Suzuki shows its extra-large look

This is the Suzuki XL-7, the Japanese company's biggest four-wheel-drive.

It will go on sale in New Zealand on August 1. Suzuki expects the new model to build on the success of the Grand Vitara and capture sales in the upper-medium recreational vehicle market.

The XL-7 (XL for "extra large," 7 for seven seats) is powered by an 2.7-litre all-alloy V6 engine, producing more power and torque than the present 2.5-litre V6 in the Grand Vitara.

It is 470mm longer than the Grand Vitara and longer overall than the Mitsubishi Challenger, Nissan Pathfinder, Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute.

Its wheelbase is longer than that of the Toyota Prado.

No word on price yet but the XL-7 is tipped to come in under $50,000. Both manual and automatic models will be available. Suzuki will show off the XL-7 at the Fieldays Society at Mystery Creek, Hamilton, next week.