Passenger wagons in Russia are not in high esteem. Give our customers more sedans, hatches, crossovers and SUVs. But some "sheds" still have a chance to catch on in our market. This is a very narrow and not numerous segment of station wagons, so to speak, slightly off-road.
They are built, as a rule, on the basis of ordinary station wagons, but they increase their ground clearance by upgrading the suspension, they screw on protective elements on the body and the bottom, put bigger wheels and a little "toothy", they certainly equip four-wheel drive- and you're done. Not a crossover or an SUV, of course, but not the same old car "puzoterka" that bows to every bump. And some of these "sheds" clearance is the envy of some SUVs. For example, in the same new all-terrain station wagon Volvo V90 Cross Country, the bottom and the ground are separated by as much as 210 mm!
But we have recently talked about the V90 Cross Country. And this time we will go through the same models of other companies.
Audi A4 / A6 allroad quattro
Year of issue: from 2016 / from 2014
Audi has two such "raised" station wagons, the youngest of them - A4 allroad quattro (top photo). Its first generation was shown in 2009, and the current one this year. Differences from the usual A4 Avant station wagon are a protective body kit with widened wheel arches, a ground clearance increased to 175 mm and, of course, a proprietary permanent all-wheel drive with an inter-axle "self-blocking" Torsen. Generous and adaptive suspension. And a whole scattering of units: a choice of two diesel engines with 150, 163, 190, 218 or 272 hp, a petrol turbo engine with 252 hp, a "robot" or a classic automatic ...
Both A4 allroad quattro and A6 allroad quattro (pictured) are sold in Russia today, but both have gasoline engines. For the first, they ask from 2,739,000, for the second - 3,795,000 rubles.
But the flagship is, of course, the A6 allroad quattro, which was impressive even when it debuted in 1999. The air suspension increased the ground clearance to 208 mm, and the four-wheel drive, a 250-horsepower petrol biturbo engine, a 180-horsepower diesel engine and even a 300-horsepower V8 gasoline engine. allowed to "light" both on the asphalt and outside it. There was even a downshift in the razdatka! The current A6 allroad quattro from 2014 is more modest. There is an air suspension, but the ground clearance is a maximum of 185 mm, and the "ponder" is gone for a long time. But there are many engines left to choose from: a 3-liter diesel engine produces 190, 218, 272 or 320 hp, and a 3-liter gasoline unit develops 333 hp.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain
Year of issue: from 2016
Mercedes-Benz looked at its competitors for a long time before deciding to get such an uncharacteristic model. And the company gave birth to its all-terrain "barn" only this year: the newest all-wheel drive model All-Terrain was presented at the Paris Motor Show in September. It is based on the E-Class Estate station wagon, also of a new generation, and the All-Terrain version itself will become a transitional link from it to the GLE crossover. How to find out on the street? New bumpers with pads, a radiator grill, a massive body kit made of black plastic, original wheel disks 19 or 20 inches - all this gives the car headlong.
Mercedes-Benz All-Terrain may appear in Russia in spring. True, so far there are no prices, no clear information about what motors will be. Regular station wagons will only be sold with gasoline engines.
Plus the increased ground clearance, of course. Compared to a regular E-Class station wagon, the All-Terrain ground clearance more by 29 mm (15 mm gave the suspension settings, and another 14 mm - a higher profile of the tires). At the same time, the basic equipment already has an Air Body Control air suspension, which can change the ground clearance from 121 mm to a maximum of 156 mm in the All-Terrain off-road mode. Engines - 2-liter diesel engine with 194 hp. and 400 Nm, paired with a 9-speed automatic and provides acceleration to "hundreds" in 8 seconds. Plus a 3-liter V6 on heavy fuel, producing 258 hp. and match with the same box. Gasoline engines are expected later.
Opel Insignia Country Tourer
Year of issue: from 2013
Introducing the Insignia Country Tourer all-terrain station wagon in 2013, the Opelevites announced that it would not compete with anyone, but with the Audi A6 Allroad! To fit into the narrow niche of such cars, "Insignias" increased the ground clearance (albeit by only 20 mm - up to 175 mm), chained them into a protective plastic body kit ... But otherwise the Country Tourer remained the usual Insignia with a 4x4 nameplate.
