Suv auto decoding. SUV decoding on tire labels

The need for machines with versatile characteristics is growing every year. SUVs are the epitome of versatility: they are suitable for traveling on comfortable roads in the city, as well as for trips to nature with the whole family. These are multi-tasking vehicles designed specifically for modern connoisseurs of an active lifestyle.

Recently, the abbreviation SUV has become synonymous with an SUV, although in reality there is little in common between these cars. To find out what the main differences between them are, it is worth not only understanding the definition of an SUV in more detail, but also taking a fascinating excursion into the history of its origin.

The abbreviation SUV stands for Sport Utility Vehicle or "sports vehicle". To understand which cars can be attributed to the presented category, we will understand in more detail their characteristics. Such machines combine several qualities at once:

• powerful engine- due to which the car can easily cope even with large loads and has a pleasant dynamics;
• comfortable lounge- in vehicles of this type, the interior has similar characteristics with passenger models of the middle segment. Despite the fact that the dimensions of such vehicles can vary significantly, there is always room for a family of 5 in the cabin;
• all-wheel drive with a load-bearing body type(in some cases there are machines with a monodrive).

Separately, it is worth noting that cars in the SUV segment are able to easily overcome light off-road conditions. However, they should not be confused with SUVs, which have a powerful frame and a richer set of features to cope with significant obstacles. An SUV can be called an "urban" car, capable of traveling not only along well-groomed streets, but also on other types of coverage.

According to statistics, over the past few years, more and more families prefer cars in this category, considering them an ideal vehicle due to increased safety and cross-country ability.

History of the SUV

The ancestors of modern SUVs were American light pickup trucks, used mainly by farmers. Initially, all SUVs were built on the chassis of pickups or using their components. In addition, they all had a body with three doors and a folding tailgate. These were rear-wheel drive cars, with a comfortable and functional interior. Despite the huge number of advantages, the first SUVs had one significant drawback, namely, not very clear control.

The 1984 Jeep Cherokee/Wagoneer XJ is considered the first modern SUV. After its release, marketers and advertisers began to actively promote cars in this segment, calling it the best alternative to station wagons. It was the appearance of the Cherokee on the automotive market that gave a sharp impetus to the popularization of SUVs not only in America and Europe, but throughout the world as a whole.

SUV segment cars were created not only in America. For example, in Russia, such models as Moskvich-410 or GAZ-61-73 became their analogues, and in France - Renault Colorale Prairie. Unfortunately, none of the models described has gained great popularity, since all of them were designed specifically for off-road use.

What is the difference between SUV and CUV

To begin with, it is worth understanding the meanings:

• SUV or Sports Utility Vehicle;
• CUV or Crossover utility vehicle.

Thus, the crossover vehicle (CUV) has several features in common with SUVs. These include the high landing of the driver and passengers, as well as the appearance, repeating the features of SUVs. Despite the "brutal" appearance, CUV type cars were built on a light platform. Usually they are produced front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive. The second name of such cars is SUVs or parquet SUVs. This is due to the fact that they are mainly used for movement on city roads. Although the cross-country ability of CUV cars is slightly higher than that of conventional passenger cars. It turns out that there is a significant difference between CUV and SUV type cars, namely:

• SUV- are suitable for movement, both on the asphalt road, and other types of surfaces. They are able to cope with light off-road and are designed for small family “forays” into nature and active pastime;
• CUV- "city" cars that have the appearance of an SUV, but are not suitable for off-road trips.

SUV-type cars are very diverse, allowing car enthusiasts to choose a model according to their tastes and views. It can be both mono-wheel drive and all-wheel drive vehicles, but they all provide maximum comfort and safety while driving on almost any type of surface.

Very often, motorists can come across the abbreviations CUV and SUV in car names. We decided to deal with these terms and finally find out what they mean. We have previously discussed the issue, this article will be an addition to the previous material. Read our thoughts below.

What is CUV.

CUV(Crossover Utility Vehicle) is an abbreviation for a family of vehicles designed for use both on civilized roads and off-road. We put off-road in quotation marks for a reason, since a typical crossover will not be able to conquer severe off-road. For the first time, the CUV classification, or more commonly used in our country " crossover", dates back to 1987. This term was adopted by Chrysler, and originally referred to all models with all-wheel drive station wagon. At present, the type of such vehicles is more often called SUVs, but AVTO-KA considers this judgment to be erroneous.

