Chevy Cruze Eco and RS models

theonlydt wrote:

Rover P6 3500S wrote:

Really? What's wrong with them? They're simple, rugged and spacious. If I had to ferry loads of kids about, I can think of few better cars than a big Burb - it's massive, it'll seat eight, it looks good and no-one argues with you on the road (except Caterham drivers, who'll go straight underneath you). Best of all, you'll really infuriate the greenies. Also, it's pretty safe. I'd love it if Land Rover came out with a Suburban-type thing but with their aluminium monocoque construction, their style, their quality, their engines, etc.

What's wrong with them? Everything, for a start. Massively overweight, over-engined (though with actually very little power for the size of engine), incredibly thirsty, no character and while you may think that "no-one argues with you on the road" that merely means you're being a pushy bar steward and everyone else on the road can't stand you. If I had to seat 8 in a car with zero character I'd get an MPV like the Odessey/Sienna (or i800 in the UK). If I wanted genuine off-road ability with seating for 8 or more I'd get a 110 Defender. If I wanted all-wheel drive and seating for 8 you'd get the Sienna - because it's got a much lower centre of gravity and would deal better with the snow and most other situations people buy AWD for - as I said for proper off-roading 90/110 all the way. Greenies aren't wrong all of the time you know - the Suburban and friends are a group of cars that are dinosaurs with no saving graces. Now, I suggest if you really want to pass judgement on these models you take a trip overseas in 7 years time (when you'll be old enough to rent a vehicle) and try some of them out. In the meantime you're passing judgement on vehicles you have not driven and have not driven on the same roads as. I can assure you that entire group of chevy "off-roaders" based on the Silverado box frame are complete pump.

Well, for proper off-roading, a Disco or a Rangey is actually better than a Defender, would you believe. Also, the i800 is a horrible thing which just says you've given up on life, whereas the Suburban (which I have spent time in, though not driven) is distinctive. I'd also dispute your claim that it lacks character. Admittedly, the Surburban in question had been equipped with a Duramax diesel V8, to which had been attached a custom twin-turbo setup, but it did go like stink, it went everywhere (including almost up to the windows in mud, and through heavy snow) and, for a big car, the economy wasn't bad (25mpg cruising) - it also had European-spec exhaust filtration, so the emissions wouldn't have been horrendous. It also had big, soft, comfortable seats and loads of space. The Toyota Sienna is FWD-only and isn't sold in the UK/Europe - same goes for the Honda Odyssey.