Insignia Country Tourer managed to get to Russia before the crisis, but did not sell for long and left our market together with Opel. A new generation is on the way, but we are unlikely to see it.
The engine range of the all-wheel drive version today includes a 2-liter petrol turbo engine with 250 hp. and a 170-horsepower turbodiesel of the same volume. Moreover, it is interesting that both motors can be combined with a 6-speed "mechanics", and with an automatic! But the swing at Audi, of course, looks too optimistic. The same A6 is significantly larger than the Insignia (it belongs to the E segment, and not to the D segment), is equipped with more powerful motors and costs much more (which means it is richer equipped). In reality, the main competitor of the novelty looks like Alltrack - a version of the VW Passat station wagon similar in concept. Which we will get to.
Skoda Octavia Scout
Year of issue: from 2014
Skoda got its "tall" station wagon named Scout in 2006 in the second generation. Octavia models... The ground clearance, in comparison with the usual mono-drive "shed", has been increased by 40 mm, in the drive rear axle there was a Haldex clutch, the body was protected by plastic linings ...
To Russian buyers of Skoda Octavia Scout diesels, alas, "squeezed": we sell this station wagon only with a gasoline turbo engine and costs from 1,854,000 rubles.
The company introduced the current "Scout" in 2014, and the approaches to its creation have not changed. Due to a different suspension, the ground clearance is increased to 171 mm, higher-profile 17-inch tires are installed, and the rear axle, when the front wheels slip, connects the same Haldex, only of the fifth generation. The choice is a 1.8 TSI gasoline turbo engine with 180 hp. paired with a 6-speed "robot", two diesels (1.6 liters and 110 hp or 2 liters and 150 hp) with a manual transmission and a top-end diesel engine with 184 hp. in conjunction with a DSG box.
Year of issue: from 2015
Who in our review really "ate a dog" on all-wheel drive station wagons - it's Subaru! After all, the first such "shed" appeared at the company back in 1994: the famous off-road version of Outback was first made on the basis of the Legaсy station wagon and eventually became a separate model.
Diesel Subaru Outback never made it to our market, but all petrol options we sell. Both - with a variator and an all-wheel drive system AST with a clutch in the rear axle drive. From 2,399,000 rubles will be asked for a 2.5-liter engine, and the flagship V6 pulls as much as 3,399,900 rubles.
The current generation of Outback has been released since 2014. And under passenger car body- clearance in more than serious 213 mm, not shameful not that for a crossover, but even for an SUV! And, despite the considerable body overhangs, the Outback is very decent
A crossover is bought for storming curbs and quiet trips to nature. But its capacity often does not satisfy the owner. Either there is little space in the back, or the trunk resembles a glove compartment. At the same time, not so many people pay their gaze to all-terrain wagons (UPP). But in vain.
UPP - what kind of beast?
Legendary representatives of this segment include Subaru Outback and Audi allroad... They are the benchmarks of a cross-country wagon. And, what is important, they have not lost their relevance to this day.
The 5-door Legacy was used to create the Outback, and the Olroad was used by the A6 Avant. The designers slightly increased the ground clearance, "stuck" four-wheel drive, strengthened the suspension, and also dressed up the car in protective "skirts". That's all, the off-road wagon is ready.
There are many representatives of this class on the market now. Confuses only one thing - the price. But gradually (especially if we take the pre-crisis situation), the cost of such machines began to decline. It's just that not so eminent brands have pulled themselves up to this segment. For example, Skoda has a very nice Octavia Scout model (though it costs from 1,636,000 rubles now). Previously, the Czechs also sold the cheaper Fabia Scout, but now it is not on our market. Renault has Sandero stepway... Even AvtoVAZ is represented in this segment - Kalina Cross.
The more elite list includes: Outback, A4 and A6 Allroad, Volvo XC70. Even Volkswagen had a Passat Alltrack. There are a few more models, but, in general, the list is not so small.
