Food for thought alright
There are many solutions to tackle the SUV problem, which will need bold action from policymakers. These solutions – taxation, education and exclusion – have parallels with the successful campaign against cigarette smoking.
Because nanny staters can't help forcing their morality on others and they've designated the SUV as a new social ill
Typical elitist liberals looking down on the middle Ireland citizen, nothing new
They are much better for people with bad backs ,try strapping in a kid when there is a saloon compared to an SUV
Slovenly Ugly Vehicle.
From what I see people think the struggle is worth it.
I though the idea of a SUV was you could look down on other people. I take it that's not working out.
That is true. But ironically many are tight for space in the rear with narrow openings and restricted rear doors. People would be wise to check on the model before they buy. Especial those with coupe roof lines. Same is true of saloons. There are even MPVs that aren't that big either.
Range Rovers, maybe (which aren't even SUVs)
what's an SUV so? range rover themselves call the evoque an SUV and a quick google shows plenty of range rover dealers refer to them as SUVs.
I've never seen one that isn't ugly. Which I don't have a problem with. I'm not the one signing myself up to a contract to "own" one. If people want to spend silly money on stupid looking brand new cars that don't serve any utilitarian purpose whatsoever, that's entirely a matter for themselves. My hatred for them is based mainly on how they're driven. I don't know if it's because of the size or the driving position, but most people (male or female) who drive them don't seem to be very aware of their surroundings.
If there's slow moving traffic I like being able to see though the car in front so I can see what's going on ahead.
If you are in an SUV on a side road I probably won't let you in. It's selfishness but hey you started it when you got an SUV. That extra visibility you get with a high position has a price. With vans it's different because there's no expectation of being able to see through a goods vehicle.
or if you come to a junction and say you're turning left and the car alongside is turning right. if it's a normal car, you can see through it. often, if it's an SUV, you're on the eyeline of their door handle.
The road tax on that Range Rover is only €170 per year, not €2,400.
Most of those SUV are a spec level below their equivalent priced car models.
Stupid Ugly Vehicle
My biggest issue with them are their lights. They just are at perfect eye level when you're not in an SUV, so they blind you when coming towards you even when dipped.
I've never seen one that isn't ugly.
There is one: an AMG Mercedes G wagon!
*cough, no it is not!
I'd argue that the Mercedes G Class is at least a properly useful off-road vehicle. The average modern SUV does nothing that can't be done with a normal estate car.
Sorry I used the pic of the PHEV version in error.
Most of the ICE RRs are €2400 but some are €1250 which is still a lot of tax.
The PHEV is low because the emissions are low.
Attached the ICE list.
https://www.carzone.ie/new-cars/land-rover/Range-Rover-Sport/sports-utility-vehicle
"...fuel consumption: 15.0 l/100km (combined), 16 mpg (combined US), 6.7 km/l (combined), 19 mpg (combined UK) ;..."
"...Performance: maximum speed 176 mph, 283 km/h acceleration 4.5 seconds (0-100 km/h)
Power: (from primary fuel) 423 kW , 575 HP EEC @ 6,000 rpm; , 700 Nm @ 3,500 rpm.."
Perfect for the school run...
*Cough, yes it is!
The poster linked a Range Rover Sport P400e.
The road tax on that car is €170.
Care to prove me wrong?
Nope. 2 litre hybrid is €170. 2 litre diesel is €570. 3 litre diesel is €750. Pre 2008 is €1,800 on engine size motor tax but most of them have been crew cabbed so they are only €333. And then theres a few from 2008 to 2014 that are €1200.
The only ones on the €2,400 tax band are the 5 litre SVR models. There are probably less than 10 of those in the country
Again, apologies to both of you for the error.
As I said above I used the wrong picture.
No need to apologise. The poster made a tongue in cheek comment towards me.
Anyway, there are here to stay. No going back now.
If you really want someone to blame for the rise of SUVs blame boyracers and girl racers that would not obey speed signs while in cities and towns and that is now why there is speed bumps everywhere and that is also the reason that most people buy SUVs now because a saloon or regular hatchback going over these speedbumps scraps its bumper off the speedbump or road while going over it whereas an SUV or CUV does not. That is the main reason people buy them now. If speedbumps were to disappear overnight I am sure most people would go back to buying low down saloons and hatchbacks again.
I made a tongue in cheek remark because the road tax on that is exactly €0 because road tax does not exist here
a saloon or regular hatchback going over these speedbumps scraps its bumper off the speedbump or road while going over it
i drive a 'regular' car. this is not a problem.
in fact, your whole point - that the rise of SUVs is mainly driven by speed ramps - is just plain weird.
Cop on will you.
Road tax/motor tax. Tomatoe/Tomato.
exactly! one is wrong, one is correct.
Well I see lots of people driving there cars over them and scraping there bumpers of the road or hitting the speed bump with them. I do not think it's weird at all. I think I am at least 50 percent right about that theory.
Maybe the speed bumps where you live are lower.
It's gotten to the point that the SUV is the dominant car in marketing in the US. Ford no longer make any saloons or estates at all in the US (which by extension also means Lincoln). GM seems to have given up on the large saloon as well, but they still make mid-sized. I guess the thinking is that if someone wants a 'large' car, they'll get an SUV or truck.
Even the European manufacturers have tailored accordingly. If you go to the Audi USA website and browse the models, you'll see the Qs are displayed above the As. The reverse is true for the Audi UK website. BMW USA shows all the Xs first, BMW UK shows the saloons/estates first, the Xs later.
You'll know that the SUV (or SAV in BMW terms) has become dominant in Europe when the manufacturers are pushing them more than the standard cars.
