by Crawling along at a snail’s pace, I try to block out the flurry of tooting horns that irritate me as I inch slowly down a crowded side street. After all, one wrong move and someone else’s paint job – and my insurance – will be in charge.
That’s the price of owning one of the 2.9 million four-wheel drives (or 4×4) on our roads today. But despite being insulted in 50 shades of blue for driving a so-called Chelsea tractor – as I was on this occasion – I don’t regret one quick minute.
Technically, my monster motor is no longer needed for the brief that prompted the purchase of my Volvo XC90 16 years ago. Back then, the attraction was purely practical – I needed a workhorse to meet the domestic demands of our family of six (school runs, holidays, rota). But even though our four children have now left home, I wouldn’t voluntarily get rid of the car. Even when discounting the price of fuel it either consumes horribly or curses my inability to find a parking space.
There are many versions of cars like mine – from off-road and sports utility vehicles (SUVs) to 4x4s and sporty four-wheel drives (hybrid and electric versions are also becoming more popular). What unites them is their boxy looks, steroid tires and take-me-not image.
Unfortunately, thanks to a combination of lazy stereotyping, environmental concerns and good old fashioned 4×4 drivers envy is regularly put at risk. Women drivers are particularly targeted: labeled as flashy, stupid, impractical and status-hungry since they chose to drive a big, powerful car that can do nothing more strenuous than go to the gym.
Who cares? 4×4 driving is my life. And here are 10 reasons why…
I always feel protected
Let’s start with the sensible stuff. In my car, I get a strong feeling of control and protection. Especially on motorways as it is strong and solidly built. Living in Manchester, I often find myself driving the M62, which is the highest motorway in England at its highest point. There is no fear of 4×4 as four wheel drive vehicles are exactly what they say; power is distributed over all four wheels, maximizing traction and stability. I should say there is also some excitement when the wind howls, the moor howls and I captain the wheel and power towards, erm, Rochdale.
There are few road rage conflicts…
4×4 is big. Huge even. Sure, I get insulted when my walking motor makes it hard for other cars to squeak in on double-parked streets. But out on the main roads, where smart motorways cut unbelievable speeds or endless traffic lights cut journey times, frustration and irritation can arise. However treacherous drivers seem to be at risk and instead give my beast a wide berth.
And no fight against the terrible UK weather
My car is more than suited to the terrible weather we are having. On water-logged dual carriageways, or slick roads with ice my car is still the boss. That’s because the four-wheel drive mechanism provides better traction on slippery roads or uneven surfaces, reducing the risk of losing control. Tell that to a Skoda lover.
No time was wasted wandering around a parking lot
I don’t waste hours in car parks trying to find my motor. When heavy bags and the fog of a stressful day are blurring the memory, there is nothing more comforting than being able to see the top of the house rising on your 4×4. Only the other day, I came from hell two hours in the Trafford Center into the slanting rain and a packed car park – triggers for amnesia found vehicles. Then I saw the black roof of my faithful Volvo. I literally felt like crying with relief.
The views!
OK, so the view isn’t so pretty as you’re ripping down a busy arterial road. But the high driving position of a 4×4 raised seat means that as a driver (or passenger) the road ahead will be a big screen. In fact whenever I took my late mother anywhere she used to climb – literally – into the front seat and say she felt like the first officer in an airline cockpit (Mum had a great imagination, bless her ). But the point remains. The size of the car means that visibility and awareness of those around you is greatly improved – which is vital for road safety and early detection of potential hazards. It is also very poetic to drive from such an imperial place. When we move to the Lake District, and the fans fall out in front of us, it’s frankly like watching the opening credits of a Netflix drama in autumn.
The starter
Oh, how I love the boot. It is capacious and versatile, especially with the rear seats down. This morning I headed upstairs with a smile on my face (thank goodness four exploding trash bags, one old vacuum and a long-retired bedside table). 4x4s plus have the ability to carry more weight than the typical hatchback without weighing down, which is ideal if you carry a lot of cargo on a regular basis.
More space for activities
If there is that kind of space in the shoes, the car is also about freedom. As the wife of a cycling(atic) fan, my husband Martin is always keen to find new routes. And thanks to a folding e-bike I can finally keep up. So on sunny days, we throw our bikes in and go off-roading to anywhere the compass finds cycling friendly. Self-catering tours are also a breeze as you can literally pack in the kitchen sink.
No stressful journey to the airport
You never miss a train or a plane. Because when your pre-booked taxi doesn’t show up, there’s no need to panic about packing all those cases into your car. On one occasion, although our taxi arrived on time, the hire was clearly not up to the job of transporting many cases (long story to visit my son who was living abroad and my daughter on her gap year.) With that there was no choice but to flip down my car seats, load up and make our own way to the airport.
Did I mention it’s big?
Frankly, it’s just a lot more comfortable. When I enter the roomy cabin of my 4×4 the space seems to expand around me. Everything is much bigger, wider. From the side pockets to the drink holders. And it was a complete blessing with higher family members. Without folding them painfully into their seat space. Head and leg room leave nothing to complain about (at least when it comes to the car. There are always other things to complain about)
Endless shortcut possibilities
It is more than suitable for the sat nav as inaccessibility is not in my car’s vocabulary. When the husband, a type of today’s Christopher Columbus, indicates that some bumpy track sides could cut half an hour of the trip, there will be no hesitation or fretting about the tires. In short, the world and its shortcuts are ours to take.
Be grateful. It keeps me off those crowded side streets.
