Winter is coming, and with it ice, snowdrifts and snowfalls. In such conditions, on a car with a 4x4 wheel arrangement, you feel much more confident on the road. Regardless of whether the all-wheel drive is permanent or plug-in, with it the car has better controllability (especially if the car is heavy), the likelihood of slipping is reduced and the cross-country ability increases. The choice in favor of crossovers, in comparison with sedans or hatchbacks, can still be justified by the higher ground clearance, which allows you to overcome snow drifts. And compared to SUVs, crossovers use less fuel and many look more stylish.
Even in such a narrow price range - up to a million rubles - there are enough crossovers with all-wheel drive. For some brands, within this amount, you can buy the maximum configuration with options. And for some, the basic version just breaks. In any case, each manufacturer implements its own approach: for someone, appearance is more important, for someone - engineering solutions, and someone is trying to make a decent car with a minimum price. So, here are the crossovers that will be more comfortable to travel in winter.
Renault Duster
Renault Duster Photo: AIF / Irina Zverkova
- Initial cost: 529 500 rubles
- Dimensions (length / width / height): 4315/1822/1625 mm
- Power plant: gasoline engine 1.6 l, 102 HP, 145 Nm + 6MKPP
- Acceleration 0-100 km / h: 13.5 s
- Maximum speed: 158 km / h
- Combined fuel consumption: 8.2 liters per 100 km
Honored Russian bestseller based on the Romanian Dacia Duster. Immediately after the release of the queue for budget models, it was six months, but now it is already possible to buy a Russian-assembled car in a much shorter period. In addition to the specified 1.6 engine, there are versions with a 2-liter gasoline engine and a 1.5 liter diesel engine.
Chery Tiggo. Photo: Chery Press Service
- Initial cost: 659 900 rubles
- Dimensions (length / width / height): 4285/1765/1715 mm
- Power plant: gasoline engine 2.0 l, 136 HP, 180 Nm + 5MKPP
- Acceleration 0-100 km / h: 12 s
- Maximum speed: 175 km / h
- Combined fuel consumption: 9.1 liters per 100 km
Typical Chinese crossover based on Toyota RAV4. The version with four-wheel drive can only be in one configuration - the maximum. Therefore, the car has a fairly large arsenal of various equipment, but at the same time in the cabin there is fabric, plastic and mechanical settings.
GreatWallHover h5
Great Wall Hover H5. Photo: Irito Press Service
- Initial cost: 699 000 rubles
- Dimensions (length / width / height): 4649/1810/1745 mm
- Power plant: gasoline engine 2.4 l, 136 hp, 205 Nm + manual transmission
- Acceleration 0-100 km / h: no data
- Maximum speed: 170 km / h
- Combined fuel consumption: 9.4 liters per 100 km
One of the most popular Chinese crossovers on the Russian market, which has already undergone one update. Three basic configurations are available: two of them with gasoline engines and one with a diesel 1.6 liter. The latter option can also be equipped with an automatic transmission. Already in the basic configuration, the car has a power steering, rain and light sensors, a rear view camera and parking sensors, a 7-inch multimedia system screen.
Suzuki SX4. Photo: Suzuki Press Service
- Initial cost: 709 000 rubles
- Dimensions (length / width / height): 4150/1755/1605 mm
- Power plant: gasoline engine 1.6 l, 112 HP, 150 Nm + 5MKPP
- Acceleration 0-100 km / h: 10.7 s
- Maximum speed: 185 km / h
- Combined fuel consumption: 6.8 liters per 100 km
This crossover inherited the genes of the Japanese manufacturer's off-road line, while it is a compact urban hatchback. The car is distinguished by increased attention to safety, which are responsible for the electronic systems ABS, brake force distribution (EBD), emergency brake assist (BAF), as well as some design solutions.
