2007 Xl7

[bm000092]

Suzuki did show the new XL-7 in New-York, however, it will not be based on the new Grand Vitara but on GM’s Theta unibody like the Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent. Don't know yet if it will get a re-enforced body version of the Theta platform in the same idea like the GV.

It will get a 3.6L V6 DOHC, here is the pic.

[bm000092]

Here is some more pics, funny, I think I like the old one more.

[tlg]

Thanks for the photos .....

My first impresion is that i like the front exterior very much but i don't like the tail lights ....
The interior now it seems well build but a little dull .....

Is there any technical specification?

[kazoo]

go to this site for specs, pics and press releases (also for new sx4 model)
media.suzuki.com
it looks very un suzuki like, but is a much better and modern car then it's predecessor, it should selll pretty well especially when it will probably have price on its side.

[geevee]

Originally posted by bm000092@Apr 14 2006, 08:00 PM
Suzuki did show the new XL-7 in New-York, however, it will not be based on the new Grand Vitara but on GM’s Theta unibody like the Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent. Don't know yet if it will get a re-enforced body version of the Theta platform in the same idea like the GV.

It will get a 3.6L V6 DOHC, here is the pic.

Well, the official Suzuki information says it has reinforcing frame rails. Yet it most certainly is a Theta platform. I mention this because when the GV came out, there were some remarkably heated disagreements on various forums about whether the GV is based on the Theta.

Someone who seemed very well informed, and claimed to work at the CAMI plant where the Thetas are made, said the GV could not be a Theta because the new GV had a frame, and the CAMI plant had been retooled to make the frameless Thetas and so the GV could not be a Theta because it could not be built on the same assembly line. At the time, he said the new XL7 was a Theta, and would be built at CAMI.

So now the XL7 shows up with a frame reinforcement, and is certainly built at the CAMI plant, and is certainly a Theta. What does that make the GV? I dunno.

One thing for sure, I wouldn't even compare this to the previous XL-7. All they share is the name. This is more like a minvan, an entirely different concept, but much more appealing to the North American market. Which is where it only will be sold. But there's lots of competition. Current XL-7 owners will find the new GV much more like what they have

[Rick Jay]

From the "At a Glance" document from the previously posted link:

2007 Suzuki XL7 Midsize Crossover SUV

 New XL7 is a front-drive/all-wheel-drive vehicle with car-like unibody construction

OK...Am I reading this correctly...so where the previous models were rear-wheel drive with the front wheels engaged for 4WD, the new model is FWD with power sent to the rears when 4WD is engaged. Is that correct?

And it also states it's unibody contruction. No mention of a frame here. I did read elsewhere about some additional support on the unibody structure.

Also, from another document, the wheel base is a few inches longer (good), but the front and rear overhangs are also quite a bit larger, reducing the approach and departure angles quite substantially, in my opinion.

It looks like the XL7 is going to become an SUV intended to stay on the pavement, like the RAV4, CR-V, et al.

Hope they know what they're doing.

~Rick

[bobms01gv]

Correct. THe XL-7 is going to share the same structure as the Saturn Outlook and GMC Acadia. GM is calling this the "Lambda" platform and it is a FWD based unibody car. It will be street biased, the first SUV from Suzuki built that way.

[steveinmass]

And the changes they are making are why I prefer my '02...

If I want to drive a FWD car-based SUV, I'll take my GF's '06 Rav4, but I just don't see that happening. I prefer the ruggedness of the older style XL-7, not nearly as 'fem' looking as the new one either.

[bobms01gv]

To be honest, even though I prefer the full frame truck-style XL's, this is probably a better solution for myself and the wife. Considering we do all highway driving and only need the 4wd for winter time now the new style might be a better solution. SHOULD get better economy and be quieter and ride a little smoother but still provide the space she needs for all her school stuff.

[Kevin47881]

I'll be doing testing on the new XL-7, at an undisclosed location, the week of the 10th and will do my best to report what I find.

Kevin
Suzuki DSPM