Large families seeking a multipurpose vehicle (MPV) that can haul children to soccer practice have a growing number of options to choose from. Those with big budgets are lucky enough to consider large and luxurious people carriers such as the Hyundai Staria, Ford Tourneo or VW Kombi, while at the bottom end of the pecking order is the underpowered Renault Triber 1.0 for R230,000.
In between is a thriving segment of crossover MPVs offering reasonable power and features for R300,000 to R400,000, and the Suzuki XL6 is the latest entrant. It’s a six-seater that offers a slightly more premium alternative to Suzuki’s long-serving seven-seat Ertiga.
The two cars share the same platform and drivetrain but the XL6 (which stands for exclusive six-seater) is a more aspirational “lifestyle” offering, with edgier styling and better features than the utility-focused Ertiga.
The XL6 has more styling flair than the average mommy mobile, with LED daytime running lights and silver faux bash plates below the front and rear bumpers for an SUV-type look, accentuated by silver roof rails, black wheel arch covers and machine-polished alloy wheels. The range-topping GLX versions have the option of a two-tone colour scheme.
The front-wheel drive car is not an SUV but has a higher-than-average 180mm ground clearance for the all-important pavement scaling ability.
Beneath the snappy styling is a car that performs its people-schlepping role very competently. It has a configurable three-row interior with space for six occupants, the first two rows offering individual seats while the third row is a two-seater bench. The middle row of “captain” seats have foldable armrests.
Unlike some cars of this ilk, the back row isn’t only for children. Thanks to a middle row that has adjustable backrests and can be moved forward on rails, space can be configured to accept six adults in reasonable comfort.
With all seats in place there is a modest 209l of luggage space but folding the third row flat into the floor and tilting the middle row backrests forward liberates a useful 692l for large shopping expeditions — though it’s not quite enough for an assembled mountain bike as the middle row doesn’t fold flat.
The gap between the middle row seats provides convenient walk-through room to the back row, and the seats can also be tilted forward for access to the rear.
Available in manual or auto, the XL6 is powered by the ubiquitous 1.5l petrol engine serving duty in many Suzuki models, and it delivers acceptable commuting performance. With only the driver and a passenger onboard the five-speed manual, the car did not struggle to maintain momentum. It buzzed briskly about the suburbs and comfortably maintained 120km/h on the freeway, though a full load of passengers will no doubt take some wind out of its sails.
The four-cylinder engine is reasonably refined but becomes more vocal when cruising the open road in fifth gear, which sends the revs soaring. It could do with an extra gear to reduce drone at cruising speeds and reduce the fuel consumption, though the latter isn’t bad with the test car consuming 6.9l/100km (compared to Suzuki’s claim of 6.0l).
The car handles competently and has good ride comfort, with high-profile 185/65 tyres proficiently soaking up road bumps. The auto version should allow for more effortless urban progress but the manual is no chore to drive with its light clutch and slick gearshifter.
The XL6 comes across as reasonably solid and refined, rather than feeling like it is built to a budget price.
The hard plastic dashboard doesn’t have a premium soft touch surface, but overall the interior doesn’t have a cheap vibe and is spruced up with artificial leather seats and faux dark wood trimmings.
The XL6 is available in a choice of manual and auto and two specification levels, starting with the R326,900 GL, which comes with a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with six speakers and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. Also standard is a reverse camera, electric windows, front automatic climate control with rear manual air conditioning, three 12V power sockets and a USB port, Bluetooth phone connectivity, remote central locking, keyless entry with push-button start and ventilated cupholders in the front console.
The range-topping R341,900 GLX model in addition gains synthetic leather upholstery on the seats and steering wheel, automatic headlamps and automatic fold-in side mirrors. There is no rain sensor for the wipers but the headlamps switch on automatically.
Ergonomically this Suzuki presents no complaints. The touchscreen infotainment system is reasonably intuitive and non-distracting, and the aircon is controlled by physical buttons that fall easily to hand. I did find the driver’s seat a little high, however, even when cranked down to its lowest position.
Safety levels are decent, with all XL6 models offering ABS brakes, stability control and dual airbags.
Like the Mitsubishi Xpander, the Suzuki XL6 offers a dash of styling “vooma” in a segment known more for utility than style. High on versatility and value, the new Suzuki XL6 comes with a five-year/200,000km warranty and four-year/60,000km service plan.
Suzuki XL6 vs the competition
Suzuki Ertiga 1.5 GL, 77kW/138Nm - R307,900
Toyota Rumion 1.5 SX, 77kW/138Nm - R331,600
Suzuki XL6 GLX, 77kW/138Nm - R341,900
Mitsubishi Xpander 1.5, 77kW/141Nm - R345,995
Toyota Rumion 1.5 TX, 77kW/138Nm - R360,600
Honda BR-V 1.5 Trend, 89kW/145Nm - R389,900
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