and with 200mm minimum ground clearance - and in external features and styling.

Bold front grille. Thick black wheel arches. Functional roof rails. Side protection mouldings. Front and rear bumpers with underside protectors. All point to the XL7's SUV aspirations.

The LED headlamp design, the DRL looking like the sharp end of a kitana, as well as the rear combination lamps, the custom 16-inch alloy wheels wrapped by 195/60 R16 tires, all add to the sporty SUV appearance.

This 7-seater SUV with a gross vehicle weight of 1,730 kilograms is powered by a 1462cc 4-cylinder gasoline engine with 16 valves and multi-point fuel injection that generates 103 horsepower at 6000 revolutions per minute and 138 Newton-meters of torque.

The engine on the Suzuki XL7 GLX available in the Philippines is mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission.

It can sit seven adults comfortably on all three rows of seats.

Fabric and PVC leather upholstery match the sporty interior accents and door trim using faux carbon fiber material and satin chrome.

Even the meter cluster gets sporty with red accents to the speedometer, tachometer and the subdials. A 4.2-inch LCD that displays such info as driving G-force, engine horsepower and torque seem superfluous but nonetheless scream sport.

But it's the flexibility, convenience, and comfort offered by the three rows of seats that stand out.

The front seats slide and recline, with the driver benefiting from height adjuster.

Second row seats also slide and recline, split-fold 60:40, and with one-touch control to allow easy access into third row seats.

The third seats split-fold 50:50, and the seatback reclines 16 degrees for comfort.

Seatbacks can be folded flat to a nearly even surface for added cargo or luggage space.

The XL7 GLX also features a lot of cool interior features like ventilated cup holders beneath center console, smart phone holders, first, second and third row accessory sockets, front armrest with socket, 2nd row armrest, bank note and coin holder with partition, auxillary and USB portals on center console,

This is aside from other standard interior comfort and convenience features such as automatic airconditioning, central doorlocks, power windows, power-adjustable and folding side view mirrors, leather covered D-shaped steering wheel with controls for audio and phone and that adjusts for tilt, and keyless push start system.

Infotainment is also state-of-art, featuring a 10-inch touchscreen that plays video and audio, with Bluetooth and USB connectivity compatible with Android Auto and Apple Carplay.

It comes integrated with the rear parking camera.

Whether on city streets, winding countryside roads, and expressways, the XL7 benefits from what Suzuki calls the New Generation Heartect Platform that features lightweight but strong continuous metal frame that contributes to safety, lowers fuel consumption, provide better driving performance, as well as help minimize noise, vibration and harshness on combination with generous use of noise absorption and insulation materials.

The suspension system features McPherson struts with coil spring in front and torsion beam with coil springs in the rear tuned to balance the need for a soft ride in city streets and a stiffer and stable ride at speed.

The brake system using front ventilated discs and leading/trailing drums in the rear is complemented by Anti-Lock Brake System with Electronic Brake-Force Distribution for safety.

Also adding to safety is the Electronic Stability Program that detects and mitigates wheel slippage and adjusts torque and brakes to help driver stay in control of vehicle.

Hill Hold Control helps driver on stop and go, driving on steep ascents.

Also standard safety and security features on the Suzuki XL7 GLX are 3-point ELR seatbelts for six, plus 2-point seatbelts for middle second row passenger, dual airbags, two Isofix child seat anchors, child locks on rear doors, side impact door beams, door-sensing security alarm and engine immobilizer.

The XL7 can certainly makes a good case for it being a subcompact SUV masquerading as a capable MPV. Or perhaps vice versa.