[CAR REVIEW] Suzuki XL7 Hybrid: Winning Over Customers with Practical Upgrades

To provide unbiased and objective reviews for our readers, a diverse group of random testers were selected to experience and share their thoughts on the new Suzuki XL7 Hybrid 2024, which has recently entered the Vietnamese market.

Attentive Design Enhancements for a Sportier Look

Mr. Tung Nguyen, a professional driver of 16 and 30-seater shuttle services, noted that the updated Suzuki XL7 Hybrid features black-painted details such as the grille, front bumper, alloy wheels, and side mirrors, giving the vehicle a much more youthful appearance compared to its predecessor.

A fresh, sporty, and robust interface.

Sharing the same viewpoint, Ms. Bao Han from Tay Ho, Hanoi, complimented the “ivory-black” paint job, which reflects a fashionable, sandy yellow hue in the sunlight, appealing to women’s tastes.

A Spacious and Comfortable Interior

Upon sitting inside and taking the car for a test drive, Mr. Duy Nghia from Dong Anh, Hanoi, praised the predominantly black interior of the XL7 Hybrid. From the seats to the dashboard and door trim, the dark color scheme exudes elegance. The highlight, however, are the glossy wooden decorative panels, adding a touch of luxury and attention to detail.

As someone who frequently travels for work, Ms. Bao Han appreciated the ample space in the XL7 Hybrid’s cabin. The adjustable backrest and comfortable seats impressed her. Furthermore, the spacious trunk can accommodate up to four large suitcases, along with four to six standard carry-on bags when the last row of seats is folded down.

Mr. Tung Nguyen believes that the Suzuki XL7 Hybrid 2024‘s greatest asset is the comfort it offers to its passengers. The wide windows provide a spacious feel, and the smooth ride ensures a pleasant journey without any sense of confinement for those seated in the back.

Convenient and Practical Features

Mr. Tung Nguyen, who often drives long distances, particularly values the cooling compartment and the dual-zone automatic climate control in this new Hybrid model. These small yet valuable features make a significant difference to the overall driving experience.

In the current generation model, Suzuki has equipped a large 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complete with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Mr. Nguyen Trung, an office worker and avid adventure traveler who has driven across the USA and Australia, shared his enthusiasm for the seamless connectivity upon entering the vehicle.

A modern interior with eye-catching details and advanced features: a 10-inch screen and wireless connectivity.

Mr. Duy Nghia, who has extensive experience with various 7-seater vehicles, expressed his fondness for the leather-wrapped steering wheel of the Suzuki XL7 Hybrid. He noted that the leather steering wheel provides a more pleasant grip, and the automatic headlights help him focus on driving, eliminating the worry of forgetting to turn them on when entering tunnels or underground parking lots.

The Auto Light system and Guide me light offer maximum convenience for various driving needs.

Smooth Performance and Outstanding Fuel Efficiency

Mr. Nguyen Trung shared his deep connection with the previous-generation Suzuki XL7, having driven over 1,000 km from Hanoi to Quang Binh and back. Compared to its predecessor, the Suzuki XL7 Hybrid delivers a noticeably smoother ride at low speeds.

When rapid acceleration is required, the engine’s roar is significantly reduced, providing a more pleasant experience for passengers. Even at high speeds, the driver can easily maneuver and overtake other vehicles on highways or winding mountain roads.

Mr. Tung Nguyen highlighted the usefulness of the Cruise Control feature for long-distance journeys, as it helps maintain a constant speed and reduces driver fatigue.

The vehicle’s sturdy chassis inspires confidence when navigating potholes or uneven surfaces. The suspension setup strikes a balance between comfort and stability, ensuring a smooth cornering experience without causing motion sickness for rear passengers.

Affordable Ownership and Operating Costs

The Suzuki XL7 Hybrid is equipped with a mild-hybrid system, delivering smooth acceleration, robust performance, and equivalent power to conventional combustion engines. One of its advantages is that when idling at a red light, the engine shuts off, and the air conditioning and infotainment system are powered by the battery.

As a result, the Suzuki XL7 Hybrid boasts impressive fuel efficiency, consuming only approximately 5.9 liters per 100 km in combined city and highway driving. Moreover, the intervals between maintenance checks are longer than those of its competitors, set at 6 months or 7,500 km, instead of the standard 5,000 km, resulting in a 25% difference. The maintenance cost for every 15,000 km or one year of driving is estimated at only VND 2.7 million.

As a fully imported vehicle, the Suzuki XL7 Hybrid is offered at a competitive price starting from VND 599 million, a highly attractive proposition according to testers like Mr. Tung Nguyen and Ms. Bao Han. Additionally, Suzuki Vietnam is currently offering a 50% discount on registration fees, which is directly deducted from the selling price.

In conclusion, all four testers agreed that the Suzuki XL7 Hybrid is a worthwhile upgrade. It boasts an eye-catching design, a practical array of features, a comfortable and enjoyable ride for passengers, easy maneuverability for the driver, and, most importantly, an affordable price tag and low operating costs. These factors collectively position the Suzuki XL7 Hybrid as a strong contender in the 7-seater segment, poised for exceptional sales performance.

Throughout December, customers who purchase the Suzuki XL7 Hybrid will receive a 50% discount on registration fees, equivalent to a savings of VND 30 million, along with a set of genuine Suzuki accessories, free installation, and painting services. For more information, please visit: HERE.

Anh Phan (Tuoitrethudo)