Whether it is hauling a caravan along the Strzelecki Track or battling for a spot in the school drop-off zone, there is no escaping Australia’s obsession with the '4x4'. Indeed, since 2005 annual sales of ‘family’ 4WDs are up by over 40 per cent, while sales of ‘workhorse’ models have increased by over 50 per cent during the same period.
Four-wheel-drives may seem, and often are, viable alternatives to conventional family cars. But does perceived versatility and protection against urban driving hazards justify living every day with a vehicle that is potentially harder to drive and park and more costly to run?
One myth that should be dispelled immediately is that large 4WDs offer greater crash protection than a standard car. In side impacts the larger 4x4s do place occupants above the direct impact zone, but their extra height and higher centre of gravity makes them more liable to roll after an impact.
Before plunging into the 4WD market, it pays to consider some issues:
>> How often you will actually need serious all-wheel drive capability.
Car-based ‘softroaders’ like the Ford Territory and Subaru Outback will deal competently with all types of made roads and perform pretty well in icy Alpine conditions or on firmly packed sand.
>> Whether the space provided by a large 4WD can be more sensibly accessed via a ‘people mover’.
Larger 4x4 models generally have only temporary seating for the rear-most passengers and safety can be compromised.
>> Will it fit your garage or car parking space?
A lot of ‘full-sized’ 4x4s sit in driveways exposed to the elements and theft because they are just too tall to fit through the door.
>> Buy a set of ‘everyday’ wheels and tyres.
The aggressively-treaded rubber fitted to bigger 4WDs will ensure maximum traction in rough going but can be a liability and even dangerous on sealed roads. Those big tyres are prone to aquaplaning in heavy rain and can increase braking distances. They wear quickly when run on bitumen and are expensive to replace.
>> Higher fuel costs
Hauling more weight and having a larger frontal area than standard cars or even a boxy passenger van will potentially increase fuel costs. Modern turbodiesel engines deal with the fuel issue but can be expensive to service and still short on performance.
>> Try before you buy
Consider renting a 4x4 for a week to judge how well it suits your needs. Driver comfort, all-round vision (especially when reversing) road noise and fuel consumption should be evaluated during your period of temporary 'ownership'.
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