Later, the term "crossover" or CUV lost its original meaning, today this abbreviation more often denotes a type of car with increased ground clearance and a load-bearing body and predominantly all-wheel drive, designed for urban use with short trips to the country or a picnic. Note that on most cars qualifying as an SUV or SUV, all-wheel drive is carried out by means of a viscous coupling, which means that CUVs and SUVs are different classes!!! Typical representatives of CUV are Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V.

What is SUV.

Term SUV(Sport Utility Vehicle) originally designated a family of vehicles for outdoor enthusiasts. First of all, an SUV is a car with a high ground clearance, in the performance of a station wagon. Probably the abbreviation SUV can denote SUVs.

It was assumed that the SUV class is intended for the departure of citizens for the weekend in nature. Hence the high ground clearance to drive down a country road, and a roomy wagon body to take the whole family, a tent, manga and a case of beer and sausages.

We did not find any indication that an SUV is necessarily an all-wheel drive vehicle. Moreover, in America, even pickups with one drive axle are classified as SUVs.

From this we can assume that the SUV class, or SUV can be attributed to cars with one drive axle, but with increased ground clearance. For example Geely MK Cross, Renault Sandero, Nissan Qashqai. By the way, the domestic car VAZ-2104 also falls under the category of SUV.

SUV or CUV?

The same Nissan Qashqai can also be designated as a CUV, since there is a modification of the Nissan Qashqai with all-wheel drive. And note that not only Nissan has in its lineup models that are available in mono- and all-wheel drive versions.

It begs a conclusion. The SUV and CUV classes are practically the same. It is very difficult to give a clear classification. Often the abbreviation is put by the manufacturer for marketing purposes. Most modern cars have such an original technical solution that it becomes almost impossible to classify a car. And yet we take the risk.

• CUV - all-wheel drive with a load-bearing body, crossover.
• SUV - SUV, not necessarily all-wheel drive with a load-bearing body.

We look forward to your comments on this matter.

The SAV class is also often mentioned, but this is an erroneous abbreviation. It came from the interpretation of SUV into Russian by SAF, and of course, then someone wrote SAV.

In addition to the name of the manufacturer, brand, tire model and its size, the following additional markers may be indicated on the sidewalls of a car tire:

Colored markings on the tire

Yellow marker on the tire sidewall (circle or triangle) determines the position of the lightest point on the tire. Alignment with the heaviest place on the disc (usually the nipple attachment point) during installation new tire improves wheel balance.

Red marker on the sidewall of the tire (circle or triangle) determines the place of maximum power inhomogeneity. Such a mark is usually applied to automobile tires of the primary (factory) vehicle configuration.

Colored longitudinal lines, printed on the tread, are used solely to facilitate the identification of the tire model (for example, in storage conditions).

digital stamp(usually white, in the center of a circle or triangle) on a car tire is the personal marker of the inspector who carried out the final inspection of the tire at the factory.

Tire marking of car manufacturers

Some tires are marked with an alphanumeric code that indicates some features in the context of their use for installation on vehicles of specific manufacturers or brands. Tires with this special marking differ from the standard of their model. Their characteristics are optimized for maximum performance on target vehicles.

When describing tires that have a special marking of the automaker, they often say "the tire is homologated" (from the English omologation - bringing technical characteristics and parameters in line with the requirements of standards or requests). It is not uncommon for leading car manufacturers to homologate specific tire models for their vehicles, including original fittings. The homologation marker, in addition to the target indication, speaks of the high quality of the tire, since in the process of improving the tire, it undergoes serious tests for compliance with world standards and the standards of the automaker.

Some automaker specific markings limit the use of tires for a specific vehicle, while others indicate general technical features of use. For a correct understanding of the special markings, it is worth contacting specialists before buying. The following table shows the decoding of the most common designations.

All class vehicles SUV have characteristics that are similar to standard passenger cars. But on such machines, you can rush along the well-groomed city streets with a breeze, go out into the countryside with a loaded trailer, not being afraid to move off the asphalt surface and easily accommodate your family in a spacious cabin. In a word, cars sports and utility purposes(that's how it stands for SUV - Sport Utility Vehicle) are simply created for the active life of modern inhabitants. SUV it doesn't have to be an all wheel drive vehicle. Moreover, in America, even pickups with one drive axle are classified as SUVs. From this we can conclude that the class SUV (SUV), you can include not only jeeps, but also SUVs and other cars with one drive axle, but with increased ground clearance.

