“This segment has always been strong in the Gulf as four-wheel-drive vehicles are particularly suited to the region’s desert terrain and hot temperatures,” a Subaru executive says.
Almost all major carmakers have launched or are about to launch their 2011 models of 4WD vehicles in the region. Nissan, Mitsubishi and Cadillac have all followed BMW in launching new or upgraded models this year. Several other conventional passenger carmakers, such as Porsche and Volvo, are also preparing to enter the lucrative 4WD segment.
“The first four-wheel drive came to this market more than six decades ago,” says Michel Ayat, the general manager of Nissan’s main dealer in the Gulf, “and soon became the most popular mode of transport because it was conceived for the region, which did not have paved roads and where people have big families. For several years, the four-wheel drive has dominated the scene.”
Although increasing prosperity in the Gulf has seen sales of passenger cars increase, the 4WD dominates the market. Four-wheel-drive vehicles account for over a quarter of all car sales in the region, nearly three times as much as in Europe or the United States. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are the two largest markets, accounting for over 70 percent of the market between them. Japanese manufacturers including Subaru and Mitsubishi dominate the Gulf 4WD market. Toyota holds a major share, followed by Nissan and Mitsubishi. The rest of the market is evenly split between American car makers led by General Motors and European manufacturers. The volume of US-made 4WDs imported into the region is growing. Another development in the segment has been the introduction of compact 4WD models with engine capacities of less than three liters. The Japanese pioneered this market a decade ago with the introduction of the Toyota RAV4 and Prado, the Nissan Pathfinder and the Mitsubishi Pajero. Despite the growing demand for Gulf 4WD vehicles in the region, not many new players have entered the market. As a result, competition is fierce and many dealers have been forced to offer huge discounts, interest-free financing and free insurance to attract buyers, says a Japanese automobile executive.
2011 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5i
There are many models to choose from when purchasing a new vehicle. A Subaru Outback 2.5i is an excellent choice if its features suit your lifestyle and the terrain you drive on. All Subaru vehicles come equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD). AWD is great for improving maneuverability and increasing road traction during standard driving conditions such as rain, snow or construction gravel. Many car manufacturers charge extra for AWD with Subaru it comes standard.
However, when you compare AWD to four-wheel driving (4x4) for off-road situations the 4x4 will generally offer better traction. If you’re looking to do a lot of off-roading you may be better off buying a vehicle with four-wheel drive.
With its Boxer engine, the car accelerates more quickly. The engine may last longer than standard engines. Its safety features are outstanding. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety or IIHS has rated the Subaru Outback as a top safety pick in the mid-size car section. The IIHS rates car safety features as: “Good,” “Acceptable,” “Marginal” and “Poor.” The 2011 Subaru Outback rates as “Good” in all tests performed and listed by IIHS. These tests include: “Frontal Offset,” “Side Impact,” “Roof Strength” and “Rear crash protection/head restraint.”
JEEP PATRIOT
According to Chrysler Group LLC, the new 2011 Jeep Patriot is an affordable sport utility vehicle that offers segment-leading capability and unsurpassed 4x4 fuel economy, along with classic, rugged Jeep styling.
Jeep Patriot’s classic exterior styling and capability are enhanced for 2011 with new front and rear fascias, a body-color grille, and an increased 4x4 ride height. Ride and handling is refined courtesy of returned steering and suspension systems. Interior enhancements round out the new for 2011 features and include significantly upgraded touch points.
“Patriot boasts class-leading 4x4 capability and unsurpassed fuel economy and a host of safety features in a fun and affordable package — a combination that only Jeep can offer,” says Mike Manley, president and CEO, Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “For 2011, Jeep Patriot is even more appealing to consumers, thanks to rugged new exterior styling, interior enhancements and refinements to the suspension and steering systems.”
The 2011 Jeep Patriot offers more capability than any other vehicle in the compact SUV class. Capability features include low-range mode which generates a best in class 19.1 crawl ratio, brake traction control, 19-inch water fording capability, Hill Descent Control, 4x4 lock shift on the fly which sends 50 percent of torque to front and rear wheels and a maximum tow rating of 2,000 lbs. The Jeep patriot also boasts a retuned suspension for 2011, with higher spring and damping rates, added rebound springs, and a increased diameter of the rear swaybar. Despite these numerous capability features, the 2011 Jeep Patriot boasts unsurpassed 4x4 fuel economy in its segment. What is more, the jeep is loaded with more than 30 standard safety and security features, thoughtful functionality and best-in-class off-road capability with Freedom Drive II, offering tremendous value for consumers who desire an SUV to accommodate their active lifestyle at an affordable price.
Offered with front-wheel-drive, Jeep Patriot is available in three configurations — Sort, Latitude and Latitude X. Built at the Belvidere Assembly Plant in Belvidere, Ill., the new 2011 Jeep Patriot models have started arriving in Jeep showrooms.
