Suzuki XL7

Like the exterior, the interior of the Suzuki XL7 is also heavily derived from the Ertiga, though there are some subtle changes in the cabin which make it look well-distinguished over its relatively-humbler-looking version. The cabin layout, comprising of the dashboard and door panels, is the same as that of the Ertiga, but here features an all-black theme with a different fabric upholstery on offer. The middle layer of the dashboard also has a different marble-like textured finish, unlike the faux wood finish offered in the Ertiga.

The driver’s cockpit of the Suzuki XL7, comprising of a flat-bottom, tilt-adjustable multi-functional steering wheel and a traditional analogue instrument console with a 4.2-inch TFT MID in the middle, looks decent, and so does the centre console, which is dominated by a large 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system at the top. The lower centre console has a compact-sized panel for the switches of automatic climate control, while the slim AC vents are nestled within the central layer of the dashboard.

The cabin of the Suzuki XL7 has three rows with enough space to accommodate seven passengers at best, while the roof-mounted rear AC vents further enhance the comfort of the cabin. Additional features offered in the Suzuki XL7 are a height-adjustable driver’s seat, powered ORVMs, push start-stop button, 60:40 split theme for the second row of seats, 50:50 split theme for the third row of seats, 6-speaker audio system and ventilated cup holders and sliding armrest in the centre console between the front seats.

While much of the design of the Suzuki XL7 has the soul of the Ertiga, as the former is more of a rugged-looking version of the latter, the XL7 tries to carve an identity of its own with a distinctive-looking front profile. Also, the minor changes introduced in the side and rear profiles over the Ertiga further work well in giving the XL7 a rugged appearance.

At the front, the Suzuki XL7 welcomes you with a hexagonal-shaped grille, which has a thick chrome horizontal slat running across its width in the middle. The upper edges of this hexagonal grille are flanked by large, wide-stretched angular headlamps, which feature an all-LED illumination and also come with slim daytime running LED strips within them. The front bumper here gets black cladding for the fog lamp surrounds, which have rounded LED fog lamps within them. It also gets a thick-looking silver skid plate in the middle at the bottom.

The side profile of the Suzuki XL7 is heavily derived from the Ertiga, with the door panels, front and rear fenders and angular window panels shared with the latter. Here also, there is a sharp crease that flows from the front fender to the rear in an uprising manner. However, what makes the XL7 look different here over the Ertiga are the body cladding over the wheel arches and lower door panels and large and chunky-looking functional roof rails. It also gets larger 16-inch machined alloy wheels too.

The rear profile of the Suzuki XL7 also retains the vertically aligned L-shaped tail lamps and the boot lid design featuring a trapezoidal-shaped license plate housing with a chrome bar over it. However, here, the body panel between the rear windscreen and license plate housing has a blacked-out finish. Also, the rear bumper has a rugged look too, with body cladding and a skid plate over it.

While there might be an essence of SUV in the looks of the Suzuki XL7, underneath it is very much an MPV, with a greater focus on offering a comfortable ride quality. For that, the suspension combination of the XL7 – Macpherson struts with coil springs at the front and torsion beam with coil springs at the rear – have been tuned on a softer end for a supple and composed ride quality. However, the steering setup could have been better at higher speeds, which coupled with the slight body roll filtering at those speeds, can make the driving experience a bit unnerving.

Apart from much of the styling inside-out, the Suzuki XL7 also shares the 1.5-litre four-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine with the Ertiga MPV. Here, the engine is paired to a 4-speed automatic transmission as standard and generates a maximum power output of 103 bhp and a maximum torque output of 138 Nm.

The Suzuki XL7 also shares its safety equipment list with the Ertiga, comprising of dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, reverse parking sensors and camera, hill hold control and ISOFIX mounts for child seats.

The Suzuki XL7 comes across as a more modern and rugged-looking version of the Ertiga, with added features and a more premium appeal inside-out making it a more desirable MPV for the masses.