Re:The end of cool small cars
by arethuza on Wednesday August 30, 2023 @11:14AM
(#37323452)
I recently had my car written off (a small SUV) and due to lack of availability of replacements I replaced it with a similar sized hatchback. Now I find myself thinking why on earth I had an SUV - I'm unlikely to purchase another one as the hatchback is cheaper, roomier inside and handles much better.
[ Parent
| on HN ]
Re:The end of cool small cars
by vikingerik on Wednesday August 30, 2023 @11:36AM
(#37323777)
There are small 'subcompact' crossover SUVs that get the best of both of those worlds. I've owned a Nissan Kicks and Honda HR-V. Both are marketed as SUVs but really function as roomy hatchbacks (lightweight, tight handling, front-wheel drive), along with others in the category. Very practical compromise between cost/efficiency and size/utility. Generally the only thing that cars in this class don't do is tow.
So apart from being a bit higher up - what is the benefit of the SUV?
Re:The end of cool small cars
by datavirtue on Wednesday August 30, 2023 @05:33PM
(#37329432)
You can tow a small camper. ??
Re:The end of cool small cars
by southwesterly on Wednesday August 30, 2023 @06:05PM
(#37329765)
You can look down on the plebs? :/
It's not a bit higher up, it's quite a lot and makes a lot of difference in adverse weather (like getting water in your engine or not getting water in there and driving safely through a flash flood, for example). Also the visibility is quite different, especially at night, due to low beams covering much less space in front of a low car [1][2]. The higher stance allows for large tires and smoother ride. Getting in and out of the car, especially with children in seats is much easier.
This is without getting into the actual instances of hatchbacks and SUVs on the market. There is more choice and variety in SUVs.
1. https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/toyota/prius-4-door-hat...
2. https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/toyota/rav4-4-door-suv/...
Sounds like the low beams are mis-aimed if they are generating a much larger light pool and likely dazzling other drivers on the road at night.
I am pretty sure IIHS is setting up lights according to the DOT regulations when they test. As the report says: "The low beams never exceeded glare limits".
It's simple geometry - headlights at the same angle will intersect with the ground farther when they are higher off the ground.
But does that have any noticeable impact on the driving experience - can't say I've ever noticed any difference in headlight lighting between SUVs and "normal" cars?