As Suzuki’s upscale multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), the XL7 shines because of its eye-catching design, tech features, and family-friendly amenities. After four years, though, its looks were getting a little stale, so introducing the Black Upgrade early last year came at the perfect time.

While the Black Upgrade is available for the two-tone / monotone body styles, the look is arguably more expressive and pops out in two-tone. The test unit's Savanna Ivory Metallic / Cool Black Pearl Metallic color is complemented by a black grille and black 16-inch alloy wheels. Throw in darkened tint for a very upmarket exterior that does not look out of place in posh BGC restos.

Just like other MPVs, the XL7 has roof rails for extra cargo capacity, wraparound body cladding, and a rear roof spoiler for added sportiness. The front and rear silver underbody plates are simply garnishes and do not offer off-roading protection. LED lighting is standard, along with daytime running lamps and fog lights. It has an electric fold feature to keep the side mirrors from dings and dents in compact parking garages.

The overall design isn’t innovative or groundbreaking, but you don’t expect that in this segment. What the designers did with its modest package makes you understand why there are so many XL7s on the road. It is rugged yet sophisticated and has plenty of functional exterior features, including a decent amount of ground clearance (200 mm) to keep you safe during the monsoon season.

From the start, a push-button system for entry and ignition makes the XL7 easy to use. The doors open to a blacked-out cabin highlighted by a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system (with six speakers), a shiny faux wood horizontal panel, and silver accents. These help offset the heavy use of plastics to give the interior a more refined feel.

The seats use a fabric-leather mix, but I feel it should have more bottom and seatback bolstering to provide a more snug fit. I love that the high ceiling offers more headroom, but Suzuki should pair it with wider visors because what it has simply does not have enough size to cover the large front windscreen.

In front of the driver is a leather multifunction steering wheel and a small information display sandwiched between two vibrant analog instrument panel dials. The driver will enjoy its automatic climate control system (with pollen filter), cruise control, and cooling front cup holders, while other occupants can stay comfortable with rear overhead vents.

The seven-seater cabin is roomy, and it helps that the second-row slides forward and backward, but the third row will only be comfortable for children because of the limited legroom. While there are cup holders across all rows, there is only one USB port (in front). At least it has wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

One of the XL7's best features is cabin versatility. Even with all seats up, it can accommodate 199 liters of cargo behind the tailgate. Fold the second and third rows, and storage capacity goes up to 803 liters.

More recently, the XL7 has paired its 1.5-liter KB15b engine (105-PS and 138-Nm of torque ) with a mild hybrid system using an integrated starter generator and a lithium-ion battery pack. Its battery is smaller than typical hybrids, but it gives an extra 2.5-PS and 50-Nm for overtaking maneuvers. Acceleration is modest and will require additional throttle pressure for a quick takeoff.

It’s a more tech-advanced engine that deserves better than a four-speed automatic transmission. I hope it gets a CVT (continuously variable transmission) or, at least, a five-speed in its next iteration. Despite the archaic gearbox, the powertrain returned a respectable 14.3-km/l in mixed driving conditions.

The handling is light for a three-row MPV, but the steering feels loose at the dead center; that means constant mini-adjustments on the highway while driving in a straight line. The coil springs in the front and back make it robust enough to carry heavy cargo or seven passengers, but don’t expect a sedan-like ride. The upside is it remains more stable while cornering at a faster pace.

At P1.262 million, the XL7 Hybrid Black Upgrade undercuts several rivals while offering plenty of standard features, including a reverse camera and an engine auto start/stop system. It does not have a driver-assist suite, which justifies its affordable price point and gives it an old-school appeal.