SUV-wagon lineup grows with demand

Brian Early

As the crossover segment grows in popularity, the number of models vying for consumer dollars grows along with it.

An ever-evolving automotive genre, crossovers are essentially tall station wagons with design characteristics that suggest – if not always deliver – a degree of off-road, all-weather capability, with a touch of "active lifestyle" added for good measure.

A great many are based on the mechanicals of a conventional car from elsewhere in their manufacturer's product range.

The use of a unibody structure differentiates crossovers from the truck-like, body-on-frame construction that is typical of their SUV brethren (there are always exceptions, of course).

Whatever consumers or manufacturers choose to call them, the versatility of the body style can't be denied.

Only minivans are more flexible for hauling people and things.

A crossover's unibody construction often provides better on-road manners, reduced fuel consumption (being lighter and lower) and greater civility than a true SUV.

Crossovers rolled out at this year's show are a diverse group.

AUDI Q7

Introduced last year as the full-size SUV in Audi's lineup, the Q7 has been tapped to showcase the firm's considerable talent with high horsepower diesel engines.

This year's concept cradles a 500-horse, 6.0-litre V12 TDI diesel.

Already equipped with a new emission control technology, this engine could come to market quite quickly.

It promises is 0-to-100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds and a governed top speed of 250 km/h.

A number of driver assistance systems were shown, which may make it onto a future options lists.

They include side-scanning radar for lane-changing and an advanced parking system that features audible guidance as well as a rear-view camera.

Also present: Audi's latest-generation automatic proximity cruise control system, which can brake the vehicle without any driver input.

As well, Audi is showing a 3.0-litre TDI diesel, which also meets the new low-emissions standards using Mercedes Bluetec technology, which scrubs nitrogen oxide and particulates from emissions.

Unveiled as a concept, this Q7 variant is slated to be released late in 2008.

2007 HYUNDAI VERACRUZ

Hyundai moves up in size and class with its new seven-passenger Veracruz.

Based up the Santa Fe (which can seat five or seven), the Veracruz's larger size makes third- row travel a slightly more appealing prospect for adult passengers (though headroom remains tight).

Hyundai also boasts that the Veracruz has a greater cargo volume than Mercedes' full-size GL-Class SUV.

Honda's Pilot and the Toyota Highlander were benchmarks for the Veracruz's powertrain and safety features, and Hyundai claims to have surpassed their standards.

To that end, power is supplied by the same 3.8-litre Lambda V6 employed in the Azera sedan and Entourage van.

This motor uses vacuum-operated semi-active engine mounts that reduce vibration at low r.p.m. It produces an estimated 260 hp.

An Aisin six-speed automatic transmission feeds power to a standard all-wheel drive system.

All Canadian Veracruzes feature leather seats, yet are expected to start at less than $40,000 when they arrive in showrooms early in March or April.

2008 NISSAN ROGUE

On-road crossover models are becoming more prevalent, reflecting the reality that few owners ever go off-road.

Nissan's 2008 Rogue is just such an animal, favouring on-road prowess over off-road capability.

An example is the Rogue's use of vented disc brakes at all four corners, which is more typically found on performance cars, and is certainly unusual in the compact crossover segment.

A true world car, the Rogue shares portions of its chassis architecture with the Sentra and Renault Mégane, and it uses a 170 hp version of the Altima's 2.5-litre QR four-cylinder engine.

There's a choice of front- or all-wheel drive, but just one transmission: Nissan's Xtronic CVT automatic.

Optional items like heated seats (in both cloth and leather), a Bose audio system and a Bluetooth hands-free phone are going to be available, but even the base S model should be well-equipped.

Nissan Canada is aiming for a $25,000 base price when the Rogue launches this fall.

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