4X4 Ski Car Needed
Discussion
We live in the Pyrenees and our Legacy Outback on snow tyres is brilliant.The only time I have considered chains was when my wife drove it into a ditch and didn't need them in the end as the car gotout with the use of my lead foot.There is also the reliability that Subaru are renowned for.
GravelBen said:
Theres a Swedish video test floating around on youtube of a Subaru Outback making an XC70 look pretty silly on a muddy track. Hold on a second, I'll try to find it.
Enjoy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=De0RstOO_iY
Bloody Hell, the Volvo looks as though there's no rear-drive at all. Pretty damning if you ask me.Enjoy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=De0RstOO_iY
Crap stereo quote... I'm not sure what's installed in my MY05 Leggy because it's all integrated behind the plastic dash panel. If I was doing fewer miles each year (and thought I'd keep the car for longer) I might see if I could change it but at the rate I'm piling the miles on, I'll get rid inside 3 years. I can cope with it until then (unless someone else has a cheap suggestion).
I think there's integration with the built-in SatNav. The Magnical Voice comes through the speakers.
Thing is, I love Subarus now because of the sure footedness, and general reliability. I drive mine hard, and I have learned to accept the relatively poor fuel economy on the basis that I bought the car cheap (about 1/3rd new price for a 20K miles car under 2 years old) so the savings I made go towards helping me run it.
Foresters are shorter than Legacies so unless you need the extra under-car clearance, I'd say the Leggy makes for a more useful car. That said, Foresters are often spec'd with arm-rests which, along with the auto-option, would make for an excellent motorway wafter. It's the only thing missing from the Legacy IMO.
I have driven a Honda CR-V on winter tyres in the Alps and it wasn't troubled by any of the conditions we found in two weeks there. Went down to ground level to get supplies and back up during a blizzard with no issues and wasn't stopped by the Police who were preventing normal cars without snow chains from going up to resort level. The 4x4 only comes in if you are losing tractions, so they are pretty efficient too (40+ on the diesel) and it is apparently the most reliable 4x4 out there http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/news/6942082/M... . Built in the UK too.
Haven't tried the new version with slightly tweaked looks, new Diesel engine (more power) and more sound deadening, but it will have only improved it I guess.
Haven't tried the new version with slightly tweaked looks, new Diesel engine (more power) and more sound deadening, but it will have only improved it I guess.
I have a 53 plate Forester 2.0XT auto. On a long run it'll just about do 30mpg (on 99ron). Normal usage but no urban crawling, mid 20's. Seats like armchairs, added a double-din Kenwood satnav which fits perfectly, surprisingly quick at overtaking, all the car you need for everyday driving. If you need more space, try a Legacy. I had a SpecB manual saloon, another lovely car. Similar mpg except the best I ever got was 28mpg on a run.
Just clicekd through to www.relaibilityindex.co.uk and some of the mentioned cars do not do well on cost of repair or frequency. CR-V is best 4x4 and the Subarus do OK too. Volvo and Audi not good.
http://www.reliabilityindex.co.uk/search_results.h...
http://www.reliabilityindex.co.uk/search_results.h...
http://www.reliabilityindex.co.uk/search_results.h...
http://www.reliabilityindex.co.uk/search_results.h...
GravelBen said:
Theres a Swedish video test floating around on youtube of a Subaru Outback making an XC70 look pretty silly on a muddy track. Hold on a second, I'll try to find it.
Enjoy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=De0RstOO_iY
Having owned one of them Legacys I was stunned at how good it was off road!! Volvo looks totally pants in comparisonEnjoy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=De0RstOO_iY
Edited by GravelBen on Wednesday 27th January 12:30
ProfessorPeach said:
Good call but just too old for me; if only they still made them I'd have one in a shot.Am semi interested in an XC70 and am now looking into the Honda CR-V and perhaps Nissan X-Trail.
MattW said:
ProfessorPeach said:
Good call but just too old for me; if only they still made them I'd have one in a shot.In Europe only, sadly.
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/firstdrive...
garybezz said:
duncansaunders said:
Because they're not as big / heavy as a "proper" off road 4x4 vehicle. Also only 163hp out of a 2.4 so not too stressed an engine.
Will do less than 25mpg round the village though.
Hmmm. Ive been thinking of getting rid of my 'proper' 4x4 as I dont need its towing ability any more but am reluctant to give up the (admitedly infrequently used) off road ability. Will have to give the XC70 some considerationWill do less than 25mpg round the village though.
Volvo tows 1800kg up and down the slipway OK.
leeeeshad said:
X type 4 wheel drive?
eer, no. Mine proved to be rwd in the snow, most miffed. Apparently the pre 04 cars have a better centre diff that actually works as you would expect. They are also a load smaller than the other options mentioned, and you will struggle to get better than 20mpg out of a 3 ltr.Other than that, they are ok!!
Greg
[quote=MattW.
Am semi interested in an XC70
[/quote]
I'm in Southampton if you want to have a look at one.
That video with the Subaru was very old - it was a Volvo V70 XC - probably 2002 vintage.
The Volvo AWD system is Haldex - the same as you'll get on the Passat, A3, Small engine A4s and A6s, Skoda Scout 4x4, probably most of the "part time" AWD systems.
Its part time electronically controlled rear "diff" / "clutchpack". It only switches the rear wheels in when it thinks that the fronts are slipping
Allroad (and other longitudinal engine Audis) has a Torsen centre diff and is permanent AWD
Our XC70 was fine in the snow here a couple of weeks ago. Standard tyres are Pirelli Scorpion STRs - which are M&S.
Am semi interested in an XC70
[/quote]
I'm in Southampton if you want to have a look at one.
That video with the Subaru was very old - it was a Volvo V70 XC - probably 2002 vintage.
The Volvo AWD system is Haldex - the same as you'll get on the Passat, A3, Small engine A4s and A6s, Skoda Scout 4x4, probably most of the "part time" AWD systems.
Its part time electronically controlled rear "diff" / "clutchpack". It only switches the rear wheels in when it thinks that the fronts are slipping
Allroad (and other longitudinal engine Audis) has a Torsen centre diff and is permanent AWD
Our XC70 was fine in the snow here a couple of weeks ago. Standard tyres are Pirelli Scorpion STRs - which are M&S.
Edited by duncansaunders on Wednesday 27th January 16:40
rovermorris999 said:
That is fascinating. I would love to see the Nissan X-Trail tested along with the Lexus, BMW X5, Mercedes ML and others too.Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff