Suzuki’s All-New XL7 CUV to Bow in N.Y.

American Suzuki Motor Corp. will show off its new ’07 XL7 cross/utility vehicles at the New York International Auto Show April 13.

The XL7 is based on General Motors Corp.’s Theta platform (Chevrolet Equinox, Saturn Vue, Pontiac Torrent). The XL7 will be built at Suzuki’s CAMI Automotive Inc. joint venture with GM in Ingersoll, Ont., Canada, which last built a Suzuki vehicle in January 2004. CAMI also produces the Equinox and Torrent.

The CUV replaces the original body-on-frame XL-7, made in Iwata, Japan.

The new XL7 will come equipped with a 3.6L, twin-cam V-6 engine and will go on sale in the U.S. in fourth-quarter 2006. It measures 112.4-ins. (285.7 cm) in wheelbase and 196.6-ins. (499.5 cm) in overall length.

The CUV is expected to be offered in both 5- and 7-passenger versions.