For cars around the world are becoming increasingly stringent requirements. It is necessary that the car was fast, comfortable, high-tech and, of course, economical in cost and maintenance. Among the well-known classes, all-wheel drive crossovers are gaining more and more popularity. Each well-known automobile company has one or more representatives of this type. In this article, we consider cars of a popular class that stand out from the general list.
And for starters, it’s worth remembering what kind of car is hiding under the name “crossover”. One of the meanings of the English crossover is “transition.” And this definition very accurately reflects the real state of affairs. After all, in fact, a crossover is the appearance of an SUV on a passenger chassis. The increased clearance and often the presence of all-wheel drive can be misleading about the cross-country ability of a car. So this is still an all- terrain vehicle, not intended for off-road use. Another name for it is a “parquet” SUV, or “SUV,” which more clearly describes a car. Yes, it is much more convenient to overcome urban snowdrifts and ride comfortably on a good dirt road, but no more.
All-wheel drive crossover rating
Among the cars bearing the sonorous name of “four-wheel drive crossovers”, there are quite a lot of representatives. It’s easiest to subdivide them according to their actual size:
- on miniature;
- compact size;
- medium sized;
- big ones.
Among the popular "babies" the legendary Mini Cooper always stands out. And if the atypical appearance, reflecting the image of the prototype, does not always make an impression, then it is worth a ride on it - and everything changes. In addition to him, the famous mini include Nissan Juke, Audi Q2 and Suzuki SX4.
Compact-size crossovers are the vast majority. There are eminent Germans here - BMW X1 and X3, Volkswagen Tiguan, Audi Q3 and Q5, Mercedes GLS and Skoda Yeti, as well as representatives of the Korean and Japanese sides. Light and beautiful Subaru XV And Forester, Suzuki Grand Vitara, Nissan X-Trail and Qashqai, Mitsubishi ASX and, of course, Toyota Rav4. A separate group has built French crossovers led by Renault Duster.
Mid-size crossovers look even more representative. Here are the famous Kia Sorento and Hyandai Santa Fe, BMW X5, Nissan Murano, Volkswagen Touareg, Porsche Cayenne. There are models that are not at the hearing - the Bentley Bentayga is a prestigious and vibrant representative of the crossover family.
Among the "giants" it is worth noting Nissan Pathfinder, Audi Q7 and Mazda CX-9. They are all-wheel drive crossovers. An automatic or mechanic stands as a control, the manufacturer determines the plant.
Russian crossover Lada Niva
Among the Russian representatives of crossovers, the first place with confidence is the VAZ-2121. This classic model in 3-door and elongated 5-door versions without any significant changes produced since the 70s! The main advantage of Niva is the combination of excellent passable qualities with value. The simplest equipment for a Lada 4 * 4 car will cost only 330 thousand rubles, or 5.5 thousand dollars at the January rate.
If you look at the technical capabilities of the VAZ-2121, it becomes clear where she got such a popular love from. The car, in addition to permanent all-wheel drive, has a full transfer case with a lowering speed. In addition, there is the possibility of mechanical locking of the center differential. In practice, still better. The balanced dimensions of the car allow you to drive where not every UAZ will decide. This is a truly reliable all-wheel drive crossover for a ridiculous price.
Recently, there has been a tendency to modernize your favorite car. Niva with the Urban prefix acquired new plastic bumpers, new interior trim, as well as air conditioning and power windows. As it became known, these are only the first steps, and the legendary car is waiting for a complete rebirth in the Niva-3. They promise a complete change in the body, engine, steering mechanisms and even the chassis. Most importantly, AvtoVAZ wants to maintain the attractive price tag of the Lada 4 * 4 car. Indeed, at the moment there are no competitors in the classic Niva in Russia.
Popular french crossover Renault Duster
Duster is very popular among Russians for many reasons:
- attractive design;
- comfort;
- technical equipment;
- reliability;
- cost.
For many connoisseurs of crossovers, the best option is Renault Duster. Options and prices of the "Frenchman" pleasantly surprise for several years. For today, the basic Duster package costs about 490 thousand rubles, or about 8 thousand dollars at the January rate. High clearance of 205-210 cm, comfort and low fuel consumption (5.3 liters of diesel per 100 km in the diesel version) are its advantages.
Duster does not have a lowering speed, but its first speed more than compensates for this drawback. The most attractive option for patency and fuel consumption is, of course, diesel. Its confident traction at minimum revs of the first speed is pleasantly impressive. That's why for many the most attractive crossover is the Renault Duster. Options and prices with the 2013 update have not changed. You can pay extra only for options that you really like.
Crossover from the Czech Republic for Russia - Skoda Yeti
The new version of the "Skoda Yeti" looks very similar to the "Tiguan" from VW. And this is not surprising, since cars really have a lot in common. Thanks to the German content, the “Bigfoot” among Czechs became even better cars. "Skoda Yeti" is well bought by Russian connoisseurs of beautiful cars. Despite the price tag of the basic version from 1 million rubles, the car has many connoisseurs and owners.
