subject: The 4wd Advantage - Enjoy Your Ride [print this page] The 4x4 or 4WD has been a great automobile innovation that has not possibly been given its real due till now. Various factors such as the driving habits of the typical consumer, the need to have a 4WD for normal driving as well as increased fuel expenses have all contributed to this.
Changing scenario
Competition in the form of various compact hatchback as well as other sedan models in the traditional 2WD space had also led to slackening demand for the 4WD. However, changing lifestyle habits and the need for experiencing change has prompted many consumers to try out 4x4 vehicles. They have been gently persuaded through aggressive marketing campaigns and the introduction of new models in this space has also helped matters.
Indeed, there can be no doubt about the tremendous enjoyment you can derive out of a 4WD vehicle, especially on terrain that you are not familiar with and you do not want to take your foot off the gas pedal in a hurry. The stability and road grip on straight roads as well as on turns that you get as a driver of these vehicles is something phenomenal and it is therefore no surprise that you are now beginning to see more of these 4x4 vehicles on the roads.
The introduction of SUVs and the fact that they are now available in compact, medium and large dimensions is another reason for 4x4WD vehicles being preferred by many consumers. They know that they would not have to spend a whole lot of money on fuel while still being able to enjoy all the benefits of the compact SUV, the 4x4 advantage being the icing on the cake.
Better flexibility
The other reason is that you need not always engage all the four wheels at all times. This flexibility of being able to use the vehicle as a standard 2WD in good road conditions, where you can also save on fuel consumption has been well exploited and sold as a benefit to consumers by 4x4 vehicle dealers pretty convincingly.
Then you have the number of other settings you can use on a 4x4 SUV for instance that have further encouraged consumers. The 2WD, 4 High as well as 4 Low train settings can now be used as per convenience and depending on the road conditions. The 4H is used on slippery roads while the 4L can be effectively used when parking or at very low driving speeds.
All these technological innovations and fuel efficient 4WD models have ensured that consumers are looking at this option more favourably than before. They are here to stay and if you can afford them, you must go for it to enjoy a great driving experience.
