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Crossovers to hit it big in 2008

 
3 1,344 views Sep 22, 2007
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Crossovers to hit it big in 2008

Crossovers to hit it big in 2008

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Auto makers have long sought the perfect balance between power, room, efficiency, and style. The crossover is the industry's latest find. With estimated sales of the category to exceed 3 million next year, it seems the industry has found a winner.

More and more people are finding a sedan simply doesn't fit enough people or cargo for their daily needs, especially as anti-traffic measures like carpooling become more common, reports MSNBC. The rising price of fuel and growing concern for the environment make SUVs a dying breed. That's where crossovers step in - more car than a sedan, without the efficiency-sapping size and bulk of the SUV. Ford's Kuga crossover concept (pictured) is a model for the genre, its edgy looks and flowing shape a hit at the recent Frankfurt Motor Show.

Built on the same platforms that underpin sedans, typical crossovers provide car-like efficiency - Mazda's CX-7 manages 17mpg (13.8L/100km) city and 22mpg (10.7L/100km) highway - while holding 5 adults in comfort and providing, in the Mazda's case, 29.9cu ft (847.9L) cargo capcity -- 58.6cu. ft. (1661.9L) with the second-row seats folded down.

It wasn't easy for the industry to find this sweet spot, and car makers are looking forward to a long life for the nascent crossover category. 2008 is set to be the sector's coming-out party, with analysts expecting 70 to 80 models to hit the streets over the next two years.



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Comments (3)

  1. By Tony Posted: 9/23/2007 3:18am PDT

    Sorry, the fuel consumption figures are not quite right -- using the U.S. gallon equivalent of 3.8 litres, 17 MPG is about 7.2 km/L (or 13.9 L/100 km), while 22 MPG highway should read 9.2 km/L (or 10.86 L/100 km).
     
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  2. By ImportJap Posted: 9/23/2007 10:57am PDT

    That looks very good for a Ford design. Can definitely seem some Mazda DNA there.

    The mirrors don't seem to fit the design however.
     
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  3. By NaBUru38 Posted: 10/10/2007 3:09pm PDT

    A 250hp mid-size crossover (the CX-7) is a terrible example of a fuel-efficient model (although I like it). And off-roaders don't have to be big: the Jeep Wrangler and the short-wheelbase Mitsubishi Pajero and Land Rover Defender are relatively small but still off road-capable and very thirsty.
     
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