So what is the difference and the similarity?
Most soft starters and crossovers are very similar, but there are still differences. And if the ground clearance of those that others has is approximately from 17-21 centimeters, then the off-road capabilities are different.
For example, Volkswagen tiguan thanks to good angles of exit and entry, it can safely "ride" along the hills. But the A4 Allroad is far from the fact that it will be able to overcome the obstacle. He will either sit on the "belly" at the top, or even banal even on the hillock will not be able to call. The main advantage of crossovers over "pumped" station wagons is geometric cross-country ability. In the former, it is much better. Therefore, only crossovers are suitable for active off-road assault.
But on asphalt, especially if the path runs along a winding road, the SCPs steer better than their competitors. The fact is that the crossovers have a pretty decent ground clearance, and the body itself is high. This means that the center of gravity is also higher. Therefore, with the management of an SUV, not everything is as smooth as we would like. It is clear that the designers are trying to solve this problem, but many automakers choose the easiest and most obvious way - they simply "clamp" the suspension. And the car becomes tough and painfully perceives meetings with flaws in the roadway.
Now about roominess. Due to the body, all-terrain station wagons are able to take on board much more of all kinds of cargo. Only large, serious 7-seater crossovers can compete in this regard. But only the price for them is appropriate.
The common thing is that both of them, for the most part, are equipped with the most "advanced" all-wheel drive systems today, which work adequately both in the warm season and in the cold. Everything is clear about the ground clearance - it is enough for many "adventures". Cars, even the highest ones, cannot boast of such a ground clearance.
What to choose?
In this matter, you need to build on what is required from the car. If off-road capabilities are in the first place - trips to nature, moreover, winter -selection, of course, must be done in favor of the crossover.
Well, if handling, super-large roominess is appreciated, and trips to serious off-road conditions are under the sign of a taboo, then - an all-terrain station wagon.
Who was the first?
Subaru is considered the founding father of the m segment of off-road wagons. They were the first to bring the Legacy Outback to the market, which fully corresponded to the declared class. It appeared exactly twenty years ago, and the main buyers were the residents of the United States.
And I must say, Subaru hit the bull's-eye. The car became very popular. It has everything an American could only dream of: comfort, spaciousness, high ground clearance, and "indestructible" suspension, and good off-road capabilities. And at the same time - excellent handling.
The success of the Japanese could not be calmly looked at in Audi... And therefore, already in 1999, they presented their all-terrain wagon - Allroad. Well, later the rest began to catch up.
An article about crossovers and station wagons - their advantages and disadvantages, comparisons in various parameters. At the end of the article - an interesting video about off-road crossovers and station wagons.
The content of the article:
The choice of a car depends on many factors that are individual for each driver: gasoline or diesel engine, urban or off-road purpose, color, technical filling, as well as body type. Even the same model can have several body variations, which sometimes confuses buyers. For example, station wagon and crossover bodies have many similarities, but no less differences. How do you compare them? How fundamental are the disadvantages and do they outweigh the advantages?
The main features of crossovers and station wagons
Crossovers it is not for nothing that they are also called "SUVs" - these are city SUVs, whose cross-country ability is good on bumpy roads and when parking on elevations. However, when caught in truly rural areas, they will be as helpless as regular sedans.
The car has a North American ancestry, where they are equipped mainly with front-wheel drive, and only a few external signs are associated with the harsh SUVs.
In Russia, they traditionally mixed everything into one heap, making SUVs all-wheel drive and attributing non-existent qualities to them.
Station wagons do not have such a high seating position, cross-country ability and a combination of power with compact dimensions, although in the automotive annals there are cases of turning a station wagon into a crossover, which happened with the Audi A6 Allroad.
Station wagon- a combination of a sedan with a hatchback, a rare long-liver in the car market. In the Soviet Union, "Moskvich" presented its version of the station wagon, called the "Combi". Behind him, the VAZ 2102 appeared, which can fully be called the first real domestic station wagon.
If crossovers are preferred by young, daring people, then the station wagon is a roomy family car. The huge trunk will allow the whole family to travel with a mountain of things or go with seedlings to the country, without losing dynamic qualities and visual appeal.
