Rise of the UK 'SUV'
Discussion
We started it of course, before anyone else made it popular.
Our roads were, and still are mostly rubbish outside of the motorway network.
No wonder the SUV or soft roader is on the increase. Forget tidy handling, hello forgiving ride and a degree of comfort & practicality. In todays environment, especially in the vastly over crowded south east, why wouldn't you have a SUV? There are many haters, but apart from when I am on my bike I am never happier on the road unless in a jacked up estate car. I like the ride, I like the space and comfort, and of course the illusion of a little off road ability. This includes being able to cross a flooded road without hydraulic-ing the engine. And of course, the ease of climbing in and out for us old gits has no small part in all this.
Anyone else 'get' it ?
Our roads were, and still are mostly rubbish outside of the motorway network.
No wonder the SUV or soft roader is on the increase. Forget tidy handling, hello forgiving ride and a degree of comfort & practicality. In todays environment, especially in the vastly over crowded south east, why wouldn't you have a SUV? There are many haters, but apart from when I am on my bike I am never happier on the road unless in a jacked up estate car. I like the ride, I like the space and comfort, and of course the illusion of a little off road ability. This includes being able to cross a flooded road without hydraulic-ing the engine. And of course, the ease of climbing in and out for us old gits has no small part in all this.
Anyone else 'get' it ?
I get where you're coming from. I have a Leon FR with pretty hard standard suspension and aside from the motorways it isn't comfortable and I am forever dodging pot holes and man hole covers.
I am increasingly longing for something more comfortable and am eyeing up Qashquis, Rav4s, CRVs.
I am increasingly longing for something more comfortable and am eyeing up Qashquis, Rav4s, CRVs.
Once upon a time, before the awful horrors of sporty suspension, low-profile tyres and excessively large wheels all cars were comfy... Spec up a normal saloon (where available) with a comfort spec and it's just as good as an SUV, but with much better handling and costs. Don't really see the need to drive through flooded roads though. 
Totally get it.
Mrs H has a Murano V6 petrol... Engine and running gear from a 350z and far more comfortable and you get a decent view and ride!
Dam thing still goes like a proper car and frankly for the most part, unless you want proper hoon handles bloody well!
Looking at an X6M, Cayenne GTS or FX 5.0V8 next time round, so we are very sold.
Mrs H has a Murano V6 petrol... Engine and running gear from a 350z and far more comfortable and you get a decent view and ride!
Dam thing still goes like a proper car and frankly for the most part, unless you want proper hoon handles bloody well!
Looking at an X6M, Cayenne GTS or FX 5.0V8 next time round, so we are very sold.
Krikkit said:
Once upon a time, before the awful horrors of sporty suspension, low-profile tyres and excessively large wheels all cars were comfy... Spec up a normal saloon (where available) with a comfort spec and it's just as good as an SUV, but with much better handling and costs. Don't really see the need to drive through flooded roads though.
So true.... I absolutely agree. For 90% of the time a 4x4 is a nicer thing to be in than a car. I regularly drive a Range Rover Evoque - I've been all over the UK in it - and it really is a lovely place to spend time. No, it's not as fun to drive as a sports car, but I enjoy the drive of a 4x4 more than an 'ordinary' car, and the ability to go down green lanes is great as they're an awful lot of fun!
Krikkit said:
Once upon a time, before the awful horrors of sporty suspension, low-profile tyres and excessively large wheels all cars were comfy... Spec up a normal saloon (where available) with a comfort spec and it's just as good as an SUV, but with much better handling and costs. Don't really see the need to drive through flooded roads though.
This. Just buy smaller sized wheels for your current car.For about a month I had car overlap - 996TT and a Range Rover (L322). Didn't take long before I found myself going for the RR keys out of choice every time. Too many other cars on the road, and road surfaces too roped/speed humped to death for the Porsche to stand a chance.
I'm not completely happy about it, but head has crushed heart to dust on this one.
I'm not completely happy about it, but head has crushed heart to dust on this one.
Stuartggray said:
You don't need a SUV, you need a Volvo estate specced with steel wheels like mine. I've had Volvo's since 1986 with 15 inch 195/65 wheels fitted. Much more comfortable coupled to a nice soft suspension setup.
I agree, but sitting up high is nice, and being able to drive through a 2ft deep ford is good fun too.Krikkit said:
Once upon a time, before the awful horrors of sporty suspension, low-profile tyres and excessively large wheels all cars were comfy... Spec up a normal saloon (where available) with a comfort spec and it's just as good as an SUV, but with much better handling and costs. Don't really see the need to drive through flooded roads though.
Quite right. Completely pointless for most users most of the time. Popular with yummie mummies (who often can't park the things @ Waitrose) and the keep up with the Jonesies fashion victim kind of families.Always an exception of course but I really don't see the point.
DocArbathnot said:
Quite right. Completely pointless for most users most of the time. Popular with yummie mummies (who often can't park the things @ Waitrose) and the keep up with the Jonesies fashion victim kind of families.
Always an exception of course but I really don't see the point.
Always an exception of course but I really don't see the point.
no stereotyping there then? Grandfondo said:
DocArbathnot said:
Quite right. Completely pointless for most users most of the time. Popular with yummie mummies (who often can't park the things @ Waitrose) and the keep up with the Jonesies fashion victim kind of families.
Always an exception of course but I really don't see the point.
Always an exception of course but I really don't see the point.
no stereotyping there then? Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff