There are usually two types of cars in Australia; one that is able to finesse the urban landscape and the other that grabs the reigns when it comes to handling the rugged space. Crossover cars have broken this mold when it comes to getting a car that can do both, but is it worth your money? Here is a guide on what you need to know when it comes to crossover cars.
What is a crossover?
Crossovers, which are popularly known as SUVs or All-road driving vehicles, have become increasingly popular car among Australian households. This is basically a four-wheeled drive version of two-wheel drive station wagons that have been able to double up as a vehicle that is great for urban and country roads. This type of vehicle has been diversified to various crossover version of the ‘SUV’ to help car owners have variety when it comes to choosing such vehicles.
The pros
Versatility in the range of SUV body styles in the form of coupe’s, high performance drivetrain, and the spacious interior and boot space are some of the main winning features of an SUV. This has also made the vehicle sell at a record high of 106,988 units in March. Other benefits that come with an SUV are:
- Spacious foot and head space.
- Adaptable seat in the rear in some models which allows for ample boot space
- Roof line doesn’t taper or sweep down to the road at the back
- Can be excellent for towing caravans and trailers
- Fitted with car safety technology
- Long suspension which protects the body frame and cushions hard impacts from potholes
The cons
SUVs are infamously known for its ability to guzzle fuel. This is essential due to the weight of the vehicle which burns through fuel. With increased fuel consumption also comes pollution. The car's size can also have a drawback when it comes to its handling abilities against sidewinds. There has been an improvement to this factor with new models being installed with stability control to handle emergency situations. Some of the other drawbacks that you can consider when getting an SUV are:
- Can be expensive to buy
- Its size can restrict maneuvering capabilities in some areas
- Can have high operating cost
- Poor fuel economy that has higher emissions than passenger cars
- May not offer better visibility when it comes to seeing low objects around the car
Are the running costs worth it?
Although SUV’s may not depreciate as quickly as ordinary passenger vehicles, they generally come with a high running cost. According to RACQ, the average weekly cost for an SUV all-terrain running cost was $285.48.
This is something that potential new car buyers must consider to avoid purchasing a vehicle that will blow a hole into their budget. Whether purchasing an SUV will be worth it all depends on your own financial circumstances and needs. Therefore, it helps to weigh in on the pros and cons to find something that will be suitable for you.