So, the Audi RS 6 will surpass not only sedans, but even the coupe with its speed indicators... Under the hood of this seemingly absolute "housewife's assistant" 560 Horse power that overcome a hundred in just 3.9 seconds.
Now let's take a closer look at the pros and cons of a representative of each of these families.
Crossover: advantages
What qualities allow SUVs to dominate at all automotive markets from Russia and Europe to Africa and Australia?
Overview
Wide seats, high seating position of the driver make the driving process very comfortable and provide great visibility, practically eliminating blind spots.
Security
Research by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has shown that despite the high reliability performance of sedans and hatchbacks, they are very far from the safety demonstrated by crossovers. Even in the event of an accident, SUV drivers receive much less personal injury and damage on the car.
Capacity
The crossover can accommodate more passengers than any other passenger car, excluding, of course, the minivan. The car market offers models with 3 rows of seats, wide enough to accommodate not only children or things, but also adults.
With this indicator, the crossover breaks the stereotype that it cannot become a family car.
Trunk
Even if this capacity of the cabin was not enough for a trip on vacation or out of town with a large company, an increased volume of the trunk is at your service.
Large, but outwardly compact, very roomy, passable crossover becomes a universal transport for all categories of drivers and any functional purpose.
Towing
For active people, the ability of a crossover to carry heavy enough loads will be indispensable. He can tow a trailer with a motorcycle, snowmobile and boat, even with a light camper. Of course, in everything you need to know the boundaries and not use the SUV as a cargo truck.
Ground clearance
The most significant advantage of this class of cars, which allows you to operate it both in urban realities and on dirt roads. This quality will be especially noticeable in winter, when any routes become impassable.
Profitability
With all of the above advantages, crossovers are also very economical cars, in some cases even superior in fuel consumption. small sedans... Most models are equipped with small turbocharged engines, which, coupled with a low air resistance coefficient, will significantly save the owner's budget on fuel.
Styling
Not the most basic characteristic, but also important. Modern cars often lack some kind of originality, rough appeal, unique style. The latest generation of crossovers have breathed a novelty into automotive design that has somewhat depleted the imagination of sedans and station wagons.
The advantages of station wagons
The popularity of these bodies has dropped significantly in recent years, but deservedly so?
Functionality
As we've already found, crossovers are impressively roomy, but station wagons are in no way inferior to them in this characteristic. It has superior cabin comfort and a large interior space with less weight compared to the competitor. And a large proportion of models have the additional function of installing spare seats, if you need to transport a group of people over 5 people.
Dynamics
Compared to SUVs, station wagons have a low center of gravity. Why is it needed? The difference will be felt during acceleration, when with the same technical qualities and powertrains, the station wagon will leave the rival far behind.
Car enthusiasts mistakenly write station wagons into cars for housewives and retired summer residents. The car market offers a wide range of powerful sports models comparable to sedans, such as the station wagon Mercedes AMG E-Class.
Profitability
Low seating position, lower ground clearance reduce air resistance, which contributes to fuel economy. Directly affects the consumption and light weight of the car. If you buy a diesel, then the economic benefits compared to a crossover will be fantastic.
Four-wheel drive
As already mentioned, all-wheel drive crossovers are supplied to Russia, incredibly stable and reliable on the roads. But modern station wagons have an all-wheel drive system similar to the SUV. Here are just such models are several times cheaper than crossovers with the same cross-country ability and maneuverability. And Audi Allroad has almost the same ground clearance as a crossover.
By the way, experts say that the handling of all-wheel drive station wagons is much higher than that of rivals.
Uncommon
Every second car owner now drives SUVs, so you won't surprise anyone with such a car. But it is impossible not to notice the station wagon on the road. Thus, the consumer who has made a choice in favor of this type of body will not only receive a functional and reliable car but also striking.
Crossover: disadvantages
With so many advantages, can a crossover have any disadvantages?
