Taking a second look at SUVs and 4x4s

Putting it bluntly, back in 2007 the bottom fell out of the SUV, 4x4 car market. Now, I'm detecting renewed interest.

This interest could be due to the new entrants in the SUV, 4x4 market place. It could be people have had enough of recession and are looking forward to a bigger and better future.

In 2007 crossover SUVs started to appear - the Chevrolet Captiva and VW Tiguan. They were built like cars, not trucks.

These crossover cars were more compact in size whilst still giving an elevated view of the road, room for the family and versatile load space.

The new crossovers had a lower centre of gravity, with car tyres and suspension and were stable and responsive on the road than traditional truck like SUVs. Plus they were more economical and safer.

Car safety was a major issue with old 4x4s that were built like trucks. In following posts I'll recall some of the old issues and review how recent entrants into this market have addressed them.

Did you know some of these new SUVs have a combined mpg of over 50 mpg, travel at high speed with single figure acceleration?

Next, we'll look at the biggest mistake car buyers made in the old days, pre-recession/2007.

Regards
Ralph