Review: Suzuki JA XL-7 (2001-05)

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