Crossovers And The Popularity Curve - An Option For Families

Blue Car
Source: Moyan_Brenn, cc-by-3.0, Flickr

During the late 1990s SUVs (sports utility vehicles) really took off. More and more began to be seen on the roads of Europe and America. With their outwardly rugged exteriors and four-wheel drive systems, these vehicles offered the perfect option for those who lived out in the sticks, those who regularly found themselves navigating tough off-road terrains, or simply needed a little bit of extra interior space to accommodate the kids and the rest of the family.

However, they’re not exactly the most fuel efficient vehicles in the world. And at a time where fuel prices and carbon dioxide emissions are more under the radar than ever, lots have people have switched their attentions towards an alternative – a slightly more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly option. The crossover SUV.

Being the relatively new term that it is causes much confusion amongst motorists. However, it’s used to describe a vehicle built onto the platform of a car that provides the typical body features you’d get on an SUV.

Yes, its development, as a type of car, has made it difficult for motoring journalists and drivers – it’s no longer possible to simply assign cars to the old coupe, convertible, city car categories of old. But it’s also brought about a great number of welcome benefits for those fortunate enough to be the owner of one.

The popularity of crossovers can be discerned in the fact that almost all car manufacturers produce at least one crossover vehicle in their range. Swedish manufacturer Volvo, for example, offers its XC60 SUV Crossover, Vauxhall, the Antara, and Peugeot, with the 2008 Crossover, there’s a pretty considerable selection of choice for those in the market for a crossover in 2014.

Why Are Crossovers Such A Viable Option?

Owning a CUV is advantageous for a many reasons. The main of which is that they are lighter. They’re built onto a chassis used in cars. This means that they use less fuel – and fuel efficiency sells in the modern era. You get the best of both worlds with a CUV – extra space but without the additional cost when it comes to refuelling.

Some might argue that the lack of a heavier chassis is detrimental to a CUV. And to an extent that’s true. If you live in a rural environment, and you have to drive in bumpy off-road conditions, a CUV isn’t going to deliver the same kind of rugged experience an SUV would. But they’re more adept in urban driving conditions.

An Option For Families

CUVs, with the extra space, they can provide are great for families and thrill seekers. Most crossovers feature five or seven seats – plenty of space to accommodate a reasonably-sized family unit featuring three or four kids. However, they’re also versatile. Many of the back seats can be folded down to create extra space. This factor also makes them a good option for thrill seekers – those who enjoy nothing more than taking their mountain bike to the forest on the weekends, or a canoe down the lake.

Louisa Jenkins is a blogger with a huge passion for motoring. She regularly blogs about the ways in which both cars and manufacturers have developed over the years - from Peugeot crossover cars to coupe cars.