Thursday, March 28

SUVs, the last gods to reign off the asphalt


Emissions limits coupled with the rise of SUVs have made SUVs in short supply, but they still exist

With the rise of SUVs, which use the off-road silhouette without its go-anywhere capabilities – often two-wheel drive only and unibody construction – it’s increasingly difficult to find a model with the mechanical qualities desirable for getting off the asphalt. Only nine of them meet the characteristics, and one of the selected ones can only be registered as a commercial vehicle to comply with emissions regulations.

The ideal off-road vehicle needs plenty of torque in the low gears. Unless it’s for a desert track, driving ‘off-road’ should be done in a slow and controlled manner. For this same reason, in racing an independent suspension for each wheel is preferred -it keeps the car more stable over obstacles-, while off-roaders prefer to have solid axles, since they are more robust and have more travel for the wheels, an important factor in maximizing traction, especially on rough roads.

This last point is one of the pillars of driving on rough terrain. A normal passenger car uses its differentials to send torque to the wheel with the least traction, the opposite of what an off-roader needs, whose wheels with the least traction may be high in the air.

For this reason, an all-wheel drive system (AWD or 4×4) is essential, as well as a locking differential and resistant, large tires (up to 35 inches), with little pressure and tread to grip well on any terrain: mud, sand or snow.

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Limitations

The Forestry Law (43/2003) establishes the express prohibition of driving on unpaved roads to any private motor vehicle – only forestry and firefighting services are allowed. However, the autonomous communities have the power to be more or less permissive. In Castilla y León, for example, it is possible to drive on tracks and paths if there is no risk of fire, with less than five vehicles and a speed of 40 km/h. On the other side of the spectrum is Madrid, which prohibits circulation without a permit.

Robustness is one of the most desired qualities in vehicles that are going to be punished. For this reason, the ‘body-on-frame’ construction, in which the passenger compartment is attached to the chassis – unlike cars in which the passenger compartment is the chassis – are preferred, since they better withstand physical impacts.

In addition, the entry and exit angles greatly determine the obstacles that can be faced and, added to short battles, they allow you to easily overcome steep peaks.

Jeep Wrangler

The car with the most pedigree of those present, its origins date back to World War II and it has not lost its off-road capabilities. The new generation, under Stellantis, introduces hybrid engines.

Land Rover Defender

If the ‘off-road’ legitimacy of a vehicle is measured through its use by armies, the Defender is one of the few on this list that would enter. The new version is more polished but still just as capable.

Ineos Grenadier

With the facelift of the Defender, chemical tycoon Ineos saw an opportunity to keep that boxy, robust vehicle on the market. The inspiration is clear, the capabilities excellent.

Suzuki Jimny

Affectionately known as the ‘mini Defender’, the Jimny is only available in Spain as a commercial model, which limits its speed to 90 km/h and requires more passing through ITV centres.

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Refreshed in 2018 after the model introduced in 1979 became the gold standard of off-road driving. The new maintains these qualities with a more sophisticated interior.

Toyota Land Cruiser

One of the ‘off-road’ gods of Olympus, the Japanese model began by imitating Jeep and Land Rover until it surpassed them. Hard to say enough, includes the best of the brand to get off the asphalt.

Nissan Navara

Immediately recognizable in Spain as the Civil Guard car, the Navara features soft, torquey suspension and rigid axles, making it a great all-rounder.

ford ranger raptor

The high-performance version of the Ranger pick-up, the Raptor has been modified by the oval team to face any terrain, with rigid axles, a locking differential and 288 hp.


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