Don't know whether anyone saw this!
4x4s – the truth, by Autocar
Are 4x4s really that bad? That’s the question Autocar, Britain’s oldest motoring magazine, answers this week. Offroaders are currently on the receiving end of a fashionable tide of negative opinion; now, Autocar states some cases for their defence.
Those united against them are convinced that they’re oversized, gas-guzzling polluters that pose an increasing threat to other road users. The truth, as Autocar deputy editor Chas Hallett explains, is that "the vast majority of 4X4s sold in this country pump out no more CO2, use no more fuel and, in fact, are no bigger than their lower-slung alternatives. Some are only guilty of being taller – but that also makes them more visible to the environmental lobby."
"The SUV is an important product for the motor industry," Hallett goes on, "and a desirable one for consumers looking for versatility, towing ability, increased seating capacity and true go-anywhere capability."
"Consumers have the right to choose the vehicle of their choice and must not be intimidated by campaigners – especially when the facts they are using are out of date and misleading".
Autocar busts the myths
"4x4s are bigger than other cars": WRONG
In relation to the amount of road space they take up, 4x4s are comfortably overshadowed by big luxury saloons. They are taller than average, and as such harder to see around in traffic, but even in this respect they’re not the worst offenders, Citroen’s Berlingo mini-MPV, for example, is taller than a BMW X5.
"4x4s are less economical than other cars": WRONG
The prevalence of diesel engines makes many 4X4s no more thirsty than a typical family car. The Land Rover Freelander Td4 diesel, one of the UK’s most popular 4X4s returns an average 37.2 mpg – identical to that of a 1.8 Ford Mondeo 1.8 petrol.
"4x4s pollute more than other cars": WRONG
CO2 levels from 4X4s have dropped by 14.6 per cent since 1997, and a Volvo XC90 D5 4x4 now produces less than the maker’s 2.4-litre V50 estate. Emission free 4X4s will soon appear on the roads – Lexus has just launched a hybrid RX400 – which has both a traditional petrol engine and two powerful electric motors.
"There are more 4x4s in urban areas than elsewhere": WRONG
Only 7.1 per cent of cars sold last year were 4x4s – 179,439 were registered in 2004 in a new car market of over 2.5 million cars. In London, only 3.5 per cent of privately registered cars are 4x4s.
"4x4s are unsafe": WRONG
As a general rule 4x4s protect occupants very well in a crash and contrary to popular belief they’re no more dangerous to pedestrians than most ordinary hatchbacks. European testers EURO NCAP have certified the BMW X5, Volvo XC90 and VW Touareg as top-ranking five-star vehicles.
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Press release from
http://www.newspress.co.uk