SsangYong Actyon. Photo: SsangYong Press Office
- Initial cost: 869 000 rubles
- Dimensions (length / width / height): 4410/1830/1675 mm
- Power plant: gasoline engine 2.60 l, 149 hp, 197 Nm + 6MKPP
- Acceleration 0-100 km / h: no data
- Maximum speed: 163 km / h
- Combined fuel consumption: 8.2 liters per 100 km
The latest Korean-made crossover from this list belongs to the representatives of the C-class. The car has two engine options and an automatic and manual transmission combined with them. The crossover has five trim levels, of which only Original versions cost up to a million. In the basic version, it is already equipped with air conditioning, heated seats, electric and heated mirrors, as well as cruise control and other options.
Opel Mokka. Photo: GM Press Service
- Initial cost: 895 000 rubles
- Dimensions (length / width / height): 4278/1658/1777 mm
- Power plant: petrol engine A 1.4 NET 140 hp 200 Nm + 6MKPP + AWD
- Acceleration 0-100 km / h: 9.8 s
- Maximum speed: 195 km / h
- Combined fuel consumption: 6.4 l / 100 km
The compact class B crossover is based on the GM Gamma 2 platform, on which the new Chevrolet Aveo is built. But, despite this relationship, the car is equipped with a plug-in all-wheel drive, and the Russian version, assembled in Kaliningrad, also has a shortened front bumper. The AWD version starts with the Enjoy trim, which includes options such as heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, High Beam Assist and fog lamps.
Volkswagen Tiguan. Photo: Volkswagen Press Service
- Initial cost: 899 000 rubles
- Dimensions (length / width / height): 4519/1809/1703 mm
- Power plant: petrol engine 1.4 TSI 150 HP 240 Nm + 6-speed manual + 4Motion
- Acceleration 0-100 km / h: 9.6 s
- Maximum speed: 192 km / h
- Combined fuel consumption: 8.0 L / 100 km
The Kaluga German is a typical representative of European crossovers. The all-wheel drive version is already in the youngest modest configuration, which, nevertheless, includes such equipment as an electronic stabilization system, an air conditioning system, Climatronic, an up / down assist and heated front seats.
Skoda Yeti. Photo: Skoda Press Service
- Initial cost: 939 000 rubles
- Dimensions (length / width / height): 4223/1793/1691 mm
- Power unit: petrol engine 1.8 TSI 152 HP + 6MKPP + 4x4
- Acceleration 0-100 km / h: 8.7 s
- Maximum speed: 196 km / h
- Combined fuel consumption: 8 liters per 100 km
The only crossover from the Czech manufacturer has firmly established itself on the market and has recently undergone minor updates, which primarily affected the engine line. The all-wheel drive system of the Skoda Yeti is equipped with a 4th generation Haldex intelligent clutch and can be combined with a 6-speed manual transmission and a DSG robot from Volkswagen. Off-road potential has been expanded with a special off-road mode, which adapts the settings of the electronic systems for off-road driving.
Nissan Juke. Photo: Nissan Press Service
- Initial cost: 987 000 rubles
- Dimensions (length / width / height): 4135/1765/1565 mm
- Power unit: petrol engine 1.6 190 HP 240 Nm + CVT + 4Motion
- Acceleration 0-100 km / h: 8.2 s
- Maximum speed: 200 km / h
- Combined fuel consumption: 7.6 liters per 100 km
The very bright Nissan Juke became the sales leader of the Japanese brand. In addition to its extraordinary appearance, it has a new turbocharged 1.6 DIG-T engine and an intelligent All Mode 4x4-i all-wheel drive system, which begins to enter the middle and maximum trim levels starting with the SE Sport. It features faux suede seat trim and a leather steering wheel.
Subaru XV. Photo: Subaru Press Service
- Initial cost: 984 600 rubles
- Dimensions (length / width / height): 4450/1780/15705 mm
- Power unit: petrol engine 1.6 114 hp 150 Nm + 5MKPP + CDG
- Acceleration 0-100 km / h: 13.1 s
- Maximum speed: 179 km / h
- Combined fuel consumption: 7.3 liters per 100 km
This is a completely new crossover that has taken the empty niche of urban crossovers. Its main advantages are located inside and include both interior trim and various equipment. Belonging to the cult brand is confirmed by the horizontally opposed arrangement of the Boxer engine and the all-wheel drive system with an interaxle limited slip differential with viscous coupling.
