Five reasons why a higher ground clearance is better and why an SUV is not mandatory

If you did a sociological survey and asked crossover owners why they had chosen such a car, the most common arguments would probably be related to a higher seating position, further road visibility and more pleasant driving on a bad road.

All this due to the higher ground clearance or the distance from the ground to the bottom of the body. Experts say that the appearance of a crossover can be misleading.

You don’t always need a crossover

The appearance of an SUV does not always guarantee that the ground clearance will be really high. Sometimes this impression is caused by a more massive body or higher seats. But the figures in the specification show that the ground clearance is the same as for a normal hatchback. Therefore, experts call not to rely only on the senses and also to check the clearance in the technical data.

For example, the design of the Citroën ë-C4 electric car and the C4 version of the internal combustion engine suggest that they are truly part of the city’s crossover class. This is the impression of the sloping roofline of the SUV-coupe-style body, the plastic wheel arches and other crossover elements. In fact, it is a hatchback that has borrowed several exterior elements from current design trends. Examining the technical specifications, it can be seen that the ground clearance is quite large – 15.6 cm, which in some cases surpasses even small city crossovers. By comparison, one of the closest competitors in the city’s crossover segment, the Toyota C-HR has a ground clearance of 15 cm, while the Seat Leon hatchback has a ground clearance of only 13 cm.

“There are several reasons why every inch of clearance is valuable,” says Raimonds Zandovskis, editor of Delfi Auto. True, in order for us to ride higher on the ground, it is not necessary to cross-country – it is not worth overpaying just to follow fashion. “Let’s imagine a situation where a husband and his wife are looking for a car with increased ground clearance. She often drives to her parents outside the city, where there are mostly gravel roads. In this case, the crossover will not always be the best choice, because it can be difficult for the grandmother to get into such a car, “Raimonds simulates the situation. He also adds that French manufacturers such as Citroën have always paid close attention to distinctive and visible design – the C4 is the best example of this.

Benefits for families

Any physiotherapist will confirm that when lifting heavy objects and placing them at an uncomfortable height, all the load rests on the spine, so even the healthiest person can start complaining of back pain. For this reason, a car with a high ground clearance is indispensable for those who often have to load and unload various things from the car. “It’s important for parents with children, for example. The little ones have to be put in a highchair every day, and the stroller has to be put in the trunk. The taller the car, the less you have to bend. So it’s not only more comfortable, it’s better for your back,” says magazine Club car expert Tom Tymoshko.

Better permeability

The second reason why a higher ground clearance is suitable even for city dwellers is better trekking. “Of course, this is by no means the same as driving in a mud with a classic SUV with a body on the frame, but ground clearance can be crucial. “The clearance allows you to feel safer both in the city and when driving on a secluded forest road. The higher the clearance, the less chance of scratching the bumper on the high curb.

More comfort

When it comes to a car with a higher ground clearance, Tom Tymoshko has observed a certain regularity – these cars often have a more pleasant suspension. To some extent, the ground clearance figures give an idea of ​​how well the car will absorb road bumps. True, the expert points out that it is the comfort created by the suspension that discourages some people from purchasing such models. “The taller the car and the softer the suspension, the less exciting the handling,” says Tom.

Citroën is working hard to improve driving: the new C4 suspension includes an advanced hydraulic shock absorber system. As a result, passengers feel particularly comfortable, while the car is tightly controlled, limiting the body’s sway in cascades and road bumps.

More security

Even traffic psychologists see the benefits of a higher sitting position. They emphasize that being able to be higher is closely linked to well-being. It turns out that a higher seating position gives both the driver and passengers a sense of security, as people can better see what is happening on and around the road. The more the driver sees, the faster he is able to react to an obstacle, pit or other surprise on the road.

It does not affect fuel consumption

Skeptics believe that a taller car consumes more fuel, but experts say it’s a myth these days. It comes from a time when the crossover segment had not yet emerged, but a taller car was considered a clumsy, sluggish and off-road mud wader.

Today, all machines are tested in wind tunnels, where all body protrusions, which have a negative effect on aerodynamics, are maximally ground in the name of minimum resistance. The tests are long and take hundreds of thousands of kilometers. To make sure that the new entrant does not disappoint its new owners, the car is tested in a variety of conditions – both arctic cold and scorching heat.

The technical information provided by the manufacturers is re-verified and validated (or not validated) by a team of independent experts, such as standardized test performers (WLTPs). Therefore, it is easy to make sure that a car with a higher ground clearance will not be less economical than a lower analogue. For example, the Citroën C4 hatchback with a ground clearance of 15.6 cm and the Seat Leon with a ground clearance of 13 cm. The Spaniard is expected to have lower fuel consumption, but WLTP tests show that the Seat Leon needs 5.5 to 5.6 liters per 100 kilometers and the C4 5.4 to 5.5 liters.

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