Review: Suzuki JA.I XL-7 (2001-03)

Overview

Released in July 2001, the Suzuki JA Series I (JA.I) XL-7 was a seven seat, four-wheel drive wagon. Manufactured in Hamamatsu, Japan, the XL-7 was powered by a 2.7-litre V6 petrol engine that was mated to either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. The XL-7 was initially offered in an unnamed, entry-level variant and the better-equipped Classic. From 2002, however, a Limited Edition was also offered.

H27A engine

The XL-7 was powered by Suzuki’s 2.7-litre H27A V6 petrol engine which had an aluminium block and cylinder head, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 9.5:1.

Dimensions

The XL-7 retained the ladder-frame chassis of the second generation Grand Vitara that it was based on, but had a longer wheelbase and length for a third row of seats. As such, the XL-7 was 4700 mm long, 1780 mm wide, 1740 mm tall and had a 2800 mm long wheelbase. Inside, the XL-7 had a 2-3-2 seating configuration; the centre row of seats could slide fore and aft and had a 60/40 split and folding function, while the third row of seats had a 50/50 split-fold.

Suspension

The XL-7 had MacPherson strut front suspension and a five-link live rear axle.

4WD system

The XL-7 had a permanent four-wheel drive system with a two-speed transfer case (for high- and low-gears), ‘on the fly’ high-range selection and automatic front locking hubs.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the JA.I XL-7 included dual front airbags, ABS and electronic brake force distribution. The XL-7 was fitted with six lap-sash seatbelts, though the second row centre seat had a lap-only belt.

Features: XL-7, Classic and Limited Edition

Standard XL-7 features included 16-inch alloy wheels with 235/60 R16 Bridgestone Dueler tyres, a four speaker sound system with CD player, air conditioning, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, a tilt adjustable steering wheel, roof rails and immobiliser.

The XL-7 Classic was further equipped with leather seats, while the Limited Edition was also fitted with a power sunroof.

March 2003: XL-7 update

In March 2003, standard features were extended to include an upgraded sound system with a six-stack CD player; the interior also received new head restraints, a three-spoke steering wheel, revised instruments and switchgear, a soft-touch plastic dashboard and a faux wood centre stack.

Review: Suzuki JA.II XL-7 (2003-05)

Overview

Released in August 2003, the JA Series II (JA.II) XL-7 featured a more powerful engine, a new five-speed automatic transmission, an upgraded manual transmission and subtle cosmetic updates. Visually, the JA.II XL-7 could be identified by its revised headlights, front bumper and body-coloured grille.

Safety equipment

Compared to its JA.I predecessor, standard safety equipment for the JA.II XL-7 was unchanged, although the second row centre seat was fitted with a lap-sash seatbelt (previously lap-only) and head restraint.

Features

Standard features for the JA.II XL-7 were extended to include climate control air conditioning.

2005 XL-7 Trekker

In May 2005, the Trekker variant was released. Compared to the standard XL-7, the Trekker was distinguished by cross roof bars, a 300 litre roof-mounted luggage pod, bonnet guard, head light protectors, weather shields and heavy duty tow bar.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Suzuki JA XL-7

Recalls: Suzuki JA XL-7

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Suzuki JA XL-7

No recall information is available for the Suzuki XL-7 (JA: 2001-05). To search for recalls of Suzuki models, please visit Product Safety Recalls Australia: Suzuki.

Problems and faults: Suzuki JA XL-7

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

Problems and faults: Suzuki JA XL-7

No troubleshooting information is currently available for the Suzuki JA XL-7.

Released in July 2001, the Suzuki JA Series I (JA.I) XL-7 was a seven seat, four-wheel drive wagon. Manufactured in Hamamatsu, Japan, the XL-7 was powered by a 2.7-litre V6 petrol engine that was mated to either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. The XL-7 was initially offered in an unnamed, entry-level variant and the better-equipped Classic. From 2002, however, a Limited Edition was also offered… Read full Suzuki XL-7 review

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Images: Suzuki JA.II XL-7 (2003-05)

Released in August 2003, the Suzuki JA Series II (JA.II) XL-7 featured a more powerful engine, a new five-speed automatic transmission, an upgraded manual transmission and subtle cosmetic updates. For the latter, the Suzuki JA.II XL-7 could be identified by its revised headlights, front bumper and body-coloured grille.

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