Price
The first and main drawback. Of course, the price of crossovers significantly exceeds the cost of any station wagon. This is due to the higher durability of the undercarriage parts, the body structure and, in general, the greater amount of material used for production.
By the way, most SUV owners are sure that the durability guarantees them a low probability of breakdowns. It is important to understand here that the chassis is reinforced primarily to support the weight of the body.
Operating costs
Initially laying out a round sum for new car, the owner will have to pour impressive funds into it further. He will have to overpay for minor and major repairs, seasonal tire change, oil change and other services. Even the evacuation of the crossover is estimated more expensive than the same station wagon due to its weight and size.
Fuel
Although we have already talked about the economy of crossovers, compared to station wagons, they are much more voracious. The same engine on both cars will show completely different consumption - why? Because the crossover is heavier, larger and, by definition, has four-wheel drive, which together adds additional liters to the consumption.
Cons of the station wagon
Status
Stereotypes are too strong in the minds of car owners, and since station wagons have never been very popular, now they are completely replaced by sedans and crossovers. Even with all their advantages, a rare driver thinks about purchasing this particular type of body, which seems inelegant and clumsy.
Passability
Despite the fact that all-terrain wagons are now entering the market, in general terms, even their best representatives are still worse than any average crossover.
Parking
The elongated body will make it difficult to park in urban environments. Where the crossover takes one place, the station wagon will be located on all two. In traffic jams, narrow alleys, in the courtyards crowded with cars of the residential area, the owner of the station wagon will have to work hard to find enough space for his "ship".
It is impossible to unequivocally answer the question of which type of body is better. The purpose for which the car is purchased, the terrain and the conditions in which it is supposed to be used are important here. And, of course, the personal preferences of each particular motorist.
Off-road crossovers and station wagons videos:
In recent years, all over the world there has been a rapid growth in the popularity of cars with a pronounced "off-road" exterior. At the same time, it is characteristic that in most cases their potential buyers do not care much about such characteristics as cross-country ability, which is really key for any "real" jeep. Therefore, the further manufacturers are, the more they are inclined to develop models that in reality are nothing more than imitations. passenger cars increased cross-country ability. It was they who received the name "SUVs".
Almost all such cars have the outward signs of SUVs, but they still look more "glamorous" than real jeeps. If you understand what a SUV is in more detail, then you need to first find out why exactly this name was given to them, as well as how exactly they differ from the "classic" SUVs and crossovers.
Toyota RAV4 is a typical representative of SUVs
There are a lot of jokes about the name "SUV", and all of them quite unequivocally allude to the fact that the cars that are so named are "fake" SUVs. According to one version, a "SUV" is a car whose cross-country ability is sufficient only to move on the parquet, according to the other - a car in which parquet instead of carpets should be covered in the cabin. In fact, both explanations are nothing more than humor, but in reality the situation is completely different.
SUVs were originally created by developers as lightweight versions of SUVs. Since "real" jeeps are perfectly adapted for off-road driving and very mediocre for driving around the city, due to the growing demand for them from the city dwellers, it was necessary to somewhat adapt them to the conditions of megalopolises.
As a result, the engineers decided to simply remove what they can do without in the city, namely: differential locks and downshifting in transfer case... In addition, they began to install less powerful and more economical power units on the cars, at the same time they redid the interiors, making them more stylish and comfortable. The result is a modification that, with light hand automobile journalists began to be called "parquet SUVs", or simply "SUVs". By the way, it has not yet been established who exactly first applied this definition, but it really became very common, as they say, it had to be right, and it was in our country.
How the SUV differs from the crossover, SUV, jeep
Renault Duster- SUV popular in Russia
Now the world's leading automakers are releasing more and more models that fall into these three classes, and the differences between them are increasingly blurred. Nevertheless, a "real" SUV cannot be confused with an SUV, if only for the simple reason that an SUV always has a frame structure. Otherwise, car models in these two different classes can be very similar. And this applies not only to the exterior, but also to the technical "filling". For example, now there are all-wheel drive models of SUVs and even SUVs with differential locks.
