The slow death of the Sedan in South Africa

[Lupus]

I would say mostly due to road conditions. With bigger wheels you don't have to worry about potholes as much.

They aren't 4x4s they are SUVs they have normal rims and tyres generally, so potholes still an issue

 

[rietrot]

They aren't 4x4s they are SUVs they have normal rims and tyres generally, so potholes still an issue

The roads aren't that bad that you need 4x4 yet

 

[TheChamp]

I would say mostly due to road conditions. With bigger wheels you don't have to worry about potholes as much.

That's if you have a proper SUV to begin with, most roll around with regular low profile tyres.

 

[GMAN03]

I do actually prefer the practicality of hatch as it makes the boot space more useable. I think that the Honda Civic hatch strikes a great balance but unfortunately they've decided we're not worthy of it in SA.

 

[GMAN03]

There are practical SUVs for that, even back in the good old days a station wagon was far more suited as a family car than a sedan.

I'm so sad that the station wagon has pretty much died. Last survivor seems to be the Subaru Outback but even that is a little too "SUV"

 

[TheChamp]

I'm so sad that the station wagon has pretty much died. Last survivor seems to be the Subaru Outback but even that is a little too "SUV"

Same here, the Volvo XC70 was also not bad.

 

[PhireSide]

I'm so sad that the station wagon has pretty much died. Last survivor seems to be the Subaru Outback but even that is a little too "SUV"

I asked Santa for a Subaru Levorg but doesn't look like he got my memo

 

[RonSwanson]

I'm so sad that the station wagon has pretty much died. Last survivor seems to be the Subaru Outback but even that is a little too "SUV"

I have fond memories of my Passat 1.6 station wagon parked in reverse at the Fountains and Top Star drive-ins, back seat down and back door wide open. I may have had the least sexy car at that time, but I must admit that it was very comfortable.

 

[rietrot]

That's if you have a proper SUV to begin with, most roll around with regular low profile tyres.

Yeah, no idea why anyone would even buy the small "SUV" cross nonsense. If you don't have money for a real SUV new shop around for a second hand one.

 

[ronz91]

I think its a couple things, perceived value of getting more car for your money as the entry level "compact"SUV such as Kiger, Magnite, Venue etc start similar to the price of a Polo.

Also with more clearance the ride should be better and handles the potholes better.

 

[Grubscrew]

I clicked on the link after seeing the word sedan, I thought it was some animal or plant that we are losing. I have totally forgotten it is a body style option for cars.

 

[supersunbird]

They aren't 4x4s they are SUVs they have normal rims and tyres generally, so potholes still an issue

Normal rims and tyres? Lets take Fiesta vs EcoSport. 195/55 r16 vs 205/60 r16. Ecosport tyre has a bit more sidewall, so better for potholes. As you where....

 

[Brawler]

I'll much rather scratch to find an elegant sedan than some wannabe SUV full of black-clad plastic.
Even on the cheaper side, the new Corolla Quest vs Urban Cruiser, the Corolla is bigger and better.
IMO SUVs only start to make sense at around the RAV4 size. Anything smaller is a complete joke with a few exceptions (Jimny).
There is even a Picanto and Up cross now which is basically the identical non-cross with some added plastic to make it look tough

 

[Sepeng]

I blame the school run; you're a much cooler parent if you pitch up in a EcoSport rather than a Focus ST, or a T Cross instead of an Arteon.

 

[TheChamp]

Normal rims and tyres? Lets take Fiesta vs EcoSport. 195/55 r16 vs 205/60 r16. Ecosport tyre has a bit more sidewall, so better for potholes. As you where....

That's still a normal rim and tyre, potholes are still an issue.

Opel Corsa 185/65 R15
Crossland 205/60 R16

Corsa has more sidewall, so better for potholes? Looks like much ado about nothing, the only thing these "SUVs" are good for is ground clearance.

 

[rietrot]

That's still a normal rim and tyre, potholes are still an issue.

Opel Corsa 185/65 R15
Crossland 205/60 R16

Corsa has more sidewall, so better for potholes? Looks like much ado about nothing, the only thing these "SUVs" are good for is ground clearance.

That's not a real SUV. And the surface area help absorb the impact.

 

[Big Rat]

That's still a normal rim and tyre, potholes are still an issue.

Opel Corsa 185/65 R15
Crossland 205/60 R16

Corsa has more sidewall, so better for potholes? Looks like much ado about nothing, the only thing these "SUVs" are good for is ground clearance.

65% of 185 is 120.25mm
60% of 205 is 123mm.
so the 205/60/R16 has more Sidewall, Jus sayin

But yes, both would still have issue on a pot hole.

I had my Audi A4. loved the car, big boot, space, but low on the ground, with 205/60/R16 tyres. Knees got tired from climbing in and out a car so low.
Swopped that for a Jeep Grand Cherokee. 245/70/16 tyres, obviously a proper Offroad tyre, so pothole, what pothole?? Comfortable as hell getting in and out is easy.

Then got myself a Hyundai Kona as well. compact SUV apparently, with 215/55/R17 tyres.
What i like about the Kona is that the seating poition is higher than a car. Easier to get in and out form. Decent-ish boot space. I like the chunky look, handles bad roads fine, and do not worry about driving on a gravel road. Plastic covers where needed, so no biggie from roadrash so to speak.
Do not think i will go back to a sedan / hatchback easily.

 

[pinball wizard]

Normal rims and tyres? Lets take Fiesta vs EcoSport. 195/55 r16 vs 205/60 r16. Ecosport tyre has a bit more sidewall, so better for potholes. As you where....

I dunno what this is about, but the ecosport is literally the worst thing I have ever driven. Easily.

 

[qscwbt]

My car journey started with a vw beetle. I could go on holiday with a towel a tooth brush and a pair of undies. I moved to fast hatch backs in 3 and 4 door trim.

After a few different brands and models my last car was a hatch back. Married and kiddies love space and the car got to small.

Bought a sportage. Loved the space high driving position big wheels. Drove over a lintel on the highway and zero damage.

Going away for a weekend and taking 3 bicycles even the Sportage started to get to small. So currently double cab bakkie with a alu canopy.

Space is no issue, driving position is high. I get just over 1000km on 80 liter of diesel. Big wheels help for terrible roads. (take a drive to Clarens from Pretoria for fun potholes easy 20 cm deep that becomes even more fun when it rains they full of water and in the dark.

I understand the suv / double cab love. They work and they are practical. My sportage had proper space for rear passengers, and double cab has even more space.

I remember when I was younger and when sedans ruled the streets, can anyone remember how many cars you would see on the road with a venter trailer? Todays bigger suv’s and double cabs you don’t need trailers no more.

 

[azbob]

Why are you people driving through potholes?