Luxury Compact SUV's the Next Big Thing

If you've noticed, in the past 11 months, gas prices have skyrocketed to their current $3 a gallon or more. And we have seen the effects. Sales of large SUV's have plummeted and the sales of small compacts has shot up, encouraging the introduction of many new subcompacts such as the Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, and Nissan Versa. But people are not quite ready to give up the feeling of superiority and safety they get while driving their big SUV's.

So, carmakers are listening to their buyers and fueling a new class of vehicle, the compact luxury SUV. While the segment may seem new, BMW led the way with their miniature X5, the X3 in 2004. The X3 became the sports car of the SUV category, Offering two engines from the 3-series sedan as well as X-Drive all-wheel-drive. But, after many drove it, they felt it was a bit too harsh for everyday use over highways and rough city streets. While they praised its performance, they couldn't help but want for something more.

Now, Acura is coming to the rescue August 10 when it releases its all-new RDX. The RDX is based off the CRV platform (which itself is a modified Civic platform). Acura has been sure to give it enough muscle to play with the X3 in the form of Acura's first turbocharged engine, a 2.3L turbo I4 with 240hp and an astounding 260lb-ft. of torque, and a sport-tuned suspension that is fun in the canyons but supple in the city. In classic Acura fashion, everything you need is included standard such as leather seating and power everything. But, they will also offer a Technology Package with Acura's wonderful DVD-based nav system (touch screen), powerful 11-speaker DVD-Audio surround sound system, backup camera, and more for an extra $3500.

Soon, they will not be alone. A slew of new models are planned from some of the world’s most luxurious brands, each bringing their own flavor to the market. In early 2007, Land Rover is landing its redesigned Freelander, the LR2, in showrooms promising to coddle it's occupants while going anywhere from the city to the outback. Land Rover has confirmed it will be powered by a modified version of a Volvo I6 in the new S80 with 233hp and 234lb-ft of torque. Also, the LR2 will come standard with Land Rover's acclaimed Terrain Response system which adapts the traction control, stability control, and Hill Descent Control to 4 preset settings (Normal, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud & Ruts, and Sand) accessed via a rotary knob on the console. It will come well equipped with leather and multiple sunroofs and will offer items such as Dolby ProLogic 12-Speaker stereo system and touch-screen nav system as options.

Audi Q5 6

Finally, both Audi and Mercedes-Benz
are planning compact SUV's, though
details are scarce. Audi will be offering its Q5, based on the same platform that will be used for the VW Tiguan (production version of the Concept A). Both 4-cyl and 6-cyl engines will be offered and it should prove to be decent off-road like it's big brother the Q7. M-B on the other hand will produce the true soft-roader MLK. It will be aimed at those wanting an SUV but in a smaller size and more comfortable ride. Neither of these will be released until 2007 or 2008.

Mercedes-Benz MLK 5

The SUV craze is not over and people are not willing to step down into the dreaded station wagon. So, it seems these SUV’s are the perfect solution. With their smaller size and smaller engines, they consume less fuel and are easier to maneuver for those of you city dwellers these manufacturers claim there are aiming at.