autoNews online news^ |^ http://www.bizmag.co.za
Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and
Crossovers are really the flavour of our
time, and have been virtually the only
segments to show sales growth the last
three years. The difference between
crossovers and SUVs is their ability to
tackle real off-road conditions. SUVs
are more 'jeep' like; crossovers more
like cars but riding higher than a normal
sedan. Most of the cars we call SUVs
are actually crossovers; and so it is with
the two stunning cars we are looking
at this month, both of which have new
models this year.The Nissan X-trail and Ford Kuga are
both top-class C-segment size cars
which are styled between a station
wagon and a real off-road vehicle. Both
have decent, but not massive, boot
space; good leg room at the back and
are wide enough to be comfortable for
four adults. It goes without saying that
the performance and safety are both
excellent for these two cars.These two medium-sized crossovers can
easily replace something like an Audi
A4, BMW 3 Series, VW Golf or Mazda- Both manufacturers offer a small
and a medium crossover. In the case
of Nissan it's the Qashqai and X-trail,
and Ford offers the EcoSport and Kuga
respectively.
Two excellent medium crossovers:
What's your flavour?
NISSAN X-TRAIL
Nissan call it a crossover. No claims to
real SUV ability. I like that, even though
it has arguably more off-tar capability
than many "SUVs". Nissan are the market
leader, X-trail is the number 1 selling
"SUV" in the world, and pioneer in this
segment and it shows.This new medium Nissan crossover has
a class-leading cabin and dash. Design,
layout, equipment, materials, fit and
finish are all top class in the range,
topping Tekna configuration, which I
tested. If you are looking for a premium
crossover that offers comfort, versatility
and smart technology, look no further. It
is really that good.I particularly liked the data display in
front of the driver which has seven
different pages which you scroll through
with a button on the multifunction
leather steering wheel. The bigger
display is only used for the maps, setting
your radio and phone up, manoeuvring
and cameras.The new X-trail is fitted with active trace
control, active ride control; all the latest
braking tech and a lovely suspension
setup. You can even go a little off the
beaten path. The car has 209mm groundclearance and 50/50 4x4 lock to get you
over fairly gnarly routes, but it is not
a hardcore off-roader, although it will
tackle small dunes with aplomb.The range starts at 2.0 Visia R369 900,
but we drove the 1.6 dci Tekna 4WD at
R457 900.FORD KUGA
This 'new' Kuga is pleasant to drive
and appears to have exemplary road
manners. Three specification levels are
available, starting off with the value-
oriented Ambiente, the mid-level Trend
and the range-topping Titanium. There
is a choice of two petrol engines; the
1.5-litre and 2.0-litre EcoBoost petrol
units, as well as the 2.0-litre TDCi
turbodiesel engine. Depending on
model, there is the option of front-wheel
drive or all-wheel drive models, and
manual or automatic transmissions.The interior has been improved and is
very pleasant. It has a simple but smart
ambience and feels well put together.
The seats and driving position are very
comfortable and highly adjustable.
Visibility is excellent and together with
the blind spot warning in the mirrors
means you have 360° awareness.The trip computer display between
the speedometer and rev meter gives
you a very complete picture of the
car's performance. One of the best
on the market. The Kuga has a good
compromise between rear leg room and
boot space. The interior is really well
packaged and has enough space for
four adults.Quite interesting for owners with
more than one driver is Ford MyKey®
technology which allows you to
programme a key to a restricted driving
mode setting that promotes good habits,
such as seat belt use, limiting vehicle
top speeds, early fuel reminder, a speed
reminder chime at various pre-setNissan X-trailWallace du Plessis