SUV is said to becoming the norm. Given that I don't need 4WD and indeed many are FWD. Given that I don't need off-road, and indeed many don't have traction controlls, then why? Is the ride better because of elevated suspension? But then air suspension systems are even better. Is the engine noise better insulated as the engine and wheels are further down? The handling is usually more sloppy unless high end SUV, e.g. Bentayga. For the kind of 2WD on-road SUV, how is the construction different from MPV? The SUV looks more rugged, but are they really, or is it just fashion?

It used to be that the additional height made them easier to drive. You could see further ahead in traffic. You could commandeer the road as people in cars got out the way. Now everyone else is driving them the view is blocked by other SUV and they ain't going to give way. Many are still on wobbly ladder frames with 2 bits of tin on top. Something that stopped being used for cars 70 years ago. Ride is harsh as the suspension is designed to take big variation in laden weight. As they have the behaviour of a pogo stick, they have to slow down a lot more for traffic calming cushions than I do in a low slung sports coupe. Side impact test contact so low on the vehicle that the floor pan takes the hit. Very good until a truck knocks the body off the frame, then it folds up as it's got no frame to support it. Engines tend to be cruder "truck engines" and run rougher than passenger cars. It's a utility vehicle to get a working party to a building site etc. Although they are big...

Why SUV?

Oct 02, 2016 46 Replies

Rate this thread:

johannes 9 years ago

Purchase tax for new cars in Denmark is very high ~200% added. The excemption is commercial vehicles, e.g. a van or an estate version of a car with no side windows apart from the driver's row, or a pick-up car. The pick-up could also be a version of an US V8 2-seater muscle car, a popular loophole as it would cost the same as private plate VW beatle. Nevertheless, there used to be a rule that such yellow plated cars were not allowed to drive on sundays as there was no commercial purpose. Possibly to stop a flood of bypassing the 200%.

Vote

johannes 9 years ago

These type of cars were popular with the Taliban, as always shown in the news.

Vote

Fredxxx 9 years ago

I'm surprised the Jewish lobby didn't stop that.

Vote

Dave Plowman (News) 9 years ago

Used to be something similar in the UK with purchase tax. Which made Mini vans popular as a first time buy, as they cost about half that of the car. But at one time were restricted to 40 mph.

Vote

David 9 years ago

This would also catch most motor homes. I wonder how often this is enforced?

I would also like to be able to see a listing of the unladen weight of all UK motor vehicles (or at least those up to 3,500 kg GVW). [Looking for a heavy tow car.]

Cheers

Dave R

Vote

Nick Finnigan 9 years ago

Hardly ever, the police don't want to upset OLAMOTP.

There use to be a site with a good list, but I can't find it. What Car gave tow weights in an easy to browse fashion: Subarus claim 2,000 kg but it's marginal. A6, A8, 7 series, S class, Maybach are possible but not an obvious choice just for towing. Some Passat estates may manage. Or almost any proper, large 4x4, obviously.

Vote

Dave Plowman (News) 9 years ago

Dunno about current ones, but the Disco used to be one of the heaviest 'cars' around.

Vote

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required