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Is the Suzuki XL7 worth it?

Truth be told, it is worth it at P1,068,000 and one of the better values for money in the Philippine market.

Earl Lee on Dec 16, 2020

Suzuki’s got a knack for selling cars that are at a very attractive price point. A car from the Japanese brand is a pretty durable investment if you ask us, however, their newest 7-seater in the lineup, the Suzuki XL7, hits the 7-figure mark in the Philippines, which is a bit of a rarity for the brand that specializes in the sub-P1,000,000 vehicles.

Over the million mark, is the XL7 still worth it to buy if the Ertiga still comes into play at P1,068,000? Are the other rivals in its segment able to hold a candle to it? Is it worth it? It is, and here’s why.

Tried and tested platform

The XL7 is definitely a taller and more equipped version of the Ertiga, and it even shares the same chassis, just with different trimmings and different suspension bits and wheels for added ground clearance. Its engine is also the same as the Ertiga, so is it a better buy than it? Well, we cannot say just yet, but as a baseline of expectations, the Ertiga is already a good car, to begin with, and the XL7 is just a better version. A unibody chassis and a good amount of lightness in its handling make it a great car to drive, and a comfortable one to use every day.

Frugal gasoline engine

Also carried over from the Ertiga, is the 1.5-liter gasoline engine is one of the most frugal in its class. Even without a more advanced transmission, the 4-speed automatic shouldn’t be as economical as it is, but it just is. In the city we managed XX km/L up to XX km/L, then on the highway, it becomes a freak of nature running on gasoline that seems like it’s not there. We managed to get 20 km/L on our stint on the highway with this guy, which is ridiculously great in terms of value for money.

Though it’s not without its cons. If you are looking for a car that has an exciting drive and a peppier acceleration, you will not get that with the XL7. Simply put, it’s geared more towards economic driving, and to the right people, fuel economy will trump a more exciting experience, so it depends on what you are looking for.

A better look

If you are someone that values how a vehicle looks, then the XL7 is arguably one of the better-looking models in the market today. It’s more subdued in the world of baby-SUV-like 7-seaters, and it enjoys tasteful execution that is also set apart from the Ertiga. On top of that the headlights are LED, with DRLs and halogen fog lamps, and extra body cladding, and a faux skid plate. The rear is also an LED affair, but with a familiar shape. You also get a few more trimmings at the back and that’s about it. It’s not overdone, it’s just enough to be a good looking car. Other than that, it’s something that won’t scream loudly either. It flies under the radar but is subtly stylish in its own right.

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

So another item that we are loving on the XL7 and that ups its worth-it factor is its 10-inch infotainment system. On its own, it’s a giant screen, but the greatest thing about it is the fact that it has the functionality to go with all that flair. Thanks to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, all the screen real estate is put to good use, displaying your music, and your navigation apps, but also you get all that screen real estate that allows you to see everything you need at a glance. On top of that, you also get a backup camera which can be clearly seen from the large display.

Verdict

So, let’s look at the facts. For a little over a million pesos, you get a 7 seater that has pretty much all the boxes ticked for a good daily driver. The tech is good, and you also get a name brand on the steering wheel. Now, it’s not going to be a luxury cruiser, but it will save you even more money at the gas pumps and it’s a good-looking car to boot in our opinion. It won our 7-seater comparo for 2020, and it continues to win our attention when it comes to value for money. If you have the budget for a 7-seater in the Philippines, the XL7 makes a great case and is a better choice compared to a Suzuki Ertiga or even a few other more expensive 7-seat offerings out in the market today.