Peugeot 4008. Photo: Peugeot Press Service
- Initial cost: 999 000 rubles
- Dimensions (length / width / height): 4340/1768/1625 mm
- Power unit: petrol engine 2.0 150 HP 197 Nm + 5MKPP + AWD
- Acceleration 0-100 km / h: 9.9 s
- Maximum speed: 198 km / h
- Combined fuel consumption: 7.9 liters per 100 km
This crossover falls into the edge of the price range and therefore differs from all previous cars. This, among other things, affects the principle of operation of the all-wheel drive system, which has three modes: 2WD - front-wheel drive, 4WD - all-wheel drive with a distribution of up to 85% of torque to the front axle and LOCK - permanent all-wheel drive mode. It should be noted that the car, like most Peugeot, is trained for operation in Russia.
Recently, crossovers are gaining more and more popularity, and are in constant demand among consumers.
What's the whole secret? And how do you choose the right crossover with the right equipment? Let's try to answer these questions.
Reasoning logic in choosing the right equipment
The crossover, in terms of its build, can be attributed to a light SUV. In one car alone, all the consumer qualities of a car are combined: from high ground clearance to an all-wheel drive system. Using the high ground clearance, the crossover can easily drive up the highest curbs, and using the all-wheel drive system, you can easily drive out of the most difficult snowdrifts.
Each crossover has its own characteristics, some consumers choose high ground clearance, some drive, and some have a spacious interior. How to make the right choice? Crossovers can be fitted with a front or rear axle, or they can come with permanent all-wheel drive. In order to navigate in such a system, it is necessary to consider what kind of crossovers with permanent all-wheel drive are.
The Chinese supplier GreatWall offered all-wheel drive crossovers, among them the Chevrolet Niva in the price range of 459,000-55,700 rubles and the Lada 4 × 4 crossover with a price of 354,000 rubles. These cars, regardless of the year of manufacture, are always very popular among consumers, with a permanently connected all-wheel drive and the same distribution of wheel torque on all axles of the crossover.
All four-wheel drive crossovers need good driving skills and an understanding of how the vehicle works. Almost all cars come with an independent rear suspension of the MCPherson type. This feature is necessary in order to fully experience the properties of the car.
Usually, when a car enthusiast is going to buy a crossover, he pays attention to four-wheel drive crossovers with high ground clearance. In such cars there is no differential lock and reduction in transmission gears. Such a crossover is great for a comfortable ride in winter, and for roads in a warm season, it will delight you with its smooth ride. Large ground clearance does not affect the price category of the car, because basically everyone pays attention to the compactness of the model and its dynamism. Basically, these crossovers are not found off-road, but on a regular highway, which also excludes the choice of a crossover with a high ground clearance.
The list of the most popular crossovers with high ground clearance includes: Opel Moka (with a ground clearance of 19 cm), Chevrolet Tracker (with a ground clearance of 15.9 cm) - we learned about it in some detail from, Nissan Juke Nismo (with a ground clearance of 18 cm), Toyota RAV4 (with a ground clearance 19.7cm), Infiniti JX (18.7cm ground clearance), Subaru Forester (21.5cm ground clearance), Volvo XC60 (23cm ground clearance) and Range Rover E-Voque (21.5cm ground clearance). The Range Rover E-Voque crossover is considered the best in its class in terms of cross-country ability.
Crossovers can hardly be called real SUVs, since the ground clearance of SUVs is 30 cm, but they have less options than crossovers. Depending on the vehicle configuration, their ground clearance will change. Basically, if the model belongs to microcrossovers (model Chevrolet Tracker), then the clearance will be less here. Microcrossovers are often referred to as sedans due to their compact configuration. The main reason that distinguishes crossovers from SUVs is the comfortable ride of the former in urban areas and light off-road conditions.
