One by one, the SUVs and the pickups that protect you with their smart traction

The category of SUVs or sport utility vehicles is one of the fastest growing in the automotive industry. Actually, it is part of a worldwide trend.

Today, almost all manufacturers have among their ranks an option of this type of vehicles. Argentine automakers are also betting on this segment despite the fact that the market accumulates a 45% drop in sales so far in 2019.

Within the enormous variety of models and versions, there is a marked distinction between those of single traction (4x2) and double traction (4x4), although it is not the only one: the classification among the popular ones (such as pickups), the most modern and those oriented to the off road "light".

A 4x4, for what?

In the collective imagination, any traction assistant, even if it is simple - as is the case with the Grip Control system offered by Peugeot - is usually poorly related to the traction systems of the most advanced models. This can lead to some concept problems:

- On the one hand, deduce that a vehicle is suitable for demanding roads when in reality it is not. Many times, the sales consultants themselves contribute to this confusion

- On the other hand, that the interested party desist from the integral versions for lack of understanding without knowing that, for example, they are not only for "making mud", but that they can collaborate with the best performance and safety in scenarios that do not necessarily have be off road

Based on this, the main traction systems offered today as an alternative to the simple one are detailed below.

Simple, but reinforced traction

A formula that is giving good results to several brands is to offer, within its portfolio of models, versions with traction assistants.

This is understood as "aids" so that, at some point, the only two wheels that push the wheel (the front ones in almost all cases) receive a "little help" and the car can get out of muddy areas, sand, floors overhangs and even snow. That is, nothing that involves too much complexity.

One of the first to offer this alternative was Fiat with its small Strada pickup. More precisely with its Adventure version that includes Locker system. What is it about? The differential is that it allows you to match the speed of rotation of the front wheels, which allows you to "get away" from somewhat locked situations, without becoming a true 4x4.

Another system that became popular is the so-called Peugeot Grip Control, which provides an optimization of the motricity of the front wheels by means of a traction system integrated within the stability control (ESP). That is, it controls skating, according to adhesion conditions and transmits more engine power to the tire with more grip.

When is it activated? It is not necessary to be an expert in crossings to know it, since the Grip Control knob has the icons of the different possible surfaces:

- Standard: for normal driving conditions

- Sand: generates the simultaneous skating of the two driving front wheels to advance on soft ground. Reduces the risk of getting stuck (works up to 120 km / h)

- Mud: acts as a limited slip differential. Ensures starting in very slippery conditions, by transferring the maximum torque possible on the wheel that has maximum grip (works up to 50 km / h)

- Off: Deactivate the ESP (up to 50 km / h)

Philippe Blaise, PSA Grip Control expert, highlights iProUP that the company opted to develop a 4x4 alternative traction system after studying the use made of all-wheel drive and the demands of its customers.

"Models of other brands - adds - sell 80% of their cars with two-wheel drive despite having 4x4 versions. This made us think of designing a system like the Grip Control (exclusive PSA patent) that fits more to what users who seek to enter the SUV segment ask but do not ask for all-wheel drive. " Some of the models that incorporate this feature are the Peugeot 2008, which inaugurated fashion, the 3008 and 5008.

The systems that "think"

Double traction is an optional that many SUVs offer today, but in different ways. Most models have permanent all-wheel drive, also known as all-wheel drive.

Among the most popular guys - like Chevrolet Tracker, Ford EcoSport and Renault Duster - there are versions of these features, although they also exhibit great differences.

- How do you "think" a Tracker?

The Chevrolet Tracker has an All Wheel Drive system, which is the "smart" or "on demand" type. In normal mode, it is front wheel drive. And it sends torque to the rear train only when it detects adhesion losses.

- How do you "think" the Ford EcoSport?

The segment leader, Ford EcoSport, offers versions with 4WD, which is now only combined with automatic gearbox. This system is also automatic coupling.

Under normal conditions, it works only with front-wheel drive. When adhesion losses are detected in the front train, torque is sent to the rear axle. It has no 4 × 4 lock or off-road driving modes.

Their "allowed" are some raids through the sand in the summer or gravel areas. Where double traction makes the difference is on wet pavement: it provides stability and safety to the vehicle.

- How do you "think" the Renault Duster?

It is the model that offers the most complete all-wheel drive system. It is already using the Duster 4WD SUV and now joined as an alternative to the Duster Oroch, the pickup version.

It has an automatic coupling rear axle that is operated from the knob on the center console. In addition, it has three functions:

- 2WD: the vehicle is maintained at all times with traction only on the front wheels

- Auto: a latent integral drive, which sends torque to the rear wheels when it detects loss of grip on the front axle

- 4WD Lock: permanently blocks four-wheel drive (without constant coupling or uncoupling), always distributing 50% of the torque on each axle and up to a maximum speed of between 40 and 60 km / h

Above that speed, the system goes to "Auto" for security reasons. A 50/50 permanent double traction is very good on sliding terrain.

- How do you "think" the Jeep Renegade Trailhawk?

Within the Jeep Renegade family, the one with all the 4x4 scrolls is the Renegade Trailhawk. Like the Fiat Toro, it has a function called 4WD Low. It can be interpreted as having reductive or low, for "low", but it is not.

What the system does is always start in first gear (normally, it does in second gear) and retain that change until 3,500 laps. It was designed to overcome difficult obstacles at very low speed, but it is not "Low".

Like the Toro, it has a 4WD Lock system: it blocks double traction up to a maximum speed of 50 km / h to prevent the system from coupling and decoupling all the time. This allows progress with greater confidence and traction capacity over difficult terrain.

A differential is the Jeep Select Terrain technology. It uses ABS brake sensors and stability, traction and descent controls to change intervention parameters and allow a certain degree of tire skating. There is a different program for four terrains: snow ("Snow"), sand ("Sand"), mud ("Mud") and stones ("Rock").

The purebred 4x4

Especially in this category are the pickups. They are the true SUVs whose traction is switched on or off manually, according to the needs of the ground.

Using a knob, which is different depending on the brand and model, 4x2, 4x2 high and 4x4 low are chosen.

They are the most prepared to cross any surface, especially in the low function, which is not recommended to walk on the road, so it will be necessary to remember to disconnect it in these cases.

All medium pickups have this option and are the ones that generally undergo the most extreme tests, both in mud and sand.

Purchase choice

Once all the proposals have been evaluated, the consumer will make the most convenient purchase decision according to the use of the vehicle and its needs.

The first factor to evaluate is where it will circulate with the SUV or the pickup, since many buyers do not use it only for work but also for recreation, vacations and entertainment, such as circulating in dunes.

Another issue to consider is the price, since 4x4s have a big difference compared to 4x2, which is why most sales are with simple traction.

Thus, the market offers several options and proposals to choose from. An increasingly varied and complete future is anticipated thanks to the multiple models that continue to be incorporated.

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