4wd drives always a target for the media!! But do you ever hear the good points

Yes all wheel drive vehicles are generally considered more stable particularly on wet, gravel, dirt surfaces etc. Perhaps the Hyundai had bald tyres, or an inexperienced driver, or hit a patch of oil or quite simply aquaplaned. Aquaplaning can happen to any vehicle. Guess that's why experienced drivers adjust their speed, stopping distances, steering movements and so on when conditions are unfavourable. It's all about S U R V I V A L.

Not disagreeing with you axle, but I've seen a 60 series Cruiser on its side after going around a round about in the wet.

Combination of stiff leaf springs, fat tyres and highcentre of gravity meant this thing aquaplaned at around 25-30kmh! Hit the gutter side on and tipped over. It looked comical the slow speed it was going.

Barnesy

Being 4WD-ing for 10 odd years, I must admit that …. I agree with media regarding to attack on 4WD. Please do not understand me wrongly – I love go out and love wheeling, but thing is way too many 4WD *NEVER* see anything except of schools and shopping centers. I would rate their numbers to above 80%. I never understand why to buy such behemoth as Patrol or Cruiser if never going out and don’t tow anything. Space? Com on! Some clever 7 seaters much more roomy. Safety? Yep, if hit Corola or something. But tree or pole always will win. And 4WD much less stable then sedan. And stopping distance worse. And list is going on. Reality is: there is very few (if any) circumstances when 4WD is safer to drive then proper equipped family sedan. Actually I reckon those people who buying 4WD for shopping just very bad drivers (observe those Toorak Tractors behavior on roads!) and they feel safer in big cars. Now considering that they far outnumber real 4WD what you can expect from media?!?
Cheers
Serg

There was a news item over the weekend- about a motorcyclist killed after colliding with a 4WD !! But the 4WD was stationary & parked !!!!

The last few replies have missed your point Axle - they didn't read the "FULL TIME 4WD" part of your post.

When I am driving what I choose (LC105 Series GXL) in "Gods own backyard" and I have the freedom of expression that we all share, WELL - life just doesn't get much better, does it? Frankly - no other opinions concern me - they are as common as (you know what).

I do agree though that the poor beasts (all 4wds) must be taken bush or they will suffer withdrawal symptoms - that's my excuse for going bush anyway.

Take care on the roads and stay safe everyone.

You don't get journalists asking Subaru Liberty or Audi Quattro owners "so when did you last take it offroad ?"

That's because the average person (and occasional 4WD owners) are so ignorant of modern developments that they don't even realise that fulltime 4WD / All wheel drive vehicles actually have better handling on-road in poor road conditions than a 2WD.

If my wife were to get into a skid, I'd much rather she does it in a FULL-TIME 4WD than a front or rear wheel drive, because she won't need to remember in an emergency "now he said to do this to get out of a skid". Their handling is much more predictable and the best response is like normal driving.

We bought a new vehicle recently during a wet spell in Sydney - my wife said to the Pajero salesman "I'd rather have 4WD on wet roads" (and I didn't have to prompt her !)