Plug-in all-wheel drive crossovers
If the drive is connected through a clutch, in this case the units are called crossovers with all-wheel drive connected. That is, the clutch connects the second axle depending on how the wheels are scrolled from the non-connected axle. This type of drive can rightfully be attributed to the intelligent type. Usually the second axle is automatically connected depending on the road type: road / off road. If you use four-wheel drive on an uncharacteristic road, you can damage the mechanisms in the car.
Therefore, to the question "Does the crossover need four-wheel drive?" can be answered in this way: “It is necessary if the transport deals with constant off-road conditions, and constant difficult situations on the road, bad weather conditions, snowdrifts and mud. If the crossover is spent most of the time on the road, it is better to use a one-wheel drive car, most often with the rear axle. The ideal option would be to buy a crossover car with plug-in all-wheel drive. "
Among the rear-wheel drive cars with plug-in front-wheel drive, the following popular crossovers can be distinguished: Suzuki Jimny in the amount of 746,000 rubles, UAZ Patriot and UAZ Hunter in the amount of 529,000 rubles and 454,000 rubles. Also crossovers HoverM2, HoverH3, HoverH5, HoverH6 from 549,000 rubles to 749,000 rubles.
A striking example of front-wheel drive crossovers with a rear-wheel drive plug-in using a clutch is: Renault Duster in the amount of 541,000 rubles, Chery Tiggo in the amount of 619,000 rubles and Suzuki SX4 Classic in the amount of 729,000 rubles.
Excluding all-wheel drive for SUVs, single-wheel drive vehicles, mainly front-wheel drive, are emerging, which are called crossovers for use in urban areas. These crossovers have a significantly lower price than their all-wheel drive relatives. Front-wheel drive crossovers will behave better off-road than rear-wheel drive ones. The drive axle of these vehicles is always under load, since the engine constantly weighs on top, making the best grip on the road surface. By turning the wheels by the steering wheel, you can easily maneuver in all situations on the road.
Crossover pricing
Usually, front-wheel drive crossovers are obtained from a simplified version of the all-wheel drive unit. To get acquainted with the prices of such a control system, it is proposed to view the front-wheel-drive crossovers review:
- Suzuki SX4 New cost 779,000 - 1,019,000 rubles;
- Nissan Qashqai cost 789,000 - 1,096,000 rubles;
- Nissan Qashqai +2 cost 844,000-1049,500 rubles;
- Citoren C4 Aircross cost 849,000 - 1,124,000 rubles;
- Kia Sportage cost 889,900 - 1,049,900 rubles;
- Hyundai ix35 cost 899,000 - 1,144,900 rubles;
- Mitsubishi Outlander cost 969,000 - 1,249,990 rubles;
- Peugeot 4007 cost 989,000 - 1,074,000 rubles.
Basically, the price of cars depends on whether there will be a complete set with all-wheel drive or not, what ground clearance is installed in the crossover, what type of McPherson-type front and rear suspension (mostly semi-dependent), what kind of rear and front axle brakes. As a rule, in front-wheel-drive crossovers, the ground clearance is at least 175 mm, the wheelbase is 2.5-2.6 m. They can easily pass the curb and pits on the dirt road, which makes them indispensable for Russians.
Front-wheel drive crossovers have the insides of a small to medium-power gasoline engine. Crossovers come with one engine, only some models use two options at once. Some front-wheel drive crossovers such as the Kia Soul come with a diesel engine, only the pricing goes beyond budget cars.
Due to the fact that the car is equipped with one drive, it consumes 2-3 times less fuel than an all-wheel drive crossover. Most crossovers come with a manual transmission; an automatic gearbox is not included in the 750,000 rubles category. Basically, in Europe, on the contrary, they choose a manual transmission, since it consumes less fuel.
Thus, the more trim levels are installed in the crossover, the more expensive it costs. If you wish, purchasing a front-wheel drive crossover, you can constantly supply it with new parts and install new packages, thereby the price will not be so expensive when buying. Do you need four-wheel drive? The question is serious, it all depends on the real need or the great desire of the driver. Before buying a car, evaluate the pros and cons of buying the drive you need.