The situation is somewhat more complicated with determining the difference between an SUV and a crossover. It should be noted that many, even very experienced and sophisticated technical issues automotive experts tend to equate the two. However, there are still differences between these categories of passenger cars.
The first of these is that all crossovers have undercarriage, specially designed with the expectation that car owners will have to overcome off-road from time to time. Most of them have the ability to connect all-wheel drive. As for SUVs, their transmission design is practically no different from that used on conventional front wheel drive vehicles... Moreover, SUVs are often built on the same platform as ordinary city cars (for example, Renault Duster and Renault Logan).
Another significant difference between SUVs and crossovers is the body structure. Outwardly, this may not manifest itself in any way, however, if you delve into the detailed specifications, it turns out that crossover bodies have much higher torsional rigidity than SUV bodies.
The most popular SUV models in Russia
In the Russian Federation, SUVs are one of the most popular classes of cars. According to experts who study the domestic car market and the preferences of both potential and real buyers of cars, they are attractive because they combine a fairly reasonable price and "off-road" appearance. According to statistics, the following SUVs are the most popular in Russia today:
- Chevrolet Niva;
- LADA 4X4;
- Nissan Quashqai.
It makes sense to tell a little more about each of the models included in this "magnificent five".
As mentioned above, this car is created on the same platform as the popular Renault Logan. It can rightfully be called a "people's SUV", since the volume of its sales is very large. Renault Duster combines characteristics such as "off-road" exterior, quite spacious salon, good capacity. In addition, it is offered, among other things, in a version with all-wheel drive.
This SUV (which, by the way, is often referred to as a crossover for some reason) is almost twice as expensive as the Renault Duster, but despite this, the demand for it is very high. In it, buyers are attracted by almost impeccable quality, modern appearance, very good dynamic performance.
Chevrolet niva
This SUV can be considered a classic for our market, and it has really very good cross-country ability. Low price, fairly modern appearance. A serious drawback of this model is that it can be equipped with only one type power unit with a capacity of 80 h.p. and one type mechanical box gear shifting.
LADA 4X4
This car is a real "classic of the genre". It has been produced practically unchanged since the times of the USSR, it has a completely outdated appearance, but continues to be in great demand. The main reasons for this are very good cross-country ability and low price.
Nissan Quashqai
This SUV is also classified as a crossover. His new model looks quite aggressive and sporty. He moves well on well-groomed dirt road, however, the off-road that, say, LADA 4X4 overcomes without any problems, even despite its weak engine, for Nissan Quashqai most often turns out to be, as they say, "too tough". But it is really very comfortable, roomy, spacious, and it is a real pleasure to move around the city.
Video on the topic
We understand thoroughly what is better to take for a comparable amount: an all-terrain station wagon (like the Skoda Octavia Scout) or a crossover? The answer is not as straightforward as it seems at first glance.
How is SCP done?
The "recipe" by which the very first off-road wagons Subaru Outback and Audi Allroad were created, remains relevant to this day. An ordinary passenger wagon is taken as a basis (in the case of the first Outback - the 5-door Legacy, in the case of the Olroad - the A6 Avant model), an all-wheel drive transmission is installed, the ground clearance is increased, the suspension is strengthened, and a protective skirt is hung at the bottom of the body "made of unpainted plastic.
Today, the off-road station wagon segment has expanded significantly, and the price bar for entry into it is constantly decreasing. Such cars are created not only on the basis of models of the middle class and business class. Skoda, for example, is launching the second generation of the Octavia Scout model, and even AvtoVAZ is about to launch its first UPP: Kalina Cross. There are also cross-country hatchbacks on the market. Typical examples: Renault Sandero Stepway and old Skoda Fabia Scout.
Well, in the segment of large "off-road" station wagons, recognized class leaders reign: Subaru Outback (now the fourth generation of the model is on sale), Audi A6 Allroad, which joined them in 2000 Volvo XC70. Similar models are also produced by Volkswagen with Opel: Passat Alltrack and Insignia Country Tourer, respectively. More recently, the Golf VII has become an all-terrain vehicle.
What is the difference between an SCP and a crossover?
The diagram below gives the clearest answer to this question.
