American Suzuki Motor Corp.'s XL7 has morphed from a truck-based sport utility vehicle to a car-based crossover in its latest reincarnation.

The 2007 Suzuki XL7, introduced Thursday at the New York Auto Show, now is a front-wheel-drive vehicle based on General Motors Corp.'s Theta platform. GM and Suzuki also jointly developed the engine. GM recently sold its stake in Suzuki for $2 billion US, but the automakers have said they will continue working together.

Suzuki said the new XL7 has the SUV's versatility and cargo space with better driver comfort and safety. Standard safety features include electronic stability control, which helps prevent rollovers, and side curtain air bags to prevent head injuries in a crash.

The Suzuki XL will come in five- and seven-passenger seating configurations. It goes on sale at the end of this year. Pricing hasn't been determined, but Suzuki said the XL7 likely will sell for between $23,000 and $29,000.

Suzuki said it enjoyed record U.S. sales last year, up 11 per cent from the year before, and expects to meet its goal of selling 100,000 vehicles this year, up from 82,100 in 2005.