All-New Suzuki XL7 Hybrid to Launch in Vietnam on August 20
Suzuki Vietnam has surprised fans by revealing the upcoming launch of the XL7 Hybrid on its official website. According to a company representative, the new XL7 Hybrid will make its debut on August 20 in Ho Chi Minh City.
Currently, the Suzuki XL7 sold in Vietnam is imported from Indonesia and is powered by a conventional combustion engine. It is likely that the hybrid version will also be sourced from the same market. In Indonesia, the XL7 Hybrid is offered in three trim levels: Zeta, Beta, and Alpha, with the option of either a manual or automatic transmission.
Dealers Reveal Expected Features and Price of the XL7 Hybrid
Since June 2024, Suzuki dealers in Vietnam have been taking reservations for the XL7 Hybrid, with an expected launch in August 2024. According to these sources, the price is expected to be higher than the current model, likely exceeding VND 600 million. This suggests that the XL7 Hybrid will come with significant upgrades beyond just the new powertrain.
On the exterior, the XL7 Hybrid is expected to feature chrome accents on the front grille and rearview mirrors. It will also introduce new color options, including a two-tone scheme similar to the Jimny. With the two-tone option, the roof and mirrors will be finished in black, while the chrome accents and wheels will remain bright.
In terms of equipment, the XL7 Hybrid is expected to offer additional features such as cruise control, automatic headlights, and power-folding mirrors. Cruise control, in particular, has been a highly requested feature by XL7 owners.
What’s New in the Suzuki XL7 Hybrid?
As the name suggests, the biggest change in the XL7 Hybrid is its powertrain. It combines a 1.5L gasoline engine producing 103 horsepower and 138 Nm of torque with an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery. This setup enables the vehicle to automatically stop and start the engine, and the electric motor assists during acceleration.
Based on the Indonesian market, the XL7 Hybrid is expected to retain the same exterior design as the gasoline-powered model, with the addition of a two-tone color option for a sportier look. The two-tone version features black accents on the mirror caps, roof, grille, and 16-inch alloy wheels. It also comes with LED headlights and taillights.
Inside, the XL7 Hybrid features a dark woodgrain pattern on the dashboard, along with mirrors that double as displays for the rearview camera. It also offers a unique feature: turn signal lights that guide the way when the vehicle is parked in a dark area. Additionally, it comes with cruise control, a highly anticipated feature.