Taking it easy

LIFE has been busy for many of us since the pandemic ended. It seems like everyone has returned to the old, fast-paced life that is busier than ever. Fortunately, Suzuki Philippines Inc. hosted a special experiential drive for the new Suzuki XL7 Hybrid.

The new Suzuki XL7 amid the mountain view of Nasugbu, Batangas.

What makes this drive special is that it's not the usual kind I participate in. The main event of this drive is its fuel economy run. While we got the treat of enjoying the latest XL7 that now comes with an electrified drivetrain, we also got to see which among the 12 participating cars would record the most efficient fuel consumption.

I have been in the motoring beat for quite some time, but this would be my first eco run ever. I have heard a lot of stories from the "titos" in the beat about how these types of activities were done before, and it seems competitive. But Suzuki Philippines wants everyone to appreciate the new XL7 comfortably while making the most out of its fuel efficiency. Rules like having the air-conditioning turned on at all times and everyone taking a specific route to our destination were imposed.

Our day started in Makati where the media delegates were picked up and shuttled to Suzuki Auto Kawit in Cavite where the drive officially started. From Kawit, the eco-run was a 71-kilometer drive to the Phoenix gas station in Nasugbu, Batangas, squeezing the minimum juice possible with the XL7 Hybrid. All the participating vehicles were filled to the brim and refilled again to the brim at the endpoint to measure the actual kilometers per liter consumed.

I got assigned to Car No. 2, and our team's strategy is, well, actually none. We did not have any plan but to just nurse the throttle pedal all throughout the drive. Manong Ron de los Reyes led our team, and his experience in such challenges shows. We reached the endpoint consuming only 1.35 liters of fuel. Others recorded 1.4 to 2 liters of fuel. We placed second to the group that consumed just 1.060 liters. What makes it even more impressive is that they were not even trying. They were just doing a normal drive up the boondocks.

According to the official Automobile Association Philippines fuel economy test 4 document, the new Suzuki XL7 Hybrid recorded up to 22 kilometer per liter (kpl) on the highway with a cruising speed of 70 to 80 kph. But in this particular media drive, groups recorded up to 67.80 kpl. Well, while it is true that everyone was consciously conserving fuel as it is the main objective of the activity, it is still impressive to achieve such numbers.

Aside from the now electrified K15B mill of the XL7, the latest Suzuki MPV also packs other updates such as new automatic LED headlights with a follow-me-home feature, which we were able to test when passing through the Kaybiang Tunnel. It also now has a new 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Shortly after filling up at the Phoenix station in Nasugbu, we then went to Pico de Loro for fun indoor and outdoor activities. While our team's participation in games such as basketball shootout, badminton, golf putting, and electric maze was not that fruitful, we were still able to enjoy every game. Our day concluded with a sumptuous dinner and a good night's sleep at the Pico Sands Hotel.

The following day, everyone drove a few kilometers deeper to Nasugbu toward Casitas de Victoria. The private farm resort served as the second destination of the XL7 media drive. Suzuki Philippines organized a tree-planting activity that had every participant planting a tree of their own representing their respective publication and media outfit.

The two-day media drive event hosted by Suzuki Philippines served as a nice way to slow down from the usual busy Monday. The fuel economy challenge allowed us to take it easy and not be in a rush, contrary to how everyone usually is since the pandemic ended. It embodies how the Suzuki XL7 Hybrid can be your dependable work buddy as much as it can be your family's companion during easy, leisurely drives outside the metro.