In this detailed test drive, the new Great Wall Hover H6 was absolutely justifiably called "thoroughbred" for its all-wheel drive:
The four-wheel drive car is now taken for granted: all drive wheels, supposedly, provide great safety on the road and confidence in their abilities. That is why, if we have money, we buy all-wheel drive crossovers for ourselves and for our wives. However, there are quite a few all-wheel drive systems, even in the first approximation, and they are fundamentally different from each other.
Choosing a car and aiming at "four-wheel drive", one must have a very good idea of where and why the car will be used. Probably, 90% of buyers are not going to leave a normal road into forests, fields, as well as climb mountains and cross fords. Why do you need a car with all drive wheels? Firstly, it gives confidence when it rains on a slippery road; secondly, they buy a car with an eye to use in long winters; finally, with all-wheel drive, it is easier to move off the asphalt and drive half a kilometer to the dacha on a dirt road and over bumps.
The simplest thing to remember and then close this article: the above three problems are completely solved by a car with only one axle drive. It is desirable, however, that it was with a manual transmission. Well, the clearance would be nice more.
Let's say that this solution to the problem does not satisfy you. Then the second consideration: an all-wheel drive crossover is not at all equal to a real SUV. The wheels of these cars are set in motion, shall we say, in fundamentally different ways. And third: yes, the indicated need for all-wheel drive can be satisfied with the purchase of a crossover. It's just that you don't need to drive on a real off-road with such a car. And on the road - do not get carried away with speed.
So, in general terms, the four-wheel drive of the crossover works. Almost always you drive such a car in ... mono-drive mode, only one axle works for movement. Most often - the front, because almost all not too expensive crossovers are built on the platforms of conventional hatchbacks. Four-wheel drive is manifested only in a situation of slipping of the driving wheels - this moment is recognized by the electronics, which connects the second axle to help. In this case, slipping does not mean that you stand still and grind the asphalt for a long time - it is literally about milliseconds. It is unlikely that the buyer is interested in the technique, let's just say that the transfer of the moment between the axles - and it is dynamically distributed at each moment of time - is dealt with by a special clutch. The device itself can be of various designs.
Now about off-road capabilities: if the scheme fully matches the description above, there are practically none. To overcome the minimum off-road, you have to "hang" additional functionality. For example, the clutch is made capable of being partially or completely blocked. The methods may be different, but, again, most often electronics are in charge of this. Also, a self-locking differential or a viscous clutch can be used in the design.
Why do you need a lock? A free clutch (or free differential) will prevent the car from driving if one of the wheels completely loses traction. And the blocking will make the wheel spinning that is still able to pull you out. In this case, the clutch overheats very quickly, so you won't be able to slip with such a system for a long time.
As with any design, there are many nuances here. The main one is that the clutch in an advanced automatically connected all-wheel drive can work according to a preventive algorithm, without waiting for wheel slip. Here, a small percentage of torque will always be applied to the second axle. In other words, you really get permanent all-wheel drive! This is how Audi systems with a Torsen differential work, as well as, for example, some BMW or Mercedes-Benz.
Let's repeat: almost all crossovers and all-wheel drive cars have this type of all-wheel drive. Pros: Indeed, the car gives some confidence on a slippery road. Cons: That same confidence can lead you to choose the wrong speed for driving in difficult conditions. The result can be a curb. Also because the nature of such a car in a turn - it will be inclined at this dangerous moment to drift or skid, or it will be neutral - it is rather difficult to predict. As well as for giving the car "off-road", the handling is improved electronically - the main auxiliary system here is ESP.
Now - about the off-road all-wheel drive. Here the second axle is manually connected by the driver. On the way, you drive a mono drive, and if you need to move to some problem area, you turn on the full one yourself. There is no center differential, so the blocking of one of the cross-axle differentials must be present. And, of course, with such a scheme, all-wheel drive must be turned off immediately on the road - it is not intended for operation at high speeds.
