High performance sports utility vehicles

The popularity of the sports utility vehicle cannot be denied as it engenders a sense of mastery over all road conditions even while it cruises comfortably along the most straightforward of commutes.

Its practicality is equally undeniable as SUV’s provide the passenger-carrying space and comfort of a large sedan with the smooth off-road ride of a luxury 4x4 and the towing power of a pickup truck. In many ways, the luxury sports utility vehicle can be considered the pinnacle of automotive innovation.

With rising fuel prices and a greater emphasis on the environment, more is expected of the luxury SUV giving rise to a new generation of high performance sports utility vehicles.

Low fuel consumption

Precisely harnessed power is a key feature of a high performance sports utility vehicle and drivers have a number of engine options, including extremely potent turbo diesel engines, which are surprisingly efficient and cost-effective to run.

The fuel efficient turbo diesel engines have low emissions and a high power yield. Innovations in engine technologies have achieved this by designing engines that combine petrol direct injection with turbo charging in large-scale car production.

The advantages of economical, efficient technology and the benefits of turbocharging allow for a high performance SUV to generate more pulling power from less fuel.

The gearbox in a high performance SUV also allows for a significant saving in fuel by performing gearshifts swiftly in the automatic mode and timing them for optimised fuel consumption.

The inclusion of gearshift indicators allows high performance SUVs to always be driven at the most efficient engine speed by indicating to drivers when it is advisable to move up a gear via a driver information system.

Energy Saving

LED running lights and an energy recovery system can also go a long way towards a more economical drive in a luxury sports utility vehicle.

The energy recovery system converts kinetic energy into electrical energy when the car is coasting or being braked and then directs the temporarily stored energy back into the vehicle, to relieve the load on the alternator when the car accelerates, thereby saving fuel.

The LEDs used in daytime running lights are made to last the lifetime of the vehicle and can save as much 50% in power consumption when compared to conventional bulbs.

Superior Comfort

Previously, vehicles that were rugged enough to handle demanding situations or able to negotiate the trickiest terrain were usually stripped down to their most basic components. Comfort was often sacrificed for those looking for the power of a high-performance 4x4.

Luxury sports utility vehicles are designed for sharp, responsive road handling as well as superior comfort under all conditions. They are appointed with the latest electronic equipment and accessories, including superior sound systems and driver support technology.

These urban explorers have proved that, with creative engineering and constant innovation, it is possible to create a luxury sports utility vehicle that meets or exceeds the comfort standards set by sedan cars.

By pushing design boundaries, the old idea of the SUV has been turned into a vehicle that works in the real world. A high performance sports utility vehicle which represents freedom unrestrained by conditions that would hamper more delicate cars and a more economical ride.

About the Author

Audi South Africa continues its tradition of innovation in the automotive industry by pushing the design boundaries of the 4x4. Experience the luxury and power of a high performance SUV and book an Audi test drive today.