Ini Dia Chief Engineer Suzuki XL7

In every car product released in this world, there are people who rack their brains to do a variety of research and development so that their products are released to the market. Including the Suzuki XL7 which was launched last Saturday (15/2) in Jakarta.

Masayuki Ishiwata is the Chief Engineer of the Suzuki XL7 SUV. He was the person who developed the XL7 from a sketch to a prototype car product made in Japan.

"We developed the car within three years. From sketching to becoming a finished product, "said Ishiwata to Carvaganza after the launch of the XL7 at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII), Jakarta. According to him, in order to develop XL7 he lived in Indonesia for three years from 2016 to the end of 2018.

He admitted that he was supported by the XL7 development team from both Japanese and Indonesian teams. "The development took a long time because we didn't only develop the product, but also had to consider the marketing side. We also consider the components and attributes so that our products are better than competitors. "

After his tenure in Indonesia ended, especially in terms of developing the XL7, Ishiwata returned to Suzuki's head office in Japan. his current position is Chief Engineer Automobile Product Development Dept 2.

Through his translator, Ishiwata confirmed that the Suzuki XL7 platform is almost similar to the Suzuki Ertiga. However, he stressed, the Suzuki XL7 has dozens of different components from the Ertiga itself. "It's easy, just look at the fascia. They are different. The engine hood is different in shape. Different dimensions, different ground clearance. The tires are different too. "

"The ground clearance is also 2 cm (20 mm) higher than the Ertiga which is only 180 mm (18 cm). This higher walking distance is because cities in Indonesia like to be flooded. Now that's the benefit of a taller body, "he said. The impression of the SUV is getting stronger even though from the fascia side, it actually scratches this out.

He admitted, although the car prototype was built in Japan, the test was carried out in Indonesia because it was intended for the market here. The XL7 SUV has been tested on various roads in this country, but he does not know exactly how much distance the XL7 traveled in the test.

“The inspiration for this car came from Indonesian consumers. From the habits of consumers here, they are based on the needs of Indonesian consumers and the market in Indonesia. "

On the same occasion, he canceled if the Suzuki XL6 which was marketed in India and the XL 7 were the same car. "Not the same. Suzuki XL6 which is marketed for Indian market with XL7 is different. The XL7 was developed based on the needs of Indonesian consumers. The ground clearance is different. The distance of the XL6 is the same as the Ertiga, (180 mm). "

EKA ZULKARNAIN