Finally, the classic of the genre is honest four-wheel drive. Ideally, these are not just three differentials - an inter-axle and two inter-wheel ones, but also a reduction gear, and all locks. And, of course, auxiliary electronics. With such a set of properties, a car can really stand on the road and overcome off-road.
Separately, we will mention the extremely advanced systems: for example, Mitsubishi's Super Select allows you to choose from many operating modes of the all-wheel drive so that it is suitable for both the track and off-road. Some Jeep models can be ordered with significantly different types of all-wheel drive. Finally, the systems in the Subaru Impreza WRX STi or Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution are each worthy of their own big article.
Many drivers are considering purchasing powerful SUVs. But they are faced with the task of choosing between an all-wheel drive and a front-wheel drive vehicle. And many of them choose front-wheel drive SUVs. This is explained by the fact that most drivers drive in urban environments, where four-wheel drive is not needed in principle. Plus, SUVs with only front-wheel drive are not inferior in technical equipment to all-wheel drive competitors.
The most convenient way to get from home to work is in a compact and maneuverable vehicle. For this role, the versatile front-wheel drive cars are perfect, which will be discussed in this article.
Chery tiggo
A Chinese car company recently launched the Chery Tiggo. Many car owners and novice drivers are attracted by the low price of this model. Also worth noting is the decent appearance of the car. There are no unnecessary and distracting details on the crossover body. Chery Tiggo looks presentable against the background of its compatriots. The minimum price for this copy is 500 thousand rubles. Many will be surprised at such a low cost, but you should not think that the SUV is not so good. On the contrary, many Russian drivers prefer this car for its optimal and high-quality technical equipment.
The SUV has impressive dimensions, thanks to which the cabin can accommodate up to 4 people. The driver and passenger are more fortunate as they have more space, while the two passengers in the back row lack space.
If we talk about technical characteristics, then they are not inferior to their closest competitors. Thanks to the impressive ground clearance, a five-speed manual transmission, front-wheel drive, and an engine with a power of 107 horsepower, the SUV feels confident even in off-road conditions or on rough terrain. It should be noted that the car accelerates to 100 kilometers per hour in 14 seconds. Of course, this is a rather low result, but we are not talking about a high-speed car, but about an impressive SUV.
As mentioned above, the exterior of this model is markedly different from that of its predecessors. Finally, manufacturers got rid of cheap bumpers and began to install reliable and high-quality parts.
The Japanese manufacturer has proven more than once that it produces high-quality and powerful SUVs, and the Nissan Juke is proof of this. The Japanese car stands out among others for its extravagance, the optimal ratio of build quality and cost.
Again, this model does not cost a lot of money, but at the same time it has all the necessary systems and functions such as multiple airbags, air conditioning, heated front seats, and 17-inch alloy wheels. And for an additional fee, the SUV will be equipped with climate control, a rear-view camera and a display located on the dashboard. The luxury package also includes an engine with a volume of 1.6 liters, and its power reaches 117 horsepower.
Mazda CX-5
The next representative of front-wheel drive crossovers is the Mazda CX-5 - a perfect example of a successful car that combines quality performance and smart marketing. Today the car occupies a leading position in the sale of SUVs. Thanks to the updated design and modified technical equipment, the SUV can rightfully be called a high-quality and reliable front-wheel drive car.
Under the hood, Mazda has a 172 horsepower 2.0-liter engine that can accelerate to 100 kilometers per hour in just 9.5 seconds. It is worth paying attention to the suspension of high quality and build level, as well as good steering, which allows the driver to feel confidently even at high speeds while driving this car. The five-speed automatic also stands out for its quality and reliability.
The only drawback of this model is, perhaps, only a rather high price. Even a car with the simplest configuration will not cost less than one million rubles, and for a luxury package you will have to pay about 1.3 million.
The Kia Sportage is also front-facing 
a water vehicle with increased cross-country ability. Currently, the car company Kia boasts large sales of this SUV. All thanks to a fairly low price for such a car. The Kia Sportage SUV is equipped with a five-speed gearbox and an engine whose power reaches 170 horsepower will cost 800 thousand rubles. And for a slightly different price, the driver has the opportunity to purchase a diesel version of this model, which will be equipped with separate climate control, capable of maintaining the optimum temperature throughout the entire trip.
