Cross-over semi SUV's?

Question

The public seemed to get blamed for driving uneconomic cars when the manufacturers are the one's pushing them, particularly American industrialists. I see that Ford is releasing a semi/soft SUV, more friendly 4 wheel drive not always engaged. I wonder why when obviously we are going to have to downscale our cars or face not driving, and then I see the real reason - it's £20,000. This is for a slightly bumped up Ford Focus. The profit must be big on this. Time for the government to step in. I personally want a small easy to park car with great acceleration, no need to go above 80 mph. Brilliant ride and handling, very low noise levels, very safe, very economical, fantastic adaptable internal space, very comfortable inside. Loaded with Sat Nav and all the toys. Do we get this? no it's too easy just to make cars bigger and double the price. Doe's anyone agree? Or am I on my own on this.

Answer 1

An SUV is hardly ever purchased because that is what the buyer needs. The marketing men are therefore milking them for all they are worth. VW don't make much profit on a Golf....

Answer 2

Of course the manufacturers are responding to customer demand and market research in producing these. Most 4WD and not full-time 4WD but shiftable manually or automatically from 2WD to 4WD for traction and here Ford are competing with their own Volvo range of 4WD "sporty" versions as well as the VW/Audi/Skoda 4WD options. You are not alone on this as I too look for something not too small, capacity for 5 adults when I want, good acceleration up to a max of about 100 mph and reasonable legroom and comfort with mod cons such as cruise control, quiet ride, economy, climate control and good sound system. So far I cannot do better than my Astra diesel of last year which gives me around 50 mpg and all the mod cons above but it will still do 120 mph which is a bit of a waste. I have just noticed the press releases from Opel about to launch a range of diesel electric hybrids starting with a Corsa (too small for me) then later an Astra and Vectra. Electric drive hybrids have great low speed acceleration and promise the best overall economy when hybridised with diesel. The hybrid Corsa at 99 g/100km CO2 will seriously challenge the Prius as it uses a current model platform so the price should be more competitive. However, I reckon many who want the "sporty" image will still go for the 200 bhp, 2-4WD crossover models coming out.

You makes your choice and you pays your money.

Answer 3

I see where your coming from but the manufacturers build what we buy, they don't force them onto us and if nobody bought 'gas guzzlers' then they would only make economical cars.
There are already some extremely economical (relative to others) cars available and why doesn't everyone just buy them?

I drive a Porsche 911, it's a Carrera 4s so it also has 4 wheel drive to improve traction but carries more weight because of it so the economy suffers very slightly over the standard Carrera.
So yes, it could be seen as a gas guzzler by some people but it is immaculate, extremely well maintained by main dealer and i'll bet it uses a lot less fuel than some of the lumps of old scrap on our roads that you see billowing out clouds of black smoke.

Answer 4

Ford do offer a small light-weight efficient car.
It is called the Fiesta 1.4 TDci.

However, the public don't all want to buy a Fiesta TDci.
Some of them want something more like the new Kuga.
If they can't buy it from Ford, they'll buy it from VW, or Toyota, or Hyundai, or someone else. You can't blame Ford for making a car that people want to buy - that's what keeps them in business. If you want to force manufacturers to produce only efficient cars, you have to remove the public demand for inefficient cars. Manufacturers only build what they believe they can sell.

The profit on cars for the manufacturer is tiny - about £350 per car on cars sold in Europe, if no options are fitted. The dealer makes a much greater profit margin on each car than the manufacturer.

Answer 5

You do not have the correct knowledge for your opinion. 1st 4wd is not used all of the time, only when no traction. The front could have 70% and back 30% of 4wd. There is no transmission as you know it. Toyota is the king of crossovers. with a hybrid. $cyl gets 24 and 32 . 67cyl gets 18 and 28 and hybrid gets 40 in city and 38 ion highway. as an example highlanders start at 22,900 and got to 36000 for gas 6cyl LTD. hybrid is 26-32000. all other hybrids are nothing but gas engines with a electric boost. toyota has contract for part that makes a true hybrid. Rav, Camry, Prius, and Tundra next year will have hybrids.

Answer 6

I'd love to question others, but then again i drive a Jaguar XJ sport... so i best keep quiet and just hope petrol prices drop.