Switchable 2WD / 4WD 4x4s

B

bluestreak56

Veteran
 Maidenhead
So recently my dad has been talking about changing his 2008 Audi A4 2.0 TDi SE (saloon) under 20k with virtually all options for a smallish 4x4.

He's mentioned the X3 to me but reading the thread on here there isnt much faith in these.

I've suggested the VW Tiguan and Mitsubishi ASX to him but he says he wants a switchable 4x4.

Does anyone know where I can find a list of all the switchables? I've looked but nothing obvious..
 
Ah, now here's something I know a little about

There are essentially 3 methods of achieving 4wd

The first and oldest is a solid connection between front and rear axles, lots of gears and diffs, perhaps vacuum operated locking front hubs (or manual), a lever by the gearbox to physically shift the gearbox for 2 to 4wd and very little electronics. (land rover defenders and Suzuki Jimny)

The second is an automatic self switching system using either an electronic or mechanical coupling that self decides when to use 2 wd and when to use 4wd ( x1, x3 freelander and toyota raves)

The first and most recent system uses permanent 4wd and the abs system to make best use of available traction (x3', x5' current discovery and range rovers)

Personally in poor conditions I don't think you can beat s level the engages gears that connect bits of metal directly from the engine to the wheels (all of them). But it's a bit basic and does lack refinement

(we have a Jimny for bad weather and it's great!)
 
My wife has a ford kuga I know I know it's a ford. But it's amazing comfy cheap to run for this type of car and they are bringing out a new one in March. + they have heated windscreens so no scraping and it works :thumbsup:

I would say its put together better than my zed. And the new ones have a sensor under the bumper. So when you get to you keyless entry car with bags of shopping. Just swipe you foot under the bumper boot opens. How cool is that for a Ford!!!
 
looked at a kuga to replace my daily. they come in 2wd and 4wd. the 4wd version is viscous coupled like the freelander so only part time 4x4, the 2wd version is just like any other front drive car

nice though and as you say ford have come a long way
 
We have the part time 4x4 seems pointless having a 4x4 looking car that can't go off road!!

It really is a good car. I was and am ver impressed.
 
Great thanks for the feedback guys, I'm not sure he will go for a ford as in his elder years has become a bit of a brand snob (to an extent) sticking to Mercedes mainly, it took a lot to get him to go Audi.. He is happy with German though and has an affinity for Korean thanks to my mums Hyundai Getz.
Here is his car history as far back as we can remember:

2008 - Now : 08 Audi A4 (B8) 2.0 TDi SE
2001 - 2008 : 99 Merc W202 C240 Sport in Silver
1997 - 2001 : 96 Merc W202 C220 Sport in Silver
1994 - 1997 : 94 Land Rover Discovery Series I (Facelift) 2.5TDi
1991 - 1995 : 91 Merc 190E 2.0 Auto
1987 - 1991 : 87 BMW E30 316i (Facelift)
1985 - 1987 : Ford Orion
1983 - 1985 : 83 VW Polo 1.3 Formel E Breadvan
VW Golf Silver
VW Golf Yellow
1979 - 1981 : Peugeot 104Zs
 
How funny my mum has a Getz as well. Crap to look at crap to drive. But 6k new car what can you say.

I guess the Orion put him off the Fords. There are loads of little to medium 4x4s coming out this year. I guess the mini RR did that. How about a juke a bit left field either love or hate it!
 
I was going to suggest freelander 2 but if he had a mid 90s discovery he's probably not too keen on a return to the green oval
 
Indeed guys of the above the LR, the Ford, The Golfs and the Pug were all lemons to him for various reasons. He loved the 190E, W202 (obviously), Polo and the E30. Surprising he didnt have more BMW's but then my mum had an E36 320i SE and then I have had 3 so far also which he had access to..
 
Machine monkey said:
My wife has a ford kuga I know I know it's a ford. But it's amazing comfy cheap to run for this type of car and they are bringing out a new one in March. + they have heated windscreens so no scraping and it works :thumbsup:

I would say its put together better than my zed. And the new ones have a sensor under the bumper. So when you get to you keyless entry car with bags of shopping. Just swipe you foot under the bumper boot opens. How cool is that for a Ford!!!
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I used to be a big Ford fan and for the money they have always had more tech for your money than BMW. Had quite a few in the past. That Kuga is a nice car!
 
I've had my Honda Cecil for 9 years. Totally reliable. Never let me down come snow or floods. Both of we have had on abundance. :driving:
 
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