Emission limits coupled with the rise of SUVs have made SUVs scarce, but they still exist
With the rise of SUVs, which use the off-road silhouette without its go-anywhere capabilities — often just two-wheel drive and body construction — it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find a model with the mechanical qualities desirable to drive from. get off the asphalt. Only nine of them meet the requirements, and one of the selected ones can only be registered as a commercial vehicle to meet emissions regulations.
The ideal off-road vehicle needs a lot of torque in the low gears. Unless it’s for a desert road, driving ‘off road’ should be done in a slow and controlled manner. For the same reason, in racing, independent suspension for each wheel is preferred – it keeps the car more stable over obstacles – while off-roaders prefer solid axles, as these are more robust and have more wheel travel, an important factor in maximizing traction, especially on uneven roads.
This last point is one of the mainstays of rough terrain riding. A normal passenger car uses its differentials to send torque to the wheel with the least traction, the opposite of what an all-terrain vehicle needs, whose wheels with the least traction can be high in the air.
For this reason, four-wheel drive (AWD or 4×4) is essential, as is a limited-slip differential and sturdy, large tires (up to 35 inches), with low pressure and profile for good grip on any terrain: mud, sand or snow.
The Forestry Act (43/2003) establishes the explicit prohibition of driving on unpaved roads for private motor vehicles – only forestry and fire services are allowed. However, the autonomous communities have the power to be more or less indulgent. In Castilla y León, for example, it is possible to drive on tracks and trails with less than five vehicles and a speed of 40 km/h if there is no fire risk. At the other end of the spectrum is Madrid, which forbids unlicensed circulation.
Robustness is one of the most desirable qualities in vehicles that will be punished. For this reason, the ‘body-on-frame’ construction, where the passenger compartment is attached to the chassis, is preferred – as opposed to cars where the passenger compartment is the chassis – because these are more resistant to physical shock.
In addition, the entry and exit angles largely determine the obstacles that can be taken and, added to short battles, allow you to easily overcome steep peaks.
The car with the most pedigree of those in attendance, its origins date back to World War II and it has not lost its off-road capabilities. The new generation, under Stellantis, introduces hybrid engines.
If a vehicle’s “off-road” legitimacy is measured by its use by militaries, the Defender is one of the few on this list that would come in. The new version is more polished, but still just as capable.
With the Defender’s facelift, chemical tycoon Ineos saw an opportunity to keep that boxy, rugged vehicle on the market. The inspiration is clear, the possibilities excellent.
Affectionately known as the ‘mini Defender’, the Jimny is only available in Spain as a commercial model, which limits its speed to 90 km/h and requires more passes through ITV centres.
Redesigned in 2018 after the model introduced in 1979 became the gold standard for off-road driving. The new one maintains these qualities with a more refined interior.
One of the “off-road” gods of Olympus, the Japanese model started out imitating Jeep and Land Rover until it surpassed them. Hard enough to say, including the best of the brand for getting off the tarmac.
Immediately recognizable in Spain as the Guardia Civil’s car, the Navara has a soft, powerful suspension and rigid axles, making it a great all-rounder.
The high-performance version of the Ranger pickup, the Raptor, has been modified by the oval team to handle any terrain, with rigid axles, a limited-slip differential and 288 horsepower.
Source: La Verdad
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
