Middle East premiere of 2007 Suzuki XL7 in Dubai lights up the Middle East International Motor Show

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (November 13, 2007) - Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) today introduced the all-new 2007 Suzuki XL7 midsize crossover SUV at the 2007 Middle East International Motor Show. With the introduction of the new all-wheel-drive crossover SUV, Suzuki is moving forward to the next stage in its ongoing midsize car segment success story.

With sleek styling and expressive adaptability, the XL7 redefines the rapidly growing midsize SUV crossover segment. According to the chief engineer of the XL7, “The all-new XL7 was designed to blend SUV versatility and safety with increased driver and passenger comfort. The XL7 not only offers the cargo and seating flexibility for all aspects of a consumer's active lifestyle, but performance capabilities and safety features that give them the confidence of being in control.”

The 2007 XL7 is bigger, bolder and more powerful than the previous generation XL-7 and retains Suzuki's strong styling cues, while offering all-wheel drive and seven-passenger seating. In creating the XL7, Suzuki leveraged its SUV heritage and expertise to design an all-new vehicle for the midsize SUV crossover segment that provides style, room and adaptability for active, mobile lifestyles.

Suzuki's Global Strategy

Suzuki began the first stage of its global strategy by strengthening its product line-up which started with Grand Vitara, Swift, and SX4. With the highly acclaimed series of these models, Suzuki has enjoyed enormous success across the world, receiving 'Car of the Year' awards in many countries.

The B-segment Splash debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show, representing the second stage of its global strategy. In addition, two new D-segment prototype products, “Concept Kizashi” and its succeeding model “Concept Kizashi 2”, were introduced at the Frankfurt and Tokyo Motor Shows respectively, to represent the third stage of Suzuki's global strategy.

Suzuki's Rising Sales

As the result of its global strategy, Suzuki continues to build momentum and increase market share in recent years. In 2006, Suzuki sold 2,174,000 vehicles worldwide. Suzuki aggressively continues to pursue its sales goal of 2,350,000 units by the end of 2007, and 3,000,000 units by the end of 2009.

As for the Middle East market, Suzuki recorded 11,300 unit sales in 2005, is expecting over 20,000 units to be sold by the end of 2007, and targets 30,000 units by the end of 2009. Suzuki hopes that the expansion of its product line-up in the midsize car segment and introduction of the all-new XL7 will help support continued market growth in the Middle East.

2007 Suzuki XL7 Midsize Crossover SUV

Performance and Powertrain

The all-new 2007 Suzuki XL7 crossover SUV is based on a sophisticated platform with full-length underbody rails for added strength. The XL7 is now an all-wheel-drive vehicle that features four-wheel independent suspension. The standard powertrain for the Suzuki XL7 is a GM-designed, Suzuki-built 3.6-litre, V6 DOHC engine with power at an estimated 188kW/6,400rpm and 330 Nm/2,300rpm of torque.

The XL7's 3.6-litre engine with variable valve timing is built under license by Suzuki in Japan using Suzuki engine-building technology at the Sagara engine plant.

The 3.6-litre, six-cylinder, DOHC engine is matched to a five-speed automatic transmission that features a manual-shifting (manumatic) mode. Although the new engine is nearly one litre larger than the 2.7-litre engine used in the previous XL-7, the new, larger XL7 was designed to deliver fuel economy equal to or better than its predecessor.

Advanced Chassis Design

The sophisticated chassis delivers nimble, car-like ride and comfort whether driving on the highway, city streets or rural roads. The all-new XL7's responsive road manners communicate a sense of confidence and control in virtually every driving scenario, while still providing one of the lowest noise and vibration levels in the midsize SUV category.

Plush Interior

The 2007 Suzuki XL7 offers the driver and passengers a spacious, functional interior that provides upscale sophistication and refinement. The unique third-row seat delivers seven-passenger capability and real comfort.

With its deep footwell, the stretched platform delivers comfortable third-row seating. In addition, the 50:50 split folding third-row seat can be folded flat into the floor for additional cargo carrying room, and the fold-flat front-passenger seat allows room for longer items.

Safety Features

The XL7's safety features start with the body structure itself - a combination of computer-designed high-strength, dual-phase and galvanized steels. The body structure is computer-designed to manage loads - to effectively transfer energy absorbed during impacts around the interior compartment and occupants - in both front and rear crashes.

The monocoque body construction is a high-strength steel structure, incorporating full-length frame rails and a safety cage in the middle into a single, welded unit. It also is designed with front and rear crush zones engineered to collapse in a controlled manner to help absorb crash energy while protecting the integrity of the occupant safety cage.

The all-new 2007 Suzuki XL7 is fitted with driver and passenger front airbags and side-curtain airbags. The XL7 also features a four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Program® (ESP) (including traction control). In addition, the standard tire-pressure monitoring system continuously monitors critical tire pressures.

Additional safety features include three-point seatbelts in all seven seating positions, seatbelt pretensioners, seatbelt load limiters in front-seat retractors, child latching system, and low front bumpers for optimum safety in the event of a collision with an automobile.

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