The disadvantages of this model include increased fuel consumption, which does not make the Kia Sportage a budget option for a front-wheel drive car. Also, the SUV is equipped with a fairly stiff suspension, so the car feels insecure on difficult road sections.
Volkswagen tiguan
The German automobile company Volkswagen produces reliable and high-quality cars in all respects, and the Volkswagen Tiguan is no exception. For 900 thousand rubles, the driver has the opportunity to purchase a front-wheel drive car with good technical equipment. A turbocharged engine, a six-speed gearbox, a braking system and many other options and systems make a high-quality and passable SUV out of a German car.
Quality is worth paying for, but worth it. Elegant and at the same time simple appearance is the hallmark of German manufacturers.
Renault Duster
Renault Duster is a front-wheel drive vehicle designed for city and country driving. Thanks to the technical equipment and build quality, this car has become a favorite of experienced car owners. They value the SUV for the quality of the parts and advanced systems that have allowed the car to take the lead and overtake even luxury SUVs.
The technical equipment pleases fans of fast driving, as the SUV is equipped with an engine with a volume of 1.6 liters and a power of 100 horsepower. In 11 seconds Renault Duster accelerates to 100 kilometers per hour.
Mitsbishi ASX
Front-wheel drive also includes the Mitsbishi ASX - an example of the attractiveness and energy of a car. The crossover has a wedge-shaped body shape and a trapezoidal radiator grill. The uniqueness of the design is achieved due to the expressive headlights, as well as clear lines of the body.
If we talk about the internal space, then it is rich in all kinds of compartments and pockets for storing the necessary small items. The SUV is ideal for traveling with a large company thanks to its spacious luggage compartment and spacious car interior.
The SUV has a range of engines from 1.6 to 2 liters, the capacity of the largest engine is 150 horsepower.
And the last front-wheel drive SUV we will talk about is the Suzuki SX 4. It has absorbed all the best from the sports hatchback and modern crossover.
The updated exterior design was developed by Italian designers. The technical equipment does not fail, therefore, in each configuration there is a certain type of engine. Of course, the basic configuration is equipped with the least powerful and smallest engine, while the luxury SUV is equipped with the most powerful and fastest engine. It is also worth noting the dynamic performance and moderate fuel consumption of the SUV.
The crossover segment in Russia has been growing for several years. And for what there is demand, the price for that also grows. So maybe we're overpaying for the crossover? Isn't it more profitable to buy a car with a different body type? Among the main reasons for buying crossovers are the high seating position, high ground clearance and the stylish exterior of the SUV. And very often they call these cars "jeeps". But the off-road qualities of most crossovers are mediocre.
Four-wheel drive
But in the period from 2007 to 2013, according to the same agency, sales of monoprivodniki, on the contrary, grew. And quite significantly - from 7.1% to 22.4%. There is an explanation for this. Then, Chinese brands were actively coming to Russia, and they did and continue to rely on front-wheel drive SUVs - just remember. In the compact crossover segment, this is common practice. Say, 85% of Nissan Juke buyers chose the front-wheel drive option. And the lion's share of sales of such a popular crossover as the Opel Mokka also accounted for mono-drive versions.
The growth in the share of all-wheel drive in subsequent years can be explained, firstly, by the sharp devaluation of the ruble, when the population in a hurry began to spend money on buying real estate and cars at a higher price. And secondly, the launch of several popular mid-size crossovers on the market at once: they prefer to buy them in an all-wheel drive version. Let's say, in 2015, a new generation of Hyundai Tucson and the platform-based Kia Sportage appeared. The Toyota RAV4 has also been updated. However, the Russian representative office of Toyota said that they did not plan to abandon the front-wheel drive.
Indeed, some of the buyers who have tried the mono drive are no longer chasing the 4x4 wheel arrangement.
