Suzuki has revealed that its new XL6 is launching in South Africa tomorrow, 23 August, at exactly mid-day.
Initially announced all the way back in 2019, the XL6 is a six-seater multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) with a burlier design than its peer, the Suzuki Ertiga, and it’s expected to have more premium equipment options, too, judging from markets where it is already on sale.
Following the XL6, the next model to land on local shores will be the five-door Jimny, however, its debut timeline has not yet been announced.
What to expect
Looking at the XL6’s specification sheet in India, where around seven models are on offer, standard amenities in our market will likely include LED lights, a multifunction steering wheel, automatic air conditioning with rear vents, cruise control, reverse parking sensors, a 7-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, four speakers, four airbags, hill-hold assist, and ABS with brake assist.
On the pricier versions, the Indian XL6 further offers leatherette seats and a leather flat-bottom steering wheel, ventilated front seats, 360-view cameras, a premium Arkamys sound system, and an upgraded media screen with a wider range of functionalities including an on-board voice assistant.
Each model is also furnished with 16-inch alloy wheels, protective wheel-arch cladding, and front and rear skidplates lending it a more rugged look than most competitors in the MPV segment.
Judging from the recently-launched Fronx’s equipment list sheet that is remarkably similar between the two countries, it’s anticipated that the South African XL6 will provide many of the niceties of its Indian counterpart.
In Asia, the XL6 is powered by either a 1.5-litre, petrol motor with “Progressive Smart Hybrid Technology”, or one running on a mixture of petrol and compressed natural gas (CNG).
Since the semi-electrified foundation is already available on a Suzuki in South Africa in the form of the Grand Vitara, in which it generates 76kW and 137Nm and is paired with a six-speed automatic shifter, we expect this unit to also show face on the XL6.
Another possibility is that the MPV could adopt the popular 1.5-litre mill with 77kW and 138Nm that is installed in a variety of Suzuki models on our roads, including in the Ertiga.
There is a chance that it could also be sold with both powertrains due to its more premium stature when compared to the Ertiga, as this is akin to how Suzuki’s flagship SUV, the Grand Vitara, is configured.
Keyword: New Suzuki XL6 – Official South African launch date announced