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Almost as real: the cheapest all-wheel drive crossovers

Most recently, we have already figured out what choice there is for those who need not just a crossover, but a real frame SUV, but at the same time for little money. Today we will talk about crossovers in their modern sense – that is, we will not include Niva here (neither the former nor the real one), as well as those cheap frames mentioned in the past material. And yet, even with the mandatory all-wheel drive, you can also meet the amount of “a million and a little.” What is on the market for this money?
Like it or not, and everything is expected to begin with Renault Duster. Keeping the extremely low cost of the basic configuration due to its absolutely minimal equipment, Duster, nevertheless, and with the increase in the number of options, remains one of the most attractive options. There are many reasons for this: it has a decent choice of engines and transmissions, the ability to get four-wheel drive with independent suspension, and, importantly, sensible off-road geometry.
Most competitors beat it in design, sacrificing geometric cross-over and often ground clearance – Duster responds with a ground clearance of 210 mm (205 when loaded) and short overhangs providing an entry angle of 30 ° and a 36 ° exit. Four-wheel drive is implemented here using an electromagnetic multi-plate clutch GKN, which was borrowed from Nissan Murano, but off-road capabilities are not limited to this. Firstly, the transmission mode selection washer offers not only the front-wheel-drive version 2WD and Auto, in which the momentum is automatically distributed between the axles, but also the Lock position, in which the clutch is forcibly closed, constantly sending some of the torque to the rear axle. This, of course, is not a real locking of the center differential, but in this mode you can move at a speed of up to 80 km / h, and when it is exceeded, it is automatically turned off. In addition, the six-speed manual gearbox, which is offered for all-wheel drive, has a very short first gear that “simulates a pontoon”.
The list of Duster engines includes three units: 1.6-liter petrol H4M with 114 hp. and 156 Nm, 143 hp two-liter F4R and 195 Nm, as well as the 1.5-liter diesel K9K, which produces 109 hp and 240 Nm of torque. The good news is that all-wheel drive is combined with any of the engines, even the youngest – this allows you to choose the cheapest of the possible options. Another plus is the opportunity to purchase an all-wheel drive car with a gun, even though this is the old DP8 on 4 steps. True, the machine can digest the torque only gasoline engines, so that those who prefer diesel, the choice does not remain: only six-speed mechanics.
But when you look at the price list, the level of optimism is somewhat reduced. Compared with the basic front-wheel-drive version, