Unequal
measureNot since Chrysler’s
infamously vast 1971
VH Valiant range has a
manufacturer offered
so many wheelbase
lengths under
essentially the same
design. The third-
gen Mini range kicks
off with a 2495mm
wheelbase (for the
3dr and Convertible),
stretches to 2567mm
for the slightly ill-
proportioned 5dr, and
tops out at 2670mm for
the Clubman wagon.
Before metrification,
the ’71 Chryslers rode
on 105-inch (Charger
coupe), 111-inch
(Valiant/Regal sedan,
wagon and utility) and
115-inch wheelbases
(Valiant/Regal two-
door hardtop, Chrysler
by Chrysler sedan
and hardtop).These four brands have made
sizeable impacts on our psyche
U
112 WheelsMag.com.au
You sit high on top of the Vitara’s (monocoque)
underpinnings, delivering close to a proper SUV
driving position, but there’s a really nice chassis lurking
beneath. The all-wheel-drive Vitara S Turbo rolls onto
its back end when you get stuck into it, and even allows
its tail to slide a little when you lift off, with loads of
traction on demand to pull you out of corners. But it’s
the electric steering calibration that continues to be
the Vitara’s weakest link.
Despite a retune for all MY16 Vitaras that has
removed the stickiness that blighted last year’s
examples, the Suzuki’s steering is still too vacant at
straight ahead and lacks cohesion with its chassis.
That said, the more lock you apply on winding roads,
the greater its poise, though more work is needed to
tie it all together, including taming its overly sensitive
braking response and susceptibility to crosswinds.
Same goes for Vitara’s ride. Shod with reasonably
modest Continental Eco Contact 215/55R17s, it feels
unsettled at all speeds, even carrying a full load of
mates, though it sounds worse than it feels, with quite
a bit of tyre roar and some suspension noise and float
over big bumps. But it houses four adults with relative
ease (or five at a pinch), with rear folk seated theatre-
style on a nicely elevated cushion, undermined slightly
by an excessively reclined backrest.
If it’s true five-person comfort you’re chasing, then
Cactus is it. While its suspension damping isn’t perfect,
with too much going on at urban speeds, it lopes along
with an agreeable pliancy on country roads, feeling
soft but likeable, and its bench-style seating design is
genius. Providing not only a great view, like interiors
with low-back seats from 50 years ago, the Citroen
offers both enough lateral support up front and a
three-person rear bench that’s unbelievably comfortable,
with excellent toe and legroom.
Unexpectedly, the Mini shines almost as brightly as
the Cactus, and in some areas even more so. Its lengthyCITROEN
CACTUS
|
FIAT
500X
|
MINI
CLUBMAN
|
SUZUKI
VITARA