Suzuki XL6

2000 December: The production XL7 went on sale in the USA as a 4x2 or a 4x4, and is due for Australia shortly.

2000, January: Suzuki showed a new concept four wheel drive, the XL6, at the Detroit Motor Show. It is based on the mechanical components of the Suzuki Vitara 4WD, in particular using the strong 2.5-litre V6 engine (106kW, 208Nm), 2-speed transfer case and ladder chassis.

The real message is in the body however which is longer and lower than any previous Suzuki four wheel drive enabling the XL6 to seat six in three rows, all with 3-point, lap-sash seat belts. i.e. The XL6 represents a possible move into the family-wagon market. The show car had 18" inch alloy wheels with low-profile tyres.

Concept cars may or may not go into production and, if they do, it is often with substantial changes. However the betting here is that the XL6 probably will get into the sale-rooms just because it would be a good move for Suzuki whose 4x4's do not well cover the recent fashion for car-like vehicles, such as the Subaru Forester and Outback etc.. Convergence is a word much used with reference to electronic media, but there has been a deal of convergence between four wheel drives and cars, mainly with the latter moving towards the former. The XL6 seems to be Suzuki's attempt at redressing the balance.

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Picture by Suzuki