Suzuki XL-7 Earns ``Good'' Overall Rating in Highway Safety Crash Test

    BREA, Calif.--Sept. 11, 2001--Suzuki's new XL-7 earned a place in the highest possible overall rating category for crash evaluations recently performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
    The IIHS gave the seven-seat Suzuki an overall "good" rating in its 40-mph offset frontal impact test, which is a laboratory test that focuses on a specific type of accident.
    Test vehicles are rated either "good," "acceptable," "marginal" or "poor." The evaluation of midsize SUVs will be featured in an NBC "Dateline" national broadcast set to air tonight.
    "Suzuki makes safety a priority and we are pleased that our efforts have been recognized by this IIHS test," said Rick Suzuki, president of American Suzuki Motor Corp. "At the same time, Suzuki is again making a strong value statement, that our XL-7 achieves the same `good' rating in this test as luxury vehicles costing thousands more to own and operate."
    The XL-7's "good" rating in this test places Suzuki's performance among that of the priciest midsize SUVs tested by the Insurance Institute: the Acura MDX, BMW X5, Land Rover Discovery Series II, Lexus RX 300 and Mercedes M Class. These luxury-brand vehicles have manufacturer's suggested retail prices ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 more than the Suzuki XL-7.
    Suzuki's first-rate performance in the IIHS structure and safety cage evaluations can be attributed in large part to the XL-7's sturdy ladder-type frame with built-in energy-absorbing zones in the engine compartment, along with optimum placement of the high-tensile steel in the cabin structure to minimize passenger compartment deformation. These systems work together as an integrated occupant protection system in the event of an accident.
    Additional safety technologies employed in the XL-7 include second-generation dual airbags, an energy-absorbing steering column, height-adjustable shoulder belts, child seat tether anchors, a new child seat latching system and rear-door child safety locks.
    These safety features, combined with a long list of standard equipment (including a stereo with CD player, first-aid kit, rear privacy glass, air conditioning with micron air filtration, and available amenities such as leather interior, power sunroof, rear air conditioning, four-wheel drive, and even heated seats and outside mirrors), make each of the four XL-7 trim levels an outstanding value.
    Prices for the XL-7 start at $19,599 for the Standard model and top out at under $26,000 for the luxuriously appointed Limited Edition model.