And if the buyer does not intend to conquer the off-road and only moves around the city, he simply does not need four-wheel drive. In addition, a car with all the leading ones will consume more fuel compared to a similar mono-drive modification, all other things being equal.
Manufacturers also understand this, and therefore, in most cases, they offer an affordable alternative to all-wheel drive SUVs. As a result, a whole layer of under-crossovers has appeared on the market, which do not have an all-wheel drive modification at all. They were joined by and.
Ground clearance
Apart from the black matte plastic body kit, on which chips and scratches are less noticeable when driving over rough terrain, such cars are completely devoid of off-road qualities. But they are cheap (the price of Sandero Stepway starts from 599,900 rubles), have an impressive ground clearance, which allows them to drive confidently on a dirt road, and at the same time are not inferior in comfort to ordinary cars. Even AVTOVAZ is trying to keep up with the trend, offering a pseudo-crossover XRAY (from 549,900 rubles) and lifted station wagons - Lada Kalina Cross (465,800 rubles) and Lada Largus Cross (from 664,900 rubles). Cross-versions of Togliatti station wagons may well become an alternative to an all-wheel drive SUV, if you drive around the city and to the country. And a lot more payload will be transported. In addition, an even more spacious one is on the way.
For sedans from Togliatti, the ground clearance is also not small. According to this indicator, they can compete with most crossovers.
So before buying a crossover, you might want to consider alternatives in the form of cheaper, elevated hatchbacks and sedans.
Spaciousness
If you drive mainly around the city and to the country house, you can also consider such a body type as a liftback.
Do you want a big trunk, good ground clearance and four-wheel drive? For example, Skoda offers station wagons and. Of course, they are more expensive than most crossovers, therefore they are more suitable as an alternative to representatives of premium SUVs.
So what's the bottom line? For comparison, we have collected data on the most popular models on the market in one table. Knowing what qualities your personal car should have, that is, what ground clearance, boot volume and type of drive are really needed, you can choose the best option for yourself. Now take a look at the right column - can you imagine how much you can save?
| Model name | Market positioning | Drive unit | Power unit | Ground clearance, mm (measurements in brackets ZR) | Trunk volume, l(measurements in brackets ZR) | Price from, rub. |
| Crossover | Front | 2 l (146 HP), M6 | ||||
| Crossover | 2 l (149 HP), M6 | |||||
| Crossover | 1.6 (123 HP), M6 | |||||
| Crossover | Front | 1.6 (123 HP), M6 | ||||
| B-class sedan | Front | 1.6 (123 HP), M6 | ||||
| Crossover | 2 l (143 HP), M6 | |||||
| Crossover | Front | 1.6 L (114 HP), M5 | ||||
| B-class sedan | Front | 1.6 (82 HP), M5 | ||||
| Renault Sandero Stepway | B-class elevated hatchback | Front | 1.6 (82 HP), M5 | |||
| Crossover | Front | 1.5 (106 HP), M5 | ||||
| Lada Largus Cross | Lift wagon (B +) | Front | 1.6 (102 HP), M5 | |||
| B-class liftback | Front | 1.6 (90 HP), M5 | ||||
| B-class hatchback | Front | 1.6 (87 HP), M5 | ||||
| B-class sedan | Front | 1.6 (90 HP), M5 |
** AVTOVAZ indicates ground clearance at full load;
***
In a five-seater version.
Of course, many nuances affect the choice of a car when buying: for example, do you need an automatic transmission and what type of automatic gear you prefer. The level of equipment, comfort, etc. is also important. Everything is so. We would like to draw your attention to the image of crossovers, created mainly by marketers. In comparison with reality, it is, to put it mildly, distorted.
In other words, when choosing a crossover, do not think that a priori you will get a roomy interior and enviable geometric cross-country ability. For these indicators, there are plenty of alternatives to the crossover. In most cases, they are also cheaper. You can choose from sedans, elevated hatchbacks or station wagons. The latter are the least popular with hijackers, which means that you can save money on buying an insurance policy. And in service (for example, body wash), all of the above options are usually cheaper than crossovers.
