Currently, there are a lot of cars of various classes. Some of them are difficult to attribute to any particular group. Often only some properties in its design or functions that a vehicle can perform can be classified. Usually all big cars are called jeeps or SUVs. But it's not right. There are several classes of such cars:
- SUV;
- SUV;
- crossover
- minivan.
But manufacturers themselves have long moved away from this classification. Often cars are produced that combine the qualities of several types of cars. They are made more universal. This class is an SUV. What is it, try to understand our article.
Features of SUV class cars
The first mixed-class cars appeared in the United States. SUV-cars are a type of vehicles capable of transporting a large number of passengers and cargo of overall dimensions, having sufficient power to transport heavy trailers. As a rule, these cars are equipped with a powerful motor. There is another definition of SUV: that it is a line of cars for a family that loves outdoor activities.
SUV is the abbreviation for Sport Utility Vehicle. Translated from English literally means "practical sports car." These vehicles are often mistakenly called SUVs or jeeps. It is also known about the abbreviation SUV that this is the marketing name for the car, which has a station wagon and, as a rule, an all-wheel drive system.
Most often, these cars have increased ground clearance. Salon they usually have a large volume, which allows you to comfortably accommodate the family. There will be enough space for luggage. SUVs are capable of pulling a heavy trailer or motor home.
They also say about SUV class cars that they are most likely crossovers or SUVs, since they are structurally not framed. This feature is unique to SUVs.
It should also be noted when talking about SUV class cars that these are cars that are equipped with gasoline-powered engines. A diesel engine is very rarely used.
SUV Class History
If you take a closer look, you can say about the SUV car that it is an enlarged passenger car with the addition of some versatility. The beginning of the sports and utilitarian class of cars are the 60-70s of the last century. They were primarily intended for outdoor enthusiasts. SUVs transported sports equipment such as bicycles or kayaks. They were used for trips to nature with the whole family.
Often such trips were accompanied by off-road driving. Therefore, the designers decided to add an additional property to the SUV class car - high cross-country ability. This feature was borrowed from SUVs.
By the 90s, SUVs had become very popular. Almost every manufacturer produces its own crossover or SUV. They began to pay much attention to the exterior. In addition to high traffic, cars of this class had to have low airflow resistance in order to reduce fuel consumption on the highway. A modern crossover or SUV has the following qualities:
- increased clearance, high landing;
- high ceiling, spacious lounge;
- usually four-wheel drive;
- good aerodynamics.
American SUV cars
SUVs in their name should be sports and universal vehicles. But in America, this class includes a wider range of machines. The USA has adopted its own classification for SUV class cars:
- Compact SUV;
- Mid-size SUV;
- Full-size SUV.
Initially, this division was based on the length of the wheelbase. To date, these parameters have repeatedly changed.
American SUVs are characterized by rather impressive dimensions, good interior capacity, and excellent interior decoration. In such models, as a rule, a gasoline engine with a large cubic capacity is installed. The suspension and design of SUV cars allow you to overcome the terrain.
Bright representatives of this class are Jeep Liberty, Ford Escape and Kuga. All these cars were created on the platform of passenger sedans or hatchbacks. They use a carrier body and powerful engines.
Japanese SUVs
The concept of Sport Utility Vehicle began to be used by Americans, but the first production cars of this class were Japanese autocars. The first car left the assembly line in 1994, it was the Toyota RAV-4. A year later, Honda appeared. SUV cars immediately liked customers. They appreciated the benefits of these cars. These models were more comfortable and smaller than SUVs. They were equipped with powerful engines and had increased cross-country ability. The interior was spacious and comfortable.
Following Toyota and Honda, cars from other Japanese manufacturers entered the market: Nissan and Suzuki. Since the mid-90s, the conquest of the world by Japanese SUVs began. This was the impetus for European automakers. They had to work hard to catch up with the Japanese. Today, almost every brand has a model class SUV. Even manufacturers of luxury cars plan to produce cars of this class.
Honda CR-V - the most popular SUV car
Honda CR-V is one of the most bought cars in the world. This car surprises with its versatility and comfort. The interior is spacious and moderately luxurious. Being inside this car is very cozy and comfortable. The rear seat is easily transformed, which allows you to increase the luggage compartment to an incredible volume, more than 1600 liters.
Along with the convenience for passengers, this car has a high off-road patency. All-wheel drive with the latest Real-time AWD system helps him in this. The car is very well kept on the road surface. The adaptive power steering system provides ease of driving.
Now released the fourth generation of the crossover from Honda. Designers have made many upgrades to all vehicle systems. It has various electronic devices that help control the machine:
- Cruise control;
- rear view camera;
- parking sensors.
The exterior has smooth lines. It has high aerodynamic parameters. The whole appearance inspires confidence and emphasizes the status of a leader in the SUV category.
European Sport Utility Vehicle
In Europe, by the end of the last century, SUVs became very popular. Each European manufacturer has a crossover or SUV in its model range. Whatever they are called, they all have SUV class properties.
The range of modern cars includes compact vehicles, mid-size and large crossovers and SUVs. I would like to highlight the three most popular: BMW X1, Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60. The first car on the list has bypassed Audi's long-standing competitor in sales in Russia. SUV-car Audi Q5 was a leader for a long time. He showed himself as a convenient and practical crossover. High ground clearance and four-wheel drive allow the model to overcome any off-road. The advantage of the new leader is a more reasonable price.
SUV - the perfect family vehicle
For more than 15 years, SUVs are gaining popularity. In addition to good cross-country ability, these cars have a high landing for passengers, which increases traffic safety. This fact has become one of the important arguments when choosing a car for the family.
The crossover interior is very roomy. It comfortably accommodates a family of 5 people. Thanks to the powerful engine, such cars can pull a trailer or a motor home with them, which makes them ideal for a family trip.
Tires for SUV
After purchasing a crossover SUV for many motorists, it becomes a problem to choose rubber tires for their 4-wheel assistant. Tires for SUVs must have the following properties:
- Have good handling on asphalt, that is, on the highway and in the city.
- Provide off-road patency.
- Tires should guarantee reliable operation in the winter.
Tires that combine all three qualities in one cannot be found. Rubber for a car that has good performance for all three cases does not exist. When choosing them, one should take into account how and where SUV cars will be operated.
If the vehicle is 90% used in the city, then you should pay attention to the tires, which will provide good handling on the surface of asphalt. Also, they should produce little noise, be comfortable when driving on city roads.
If the car is planned to be operated more in off-road conditions, then more universal tires should be chosen. They are usually marked M + S on the side.
Tires Hakka SUV from Nokian
Tire manufacturer Nokian is an internationally recognized leader. The proposed range of rubber "shoes" for cars is very wide. Tires are made for all types of cars. In the product catalog, you can select Hakka for the SUV class. This line has been specifically designed for SUVs and large crossovers.
In the manufacture of tires uses a special mixture of rubber. It is able to withstand difficult operating conditions. Hakka SUV tires are stiff and have good grip. They are ideal for overcoming off-road on sandy, stone soils. Tires behave perfectly when braking.