WeeklySA_AdminFAMILY ORIENTED: The six-seater is a blend of power and efficiency equipped with responsive four-cylinder engine at the right price
By Ali Mphaki
Its a simple winning formula: The front row seats are ventilated, the second row Captain Seats provide for optimum relaxation when you just want to sit back and unwind, the third row seats ensure that you never run out of space and can even be folded flat for additional boot space.
Not to be confused with the erstwhile famed Toyota GLi 6, few can demur the 2024 Suzuki XL6 ups the ante a few notches up for the funky Suzuki badge.
It may not be as popular as the ubiquitous pocket rocket Swift, and neither as chic and legendary as the Jimny, and though a late comer in the SA stable first launched in this country in late 2023, the Su zuki XL6 could easily be described as the Japanese manufacturer’s best kept secret if what it has to offer and more are anything to go by.
In its XL6 tagline Suzuki implores consumers to “Think Big” and it is not difficult to see why. The Suzuki XL6 while it boasts an elegant and dynamic exterior, characterised by its bold front grille and sleek LED headlamps, somewhat struggles to shed its bit like Mom’s taxi profile. The rugged yet stylish body is however enhanced by sharp character lines and a high ground clearance, giving it a commanding presence on the road. The integrated roof rails and stylish alloy wheels add a touch of sophistication, while the dual-tone colour options provide a modern and attractive look.
Whilst a friend quipped its got spindly legs and would do better in bigger tyres, there is more on the XL6’s inside than the outside could ever show.
Keyless entry leads you into a modern cabin whose appeal is by way of six seats wrapped in leather upholstery alongside a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The dashboard supports a 7-inch touchscreen alongside a 4,2-inch digital display cluster which we found comprehensive and easy to navigate in accessing the infotainment system’s menus.
We loved some of the creature comforts which include rear air-conditioning, three 12V accessory sockets, cruise control and a reverse camera as standard.
Offered in two trim levels, the entry-level model “GL”, and top-of-the-range “GLX” which we had for test in manual, the XL6 takes to the road with comptence ease, the 1.5-litre engine propelled by a six-speed gearbox going about its work in a smooth and unintrusive way. With that said,however, noticeable was how the engine struggled in inclines especiailly with the air-conditioner on and when fully laden with six occupants.
Quick gear changes, however, allow for a more brisk drive. Granted it may be a six-seater, but the third row of seats are more ideal for medium-sized adults and children. No fatties allowed at the back, as a sticker on a local taxi reads.
When it comes to consumption, frugal is the XL6’s name, as we recorded less just less than 7litres for every 100km. Suzuki puts the consumption figure at 6,0 L/100 km (MT) and 6,1 L/100 km (AT).
Overall, the Suzuki XL6 makes for a wonderful and dependable daily companion, and with its fully-laden features likely to win itself more friends and keep them. With ample legroom, headroom, and flexible seating configurations, the XL6 ensures a comfortable ride for all passengers, whether for short city drives or long journeys.
Among its competitiors stands the Mitsubishi Xpander and Toyota Rumion, but in terms of price, the XL6 underscores the pricing of its supposed competition by a fair margin and the Suxuki’s XL6 range is more diverse than its aforementioned rivals in both specification and price.
Think of it as a Japanese Caravele.
Suzuki XL6 Fast Facts:
Engine: 1,5-litre, naturally aspirated, petrol,
four-cylinder
Power: 77 kW @ 6 000 r/min
Torque: 138 N.m @4 400 r/min
Fuel consumption: 6,0 L/100 km (MT) and 6,1 L/100 km (AT)
Seat capacity: Six seats. 50/50 split 3rd row
Luggage space: All rows up: 209L; 3rd row folded: 550L; 3rd and 2nd row folded: 692L
Service plan/ warranty: 4-year / 60 000 km service plan, 5-year / 200 000 km promotional mechanical warranty with roadside assistance. A 6-year anti-corrosion warranty.
Price: entry level is R353 900
Motoring: Briefs
KEEP IT DOWN
While this month’s fuel price decreases of seven cents for petrol and up to 32 cents for diesel hardly touched sides after four months of price increases, April could bring significant relief. The latest data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF), released on March 12, shows that petrol prices are likely to recede by between 85 cents (93 Unleaded) and 98 cents (95 Unleaded), while diesel is looking set for decreases of between 86 cents and 87 cents.
With the daily data inching further into the green, the fuel price decreases could even surpass the R1 mark if current trends persist, but all of this optimism does come with a caveat as much can still transpire on the fuel price front during the remainder of the month.
Nonetheless, a R1 petrol price decrease will bring the price of 95 Unleaded down to around R20.55 at the coast and R22.34 inland, while 93 Unleaded could reduce to around R21.09.
BIG WIN FOR SA MOTOR
INDUSTRY
National government has pledged to support South Africa’s automotive industry, which has been struggling under difficult economic conditions for the past few years.
Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana delivered his revised Budget Speech today, 12 March 2025, revealing that the government plans to aid local carmakers through various programmes that will encourage growth and address at least some of the issues that the industry is facing.
In the official 2025 Budget Review, it is explained that the government aims to grow the economy by fostering productivity and re-establishing South Africa as a competitive marketplace.
To facilitate this, a total of R18.4 billion has been allocated over the medium term which will be used by the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition to support various incentive programmes for different businesses.
GEELY RETURNS
After an absence of around a decade, Chinese automaker Geely says it plans to return to South Africa before the end of 2025. Here’s what we know so far…
The man at the very helm of the Geely Auto Group has confirmed that the Chinese brand plans to make a return to South Africa – a market it quietly exited approximately a decade ago – before the end of 2025. Back in April 2024, Cars.co.za reported that the Zhejiang-based company appeared to be plotting a comeback to Mzansi, with a global communications official based in China later telling us the project was indeed a “work in progress”.
Now, Jerry Gan, CEO of Geely Auto Group, has finally confirmed the news. “This year, we will further accelerate our globalisation layout and introduce high-value products to markets such as the UK [United Kingdom], Brazil and South Africa,” Gan said at the launch of the Geely EX5 in the Australian and New Zealand markets.
THIRD GENERATION DUSTER
Renault launched the third-generation Duster into the country on Monday. Inspired by the Dacia Bigster concept from 2021, the new SUV features a more rugged design with additional body cladding and an underbody skid plate on the 4WD version.
The Y-shaped lighting signature and integrated rear door handles in the C-pillars further modernise the look. All models come standard with roof bars capable of carrying up to 70kg, with the 4WD variant featuring modular bars. The Duster rides on 17-inch diamond-cut, dual-tone alloy wheels, while the Intens model gets larger 18-inch wheels.
Built on the CMF-B platform, the new Duster introduces two engine options. The Zen 4×2 and Intens variants are powered by a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine delivering 113kW. The Zen 4×4, however, adopts a mild-hybrid setup, pairing a 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine with a 48V system to produce 96kW.
Transmission choices include a six-speed manual gearbox for the 4WD variant, while the automatic retains the same number of gears. The four-wheel-drive version features five terrain modes: Eco, Auto, Snow, Mud/Sand, and Off-Road.
