Is it a 4WD or an SUV?

Submitted: Thursday, Feb 26, 2004 at 22:51

ThreadID: 10825 Views:1760 Replies:4 FollowUps:7

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Member - StevenL

I notice that in the magazines they say that VFACTS - the federal govt body that records car sales, are renaming the category covering 4WD's as SUV's to fall into line with the Yanks where they are called Sports Utility Vehicles.

This is supposedly due to the influx of AWD vehicles like Adventra and Outback That don't really qualify as off roaders and VFACTS wants to avoid confusion. (I am confused already!)

I am interested in what forumites think about this change in terminology. The magazines seem to have already fallen into line. Personally I don't like it. Utility means something different in Oz (read as Ute) and I would hardly consider my Prado as a Sports Vehicle!

StevenLPlaydoe GXL TD Manual
It's on order, Delivery in April '04.
This pic will have to do till then. Can't wait!!!

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Reply By: Member - Des Lexik(SA) - Thursday, Feb 26, 2004 at 23:11

Thursday, Feb 26, 2004 at 23:11

But if they call them Sports Vehicles they will be able to justify higher insurance premiums which is what we need.....................NOT
Nah I take it back, I'm just being cynical againI'd rather have my bum on a beach in Broome
Than be stuck here in this damn room.

AnswerID: 48295

Reply By: Nomad - Thursday, Feb 26, 2004 at 23:37

Thursday, Feb 26, 2004 at 23:37

Always got to please the Yanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As far as I'm concerned a SUV is an AWD or 4WD without low range. Know I'll get arguements but that's how I see it.

If it's got 4WD capability and low range then to me it's a 4WD.

Cheers

Nomad

AnswerID: 48304

Follow Up By: Member - Bruce (San Diego) - Friday, Feb 27, 2004 at 12:56

Friday, Feb 27, 2004 at 12:56

Not a yank but live here.........for a while

My opinion is that there are very few (count less than a handfull) of "real" 4WD's available, and getting less and less.

I think that if its built on a chassis and has low range its a 4WD

Landcruiser
Patrol
Ford f250 4WD
Old Pajero
maybe Disco and defender

Not "real" 4WD just taxis include
New Pajero
Prado
Mercedes
BMW X5
Challenger
and all the little wanta bes

Bruce

FollowupID: 310212

Follow Up By: Member Colin - NSW Bungendore - Saturday, Feb 28, 2004 at 01:19

Saturday, Feb 28, 2004 at 01:19

So my Forester is a 4WD not a SUV - it has low range!

and AWD toyotas etc are not 4WD's - but they have low range??

Who cares what they call different models - pick the one you like and enjoy it.Subaru Forester
"size isn't everything"

FollowupID: 310323

Reply By: Barry F - Friday, Feb 27, 2004 at 08:21

Friday, Feb 27, 2004 at 08:21

Aparently if it has IFS IT A SUV !!!!!

AnswerID: 48324

Follow Up By: Barry F - Friday, Feb 27, 2004 at 08:27

Friday, Feb 27, 2004 at 08:27

Sorry about the spelling. Should have spelled it apparently and it's, hate spelling words wrong.

FollowupID: 310187

Follow Up By: Member - Bob - Friday, Feb 27, 2004 at 09:07

Friday, Feb 27, 2004 at 09:07

WrongLYBob

FollowupID: 310194

Follow Up By: Barry F - Friday, Feb 27, 2004 at 10:11

Friday, Feb 27, 2004 at 10:11

Much more wronglyer

FollowupID: 310197

Follow Up By: macca - Friday, Feb 27, 2004 at 11:30

Friday, Feb 27, 2004 at 11:30

now your making it worser

FollowupID: 310206

Reply By: Bazza - Friday, Feb 27, 2004 at 14:42

Friday, Feb 27, 2004 at 14:42

G'Day StevenL,
I also don't like the change to yank terminology, but it's happening. Soon we will lose our Australian identity compleatly. As to your Prado and mine, I also agree, bloody big sports vehicle. My current view is that a true 4WD is a vehicle on a chassis with low range. I think most people would agree with me... but ... in twenty years from now, 4Wds probably will be of mono construction, built to intentionaly flex, on 21inch wheels and running on pig fart gas. Who knows ?
My point is ... technology changes ... and it's already started.
Enjoy your Prado.
Regards,
Bazza.

AnswerID: 48395