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Crossovers:
New Twists on Old Favorites
The
next wave in car design is what is commonly referred
to as a “crossover” vehicle (more formally
referred to by manufacturers as “sports tourers”).
What are they? Basically, crossovers combine the ride,
handling and styling of a sedan with the capacity and
flexibility of a minivan or SUV. The first of these
vehicles are more or less hybrids of sedans and SUVs.
But these are not your father’s station wagons.
Some future crossover designs may be coupe- and sedan-based
rather than the wagon-based designs we are seeing today.
These crossovers may eventually replace the majority
of SUVs as we currently know them. Why? Because of
the flexibility and practicality they offer.
Which Drivers May Find Crossovers Appealing?
- Current
Sedan Drivers who would like more passenger and storage
capacity, but who aren’t interested
in sacrificing the ride and handling of a sedan for
a huge, boxy, and gas-guzzling SUV (especially given
that gas prices have skyrocketed and don’t look
like they are coming down any time soon).
- Minivan
Drivers whose passenger and storage needs have decreased
(your kids will eventually grow up and
move out!) who are ready for a vehicle that looks less
like a family hauler and more like a stylish sedan.
- SUV
Drivers who desire a less-massive vehicle that has
the handling and fuel economy of a sedan, while
not sacrificing too much cargo- and people-carrying
capacity.
Possible
Advantages of the Crossover Vehicle
- Crossovers
combine capacity and flexibility while not sacrificing
style—and do it without giving
the purchaser an often needlessly mammoth vehicle.
- They
provide ideal seating height, allowing riders to “slide
into” the
seat instead of having to sit down into it or climb
up into it.
- Due
to their car-based architecture, their smaller size
and lighter weight generally results
in greater
fuel economy and reduced emissions.
- The
lower center of gravity provides better handling
than both the minivan
and the SUV.
- This
lower center of gravity also reduces the likelihood
of “roll-over” which
has proven to be a problem with some SUVs.
What’s
Available Now
Currently, Infiniti offers the FX35 and the FX45, with
Chrysler’s Pacifica expected to be available
any day. But there are more coming as automakers
seek to capitalize on what they see as the next big
market niche. And there will be many more coming
soon. To learn more about the upcoming crossovers,
see the special “Down the Road” segment
this issue featuring crossovers.
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