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BUSINESS CHICKS latte magazine
DRIVEN
There's been plenty of debate about the rise in popularity of 4WDs and
SUVs. You can barely move a metre through suburbia without stumbling
across a BMW X5, a Honda CRV, a Hyundai Santa-Fe, a Range Rover or any
other of the many SUV type vehicles on offer today. Melissa Pye explains.
What's the Difference Between an
SUV and 4 Wheel Drive?
SUV (Suburban Utility Vehicle) is the term
used for a vehicle that has a higher seating
position, generally higher road clearance
and sometimes 4 wheel drive capability.
Most offer really fl exible seating confi gu-
rations and some can seat 7 passengers.
The major difference between a 4 Wheel
Drive and SUV is that 4WD's have been
designed for good off road ability and tow-
ing capacity whereas some SUVs are bet-
ter suited to the urban terrain as they are
only 2 wheel drive.
Why Buy An SUV or 4WD?
This style of vehicle has become the
choice of families and sporting people for
many reasons.
Versatility. For every day functionality,
most SUVs offer a decent amount of load
space ­ people and other - and usually in a
very versatile format. From multiple kids
and all the baggage that ensues, to bikes,
pets and camping gear, the sheer space an
SUV offers is a big draw card. Like cars,
SUVs can vary greatly in size and function,
from 3-door four-seaters to 5-door seven-
seaters and a heap of fancy confi gurations
thanks to fold down or even pull out seats.
Looks. To look at and to look out of!
While some people simply like the shape
of an SUV, the driver visibility that a taller
A Toorak Tractor or
Smart Urban Vehicle?
2009 Hyundai Santa Fe