SUV

What is An SUV?

"Sport utility vehicle" has as sweat scent of 4x4, the bull bar and mammoth proportions less. Moreover, the overwhelming majority of SUVs have only two-wheel drive, unlike their older sisters AWD.

After this consideration, it is clear that the term "SUV" is tote. Little-suv.blogspot.com ranks are cars whose ground clearance (distance between the bottom of the vehicle and the road) is clearly superior to other conventional sedans and city cars. What encompass both the "Tom Thumb" Mokka Opel (1.3 tons) and "ogre" Audi Q7 (up to 2.6 tons). Their common point is their eminently urban, tough and pretty.

Why the SUV is gaining ground

A new car in five sold this year will be "high on leg" as the successor of the 4X4 provides its pleasures without his vices.

They are becoming more numerous on our roads. And for good reason: the SUV, refined descendants of the big 4X4 clumsy and (especially) pollutants are popular. This trend significantly from the figures of the American Automobile Federation: in 2009, only 44,000 kinds of new vehicles had been sold and accounted for 9% of the market. "This year, sales are expected to exceed 90,000 units and constitute 20% of the cars in circulation. Just between January and June, 54,404 "high on leg" cars have already been passed. "

Initiated by the success of the Mercedes since 2007, this new love affair with the SUV, particularly strong among consumers, should be confirmed in the coming years By 2025, this type of car will probably represent 30 to 35% of the American market, the site specializes in SUV (little-suv.blogspot.com) comes to probe his readers about it on its website. "One in two replied that he considers the SUV as next vehicle."

Comparison between 4x4 and 4x2 traction

When the roads are bad, AWD has great advantages, but also disadvantages issue consumption and vehicle weight.

Little-suv.blogspot.com wanted to know more and to do this compared several models.

Long, AWD is no longer just reserved for off-road vehicles, but is virtually available for all vehicle models, small car family. In recent years, SUVs and crossovers, which are usually equipped with AWD, are still more popular, increasing the share of 4x4 vehicles in US. The benefits of all-wheel drive are clear: better traction and handling in more stable cornering. These qualities are particularly sought when the roads are wet or snowy and tire wear 4x4 cars is very regular general.

Overweight and power losses

It is undeniable that AWD has advantages but also disadvantages. Over-consumption is, especially now because of the discussions on CO2, a topical theme. This is attributable to overweight and power losses due to higher friction. In addition, the boot capacity of 4x4 is often smaller than its counterpart 4x2 since mechanical components under the vehicle make enough room. Because of overweight, the payload of the vehicle is often lower. We doubt that the 4x4 309,000 vehicles sold in 2015 have actually been used as a pure off-road. Rather, it is assumed that they were bought for reasons of prestige and fashion. This trend is especially valid for SUVs and crossovers.

Conclusion

It is not easy to compare different models of cars on over-consumption, overweight and the extra cost. To do this, it is essential that the engine, transmission and equipment are identical, otherwise the results are distorted. Little-suv.blogspot.com has compared a total of 26 car models that met these criteria. The results of this comparison are clear. On average, overweight is 90 kg, the consumption of 0.5 l / 100 km and the extra cost of CHF 4'200.-. These facts, however, are a gain for one who really need a 4x4. For example, for the Nissan Qashqai +2 2.0 dCi acenta, one of the most popular SUV in US, CANADA, AUSTRALIA, available with or without all-wheel drive, the extra cost of operating costs (maintenance, taxes, insurance, fuel, depreciation, etc. .) for a wheel drive with respect to a front-wheel amounts to 540 $.