| er cars are becoming an increasingly popular | | | | manufacturers began to produce prioritised |
| alternative to gas guzzling SUVs which are | | | | models. Some handled like a dream such as the |
| receiving more and more contention from | | | | BMW X6 or the Infiniti FX, whereas others would |
| concerned citizens. Most crossover models | | | | be made to more closely resemble a Sport Utility |
| borrow aesthetic features of traditional Sport | | | | Vehicle. The latter have the major benefit of |
| Utility Vehicles such as high ground clearance, high | | | | maximum interior space but on top of a car |
| seating and all wheel drive capability, like the new | | | | chassis so maintains the manoeuvrability of a |
| Mitsubishi ASX. Combined with these are the | | | | smaller vehicle. |
| design qualities inspired by standard automobiles, | | | | Eco warriors are heralding the crossover as a |
| these typically include independent rear suspension, | | | | viable alternative to SUVs because they get much |
| car like handling and fuel economy, such as the | | | | better petrol mileage to the gallon while still |
| Audi Q5. Although some crossovers can handle | | | | retaining the style of bigger 4x4 machines. Hybrid |
| minor off-road excursions most are not designed | | | | models are already available such as the Ford |
| for this purpose, best keep it for the school run. | | | | Escape Hybrid and soon we may see the launch |
| Unsurprisingly the term crossover originated in | | | | of the first crossover hydrogen vehicle as the |
| America and primarily it was more of a buzz | | | | environment and natural resources are pushing |
| word used to sell automobiles but of course had | | | | scientists and manufacturers to develop fuel |
| roots in the actual production of the machines, | | | | efficient motors that don’t rely on oil as |
| and as consumers learnt the distinction between | | | | the power source. |
| SUVs and crossovers they embraced the idea. | | | | So if you want comfort and interior space but |
| Many liked the amalgamation of two different | | | | are aware that the carbon footprint that comes |
| driving disciplines and customers were attracted | | | | with big Sports Utility Vehicles is not |
| to the prospect of a vehicle that looked like an | | | | environmentally friendly and you’re |
| SUV but drove like a car. | | | | concerned about the hole in the o-zone layer, |
| As their popularity grew through 2008 the | | | | then a new crossover could be the answer. |
| crossovers themselves began to diversify and | | | | |