Why is the Czech crossover so attractive? Here, the combination of dynamic performance, comfort and fuel consumption comes first. Reliable and fast Skoda can be equipped with 7 different engines and several transmission options. In total there are 3 gasoline and 4 diesel power units. As for the control, that is, both mechanics, and the machine, and the robot. Among all the options, the most attractive is the 2-liter diesel engine with 184 “horses”. At the same time, diesel consumption per 100 km does not exceed 7 liters.
All-wheel drive Chinese crossovers
The concept of “Chinese quality” has changed its sign several times. If in the USSR Chinese goods were valued and famous for their quality, after the collapse, everything changed. At first, cars from China were simply copies of their eminent Japanese and European "colleagues." The trend of recent decades is the increasing quality and own developments in the automotive industry. If the first Chery Tiggo was a cheap fake Toyota Rav 4, today all-wheel drive Chinese crossovers are much more appreciated.
Among the most famous brands in Russia, several stand out:
- Hover, or Hoval.
- Lifan
- Geely.
- Chery.
- Brilliance.
A prominent representative of the all-wheel drive Chinese crossover will be the Brilliance V3. Aggressive bright design and excellent technical characteristics in the size of compact "SUVs". The 1.5-liter diesel engine under the hood is the company's own development.
Talking about Chinese crossovers, it is mandatory to mention Chery Tiggo, which has been updated to the 3rd body, and Lifan with serial number X80. The latter is an example of a large "SUV" and has an equally significant cost. The general trend of increasing the quality and reliability of Chinese cars has led to a natural increase in their value. So, the Lifan X80 will cost about 1 million rubles. Another famous Chinese brand is Hover, or Hoval. Today, this company is successfully sold in Russia and is represented by new products in the 5th and 6th bodies.
The most expensive crossover on all-wheel drive
According to many sources, the Spyker D8 Peking-to-Paris is suitable for the role of the most expensive crossover. Initially, the name of the model should have been figure 12. But since the engine was installed 8-, rather than 12-cylinder, stopped at D8. This chic car is made in piece lots at a price of 300 thousand dollars. Under the hood, a 6.2-liter gasoline engine with 660 “horses” is installed, developing 100 km / h in just 5 seconds. The maximum speed of the car is 300 km / h.
The appearance of the Spyker D8 immediately shows how expensive and chic cars are in front of us. The internal exterior is even more presentable. The entire interior is covered in luxurious, thin skin, providing the perfect coverage. Inside, a refrigerator with a supply of cold air from an air conditioner is installed. The interior uses carbon and aluminum. All-wheel drive crossovers such as the BMW X-Series or Porsche Cayenne amid the Spiker look just like poor relatives.
Speed crossover
It would seem, which of the crossovers can be faster than the most expensive of them - Spyker? It turns out that the sports version of the German "SUV" BMW X6M accelerates to the first hundred in 4.2 seconds. Its engine of 575 "horses" can accelerate the car to 280 km / h, and if you make a special tuning, and up to 320 km / h. For such speeds, the car engine has a modest volume of 4.4 liters, but two turbochargers are installed. To change gears, the BMW X6M is equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission with a special electronic unit that provides almost instant gear changes.
Small crossover doesn't mean uncomfortable
Among the miniature parquet SUVs, it is worth noting the Japanese Suzuki Kei - all-wheel drive crossovers. Their rating is not so great, but neat sizes, coupled with economical 0.66- and 1-liter engines, find their consumers. The length of the car is 3.4 meters. It is only 60 cm longer than the smallest Fiat Panda crossover in history, which was produced before 1991. Surprisingly, the car has two rows of seats. Four-wheel drive provides a stable position on the road in a snowy city. And the consumption of 5.5 liters per 100 km pleasantly pleases any motorist.
Crossovers with high clearance
It is well known that the greater the vehicle’s ground clearance, the easier it is for him to overcome obstacles. With a clearance above 16 cm, you can gently move between the curbs without fear of catching them. Many all-wheel drive crossovers with high ground clearance do not reach real SUVs. After all, the same UAZ with high wheels has a clearance of 300 mm. But among the "SUVs" you can distinguish their champions.
The same Russian “Niva” has a ground clearance of 220 mm, which once again emphasizes its excellent off-road qualities. Land Rover E-Voque drives with the same clearance. Almost 200 mm (197) has the famous Japanese Toyota Rav 4 crossover.
Giant crossover
The largest crossover is considered to be the Chevrolet Suburban. Its length is as much as 5.7 meters with a width of more than 2 meters. Previously, this car was a full-fledged SUV. By replacing powerful all-terrain qualities with fuel economy and overall cost, the car only won. After all, there are much more willing and having the opportunity to acquire such a handsome man.
Conclusion
The world of cars with good cross-country is constantly expanding. All-wheel drive crossovers are gradually replacing station wagons and becoming indispensable family cars with any capabilities. As it turned out, there are miniature SUVs and dynamic supercrossers that give odds to some sports cars.