4X4s and SUVs popularity is growing all the time

THERE is a huge choice when it comes to 4X4s, SUVs and their derivatives and the model range is growing all the time.

From diesel power to pure electric, the range of available models has never been better and whether you are in the market for the ubiquitous white van or something further upmarket, there is a model for all tastes, requirements and price range.

In a sign of the times, many manufacturers now offer a choice of power units that includes the all-important electric which is certainly the way forward.

Now electric power may not suit everyone and if you drive long distances, diesel will probably still be a better bet. Just don’t believe all the propaganda that diesel is dead.

In fact the newly-published Carzone Motoring Report shows that diesel remains the most popular fuel engine type among Irish motorists.

Over half (58%) of Irish drivers own a diesel model and 39% own a petrol vehicle, while only 2% of Irish motorists drive a hybrid or electric vehicle.

And while awareness about the benefits of ‘greener’ vehicles continues to grow and is on the wish-list of many, especially younger motorists, over a third of people (36%) were unaware of the government’s goal to reach 100% of all new cars and vans being EV’s by 2030, and only 16% feel that it is achievable.

A huge growth area has been in SUVs (sports utility vehicles), Crossovers (those that bridge the difference between a car and an SUV, and 4X4 estates among them. In simple terms, all 4x4s are SUVs – but not all SUVs are 4x4s.

But before you dip your hand into your wallet, make sure that what you are buying will meet your needs.

Many 4X4s never go off road and many people buying them would never consider taking a proper course to learn how to drive one.

The end result is that when bad weather strikes (and there has been plenty of that recently) or you want to do a bit of off-roading, you are not able to exploit the abilities and potential your 4x4

has, so the best advice is that when you buy one, ask your dealer what one-day courses are available.

You also need to consider, how you are going to use the vehicle.

Some 4X4s never leave the tarmac, in which case a two-wheel drive vehicle would probably be the best option, without going to the added expense of four-wheel drive.

You also need to think about fuel consumption - diesel, petrol, a hybrid or pure electric. If it’s the latter, range and charge points could be a factor.

Two-wheel-drive models, with ‘shift on the fly’, come into their own because they help cut fuel bills. Some 4x4s tend to pitch and wallow through bends so test any vehicle thoroughly on the road before buying it and given the standard of our roads you won’t have to drive

far to encounter a few potholes, which naturally are best avoided.

One clear advantage of driving a 4X4, even a 2WD version, is that you are higher up so you can see further. Try looking ahead on country roads; you can better see over crests and across corners and that makes driving safer.

Traditional’ 4x4s may be not so smooth to drive on the road compared with more modern-feeling SUVs, so they only really make sense if you spend large amounts of your

time off-road, or regularly need to tackle steep, slippery slopes.

However, they are also useful if you regularly or tow heavy loads.

Due to their rugged body-on-frame construction, they’re stronger, which means they often

come with higher maximum towing weights than their SUV counterparts. If you don’t spend much time off-road, however, and don’t regularly tow heavy loads, you’ll probably be happier with a modern, monocoque 4x4 or SUV.

Most of the main stream marques offer a range of 4X4s and SUVs, that will precisely match you

needs. Naturally Land Rover, in all its guises, readily comes to mind when you think 4X4, but

Ford, Opel, Citroen, Mitsubishi and Nissan all have some tasty offerings. including some fantastic and versatile commercial vehicles to suit all your business needs.