Tires with SUV marking

They differ from conventional tires in that they are designed for significant weight, off-road operation, and high speed, so the rubber from which they are made undergoes special testing, and is also reinforced with an additional metal or reinforced cord. This is what makes these tires different from regular ones.

If a car enthusiast is the owner of a modern high-speed jeep, then for the safe operation of his vehicle, he needs to purchase tires marked SUV. (Sometimes there is a marking Sport Utility or Latitude- from the tire manufacturer Michelin)

If the designation SUV is found on the tires?

A car enthusiast should know that they are intended for modern SUVs, crossovers () or jeeps ( SUV - Sport Utility Vehicle), which can reach high speed, and have a 4x4 wheel arrangement.

*Attention! The use of simple tires can lead to the fact that they may not withstand the load and burst.

If a tire break occurs at high speed, the car may simply roll over, or the driver will lose control. This may result in a collision with an obstacle or another vehicle.

What are the main differences between CUVs and SUVs?

Crossover, as defined CUV - Crossover Utility Vehicle This is a car of increased (compared to a conventional passenger car) cross-country ability, combining the properties of an SUV, all-terrain vehicles, SUVs. They also have the pros and cons of other types of vehicles, mainly such as hatbacks, minivans and station wagons.

The most important differences are quite obvious. Crossovers combine high ceilings and landings, high ground clearance, all-wheel drive (often connected as needed). Quite economical when compared with "thoroughbred" all-wheel drive SUVs and easier to manage. In their manufacture, a monocoque (carrying body) is used - this is in fact the basis of the car, on which the entire filling of the car is attached. In this case, there is no independent supporting frame.

In the modern automotive industry, crossovers are divided into all-wheel drive and mono-drive for different interests and for different wallets. The latter, due to their smaller “off-road” qualities, were called “ parquet SUVs"or, in the common people," SUVs". Their usual habitat is the urban cycle, their main difference from some simple station wagon will be increased ground clearance, a spacious interior, often visual "wow" effects such as shiny moldings, roof racks, etc. Demand for cars that look impressive , but they cost less than full-fledged 4x4s, higher, which is why they are more common. As a result, the concept of CUV and crossover was gradually replaced by the habitually dismissive "SUV".

So, the main difference between a CUV crossover and an SUV SUV:

1. The crossover is not designed structurally for heavy work
2. No downshift in gearbox
3. There is no blocking of differentials (interwheel, interaxal)
4. The absence of a transfer case and its replacement with a power take-off shaft

SUVs, crossovers and SUVs are extremely popular types of cars today, but motorists often get confused and it is not always easy to figure out which car belongs to which class.

SUVs

The whole essence of SUVs is contained in the term itself - it is a vehicle that can easily move off-road. Its main features:

• High ground clearance;
• Four-wheel drive;
• Wide profile tyres.

This definition includes not only cars that are well known to us, but also such equipment as mining dump trucks and all-terrain vehicles. But in any case - increased cross-country ability is the main feature of SUVs, the property that SUVs and crossovers are often deprived of. It is worth saying that the well-established colloquial term "jeep" is outdated, since Jeep is, first of all, a brand owned by the Chrysler Group.

SUV

SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle \ sports utility vehicle) is another class of cars. Its main difference from SUVs is the lack of off-road capability. Thus, in terms of performance, the SUV has enough in common with ordinary passenger cars. This term is mainly used in the USA and Europe, but in Russia, depending on the car, they are either SUVs or crossovers. In general, the SUV can be called a transitional stage between SUVs and crossovers.

Crossovers

A large number of cars fall under the category of crossovers, but all of them, to one degree or another, combine the properties of SUVs, SUVs, station wagons, minivans and hatchbacks. Often they are assembled on the same platform as passenger cars, due to which they have higher controllability and efficiency compared to SUVs. However, do not forget that these machines are not prepared for serious tests off public roads. The term "SUVs" essentially refers to crossovers of lesser cross-country ability, created mainly for driving on city roads.