Comfort and SUV cars

A comfortable car is important because:

• In my experience it's the biggest cause of dissatisfaction - if any - when asking car buyers about their part exchange.
• Driving in a comfortable position reduces tiredness helping drivers react faster to avoid accidents.
• Comfort calms and relaxes the driver making them at ease.

People who buy SUV cars assume they're comfortable. This is not necessarily the case. Some SUVs are quite agricultural. Sitting on a soft seat in a car showroom is not an indicator of comfort. At this stage look for:

• ease of entry and exit from the vehicle, normally excellent with 4x4s but check the step up height,
• seat size, adjustment, shape and support,
• a near vertical steering wheel angle, preferably adjustable, not horizontal like a truck,
• a good all-round view, good with most SUVs, check rear vision in more stylish models,
• level of vision through the windscreen, not too high or low,
• controls, switches and levers within reach and easy to understand,
• the foot pedal units should be in line with the driving position - not offset,
• check foot space around the pedals,
• check driver leg and knee space,
• check space all-round for feet, knees, legs, hips, shoulders and heads.
• a feeling of space and airiness.

Then it's time for a demonstration and to check:

• weight of the steering,
• weight of the pedals,
• the ride is stable.

There's a lot to consider but get it wrong and you can look forward to years of being unhappy.

Regards
Ralph
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