Mbabane – The Suzuki XL6 is not the flashiest car on the market, but for families in Eswatini looking for space, comfort and fuel efficiency without breaking the bank, it makes a strong case for itself.
Available locally through Mbabane Motors, Eswatini’s Suzuki flagship dealership, the XL6 starts from E363,075, making it one of the more accessible six-seater options in the Kingdom. Mbabane Motors can be reached on 268 2505 3440, and more details are available at www.mbabanemotors.co.sz.
The 1.5 GLX automatic version puts practicality front and centre. The six-seat configuration means a full family can travel in comfort, with nobody cramped against each other. The two middle-row seats even come with armrests and space between them, a welcome touch for longer journeys such as the drive between Mbabane and Manzini or across the border into South Africa. 
When passengers give way to cargo, the third row of seats folds down to open up a generous boot space. For families heading on a longer trip, the XL6 can swallow a surprising amount of luggage while still leaving room to spare.
Fuel consumption is another area where the XL6 earns its keep. On a mixed driving test that included highway stretches and urban streets, the car returned an average of 6.1 litres per 100 kilometres, a figure that will be welcome given current fuel prices in Eswatini.
The 1.5-litre petrol engine produces 77kW of power and 138Nm of torque. Speed and sharp acceleration are not what this car is about, but once it finds its rhythm on the open road it moves smoothly and without fuss. The suspension handles rough patches well, and the 180mm ground clearance provides a degree of confidence on less than perfect road surfaces.
The interior keeps things simple. A classic analogue instrument cluster with two large dials sits alongside a 7-inch infotainment screen that is straightforward to use and includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The large windows also make for a pleasant drive through scenic routes, including the mountain roads common in parts of southern Africa.
The one area that falls short is the four-speed automatic gearbox. At higher speeds the engine feels strained as it searches for the next gear, making the XL6 better suited to town driving and school runs than sustained highway cruising.