Top and middle - classic crossover Volkswagen Tiguan, below - Volkswagen Passat Alltrack off-road wagon. The ground clearance is impressive for both: 190 mm for the "off-road" Passat, all 200 mm for the Tiguan.
However, there is one "but": take a look at the angles of entry and exit and the size of the wheelbase for both. On the hill that the Tiguan will "take" by the move, Alltrack with a 90% probability will pass: either it will not be able to enter the slope, or will sit on the "belly" at the top. Geometric cross-country ability is what provides crossovers with more confident behavior where smooth roads end!
Other (for some, no less important!) Differences lie in a different plane. On tarmac, especially on winding roads, off-road station wagons tend to handle better than classic crossovers. The reason is in the laws of physics. More precisely, in the impossibility of deceiving them.
The ground clearance of all SUVs is large, the body is high. As a result, the center of gravity also becomes high. Which negatively affects handling. Of course, designers are struggling with this as best they can. And, as a rule, they go the easiest way: they "clamp" the suspension. As a result, the car is perceived as tough on the move, and you have to "bow" to every pothole. The question is, why then crossover at all? ..
Another important point is cargo and passenger capabilities. Here, the advantage of off-road wagons lies in their body. All of them, as we have already found out, are built on the basis of conventional station wagons (read: champions in trunk capacity among all types of passenger cars). Mid-size crossovers are far from them in this indicator. There are, however, large 7-seater crossovers with a folding third row, but they cost one and a half times more ...
What do SCPs and crossovers have in common?
Both crossovers and off-road wagons are equipped with modern four-wheel drive transmissions, which are great help on winter roads and in bad weather in summer. The ground clearance of both those and others is to the envy of the owners of even the "highest" cars.
"Impenetrable" energy-intensive suspension is considered a sign of good taste in both classes. A powerful engine, which also produces a solid torque, is assumed, as they say, by default.
What to buy for comparable money?
Four-wheel drive crossovers and wagons of increased capacity in comparable versions (automatic gearbox plus rich equipment) cost comparable money in the domestic market: it all depends on power and equipment. What to choose?
Your choice is a crossover if:
You use the off-road capabilities of the car to the maximum (put off-road, albeit universal, rubber, block the cross-axle differential or clutch, knowing exactly when it is necessary);
You often go to nature, including in winter, knowing that local roads are cleaned from time to time;
You need roomy trunk, but not as roomy as possible.
You should pay attention to high-capacity station wagons if:
You appreciate polished handling;
You do not need to "storm" serious off-road;
You will make the most of the vehicle's cargo and passenger capabilities.
History of the issue
Subaru was at the origin of this class of cars. The first car, almost officially called an all-terrain wagon, was the Legacy Outback (if anyone does not know, Outback in the Australian dialect of English language means a sparsely populated desert area in the central part of the Green Continent). The model entered the world market in 1995, and the focus was mainly on buyers from the United States as almost the main consumers of all kinds of all-wheel drive vehicles.
The car really became very popular in the USA: many people "tasted" the unprecedented combination of comfort, cargo-passenger capabilities, high ground clearance, "all-forgiving" suspension even on broken primers and an "advanced" all-wheel drive system. But the main thing is that all this was not at the expense of the perfected handling on the asphalt!
Naturally, Japanese competitors could not ignore their market success. The response to the Outback was not long in coming, and it followed, as you might guess, from another company that had previously become adept in the design of all-wheel drive transmissions: in 1999, the Audi Allroad appeared. And in many respects, the "German" even surpassed the founder of the segment!
For example, already in the "base" "Olroad" was equipped not only with permanent all-wheel drive, but also with air suspension, due to which the ground clearance varied from 142 to an impressive 208 mm! Moreover, at high speed the car was automatically "pressed" to the road, but at low speed and in the rut, the clearance could be increased to the maximum value manually. But that's not all: a downshift could be ordered as an option on the Allroad. In combination with the 2.5 TDI diesel engine, which developed a torque of 370 Nm, this gave the car off-road capabilities unthinkable even for other modern SUVs and crossovers!
