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

Dubai, Cairo / (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, among others for the Suzuki Swift which proved to be a very successful car in many Middle Eastern like Egypt for example..

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.

Suzuki has been enjoying a huge popularity in the Middle East region and Egypt lately, especially after introducing such trendy and good-selling models like the SX4 and the Swift. The Suzuki Swift was even able to beat the Mini One in a recent comparison test in Egypt, proving again it that it is one of the most ideal cars for Egyptian roads.
Suzuki XL7 Technical Features:

Engine
The XL7 engine was developed as a joint effort between Suzuki and GM engineering. The use of existing platform architecture accelerated the completion of the vehicle, which has been in development for three years.

The 3.6-litre, V6 DOHC engine is mounted in a double-isolated engine cradle system; the engine mounts to the cradle at four points and the cradle mounts to the rails at four points, providing double isolation from the body. The cradle system features two side load-bearing mounts and front and rear torque reaction mounts. There also is a friction snubber mounted on the passenger side of the engine to help control engine movement sometimes experienced during shifting.

Suspension
The XL7 features four-wheel independent suspension with MacPherson struts in the front and a multi-link design in the rear. The independent rear suspension is fitted with self-leveling rear shock absorbers that automatically adjust to handle the weight of the third-row passengers or heavy cargo for a smoother car-like ride. The MacPherson strut-type front suspension is designed with long wheel travel, and the design of the struts compensates for coil spring side loads. The bottom of the coil spring is anchored more outboard in the spring perch to relieve the bending load on the strut caused when it was located further outboard to improve stability.


All-Wheel Drive
The all-wheel-drive system uses an active, electronically controlled rear differential module. The system responds immediately to all-wheel-drive requests and effectively eliminates lag times. A four-mount cradle secures the rear drive module, which is regulated by its own dedicated electronic controller. A new-design propeller shaft fitted with upgraded universal joints handles the added torque.

Hydraulic-Assist Rack-and-Pinion Steering
The fixed-rate rack-and-pinion steering is tuned for responsiveness and good on-centre feel. In addition, the steering column can be adjusted up and down to provide added driver comfort.

Stainless Steel Dual Exhaust System
The all-new XL7 is fitted with a true dual exhaust system, constructed of durable, long-lasting stainless steel. The system was designed for quiet, refined exhaust tones to achieve one of the best-in-class levels of quietness and tonal quality. The exhaust system features two down-pipes, two catalytic converters, a centre muffler, two side mufflers and two large exhaust tips.


Sleek Sophistication and Functionality
Evolved from the Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7, the all-new XL7 features a modern, sleek and expressive design with Suzuki styling cues, such as triangle-shaped turn lamps, bold three-bar grille with large Suzuki “S,” muscular wheel arches, dual exhaust with chrome tips and integrated roof racks.

Interior
In addition to the practicality of ample storage consoles and areas and the convenience of four 12-volt power outlets, the interior of the 2007 Suzuki XL7 features upscale wood or satin nickel appliqués on the instrument panel and doors, chrome accents throughout and matte black, low-gloss surfaces. Leather seating surfaces and leather-wrapped steering wheel are also -available for select models.

Safety
The safety cage is reinforced with welded, tubular-section members that frame door openings and support the roof and steel members in the doors. The combination of single-piece door aperture and door beam reinforcements help resist side-impact intrusion.


Break Technology
ESP, which is standard equipment on all XL7 models, provides a technically sophisticated safety net for the driver. The system uses a yaw sensor, lateral accelerometer and steering angle sensor to monitor vehicle stability and driver inputs. Working with the standard ABS with EBD and traction control system (TCS), the system can apply individual brakes selectively to control oversteer and understeer as needed to help the driver maintain control on slippery surfaces or during emergency manoeuvres. Being able to control any or all of the brakes allows the ESP system to provide maximum responsiveness, control and enhanced accident avoidance capabilities, although ESP is not a substitute for safe driving practices.

The TCS uses brake and engine torque intervention to enhance traction during launch and acceleration on all road surfaces. If the ABS system detects impending wheel slip, it signals the powertrain Engine Control Unit (ECU) to adjust engine torque output accordingly. TCS also senses when one or more wheels spin faster than the vehicle speed and applies the brakes at that wheel or wheels. Working together, the two systems limit wheel spin and help maintain control and forward progress quickly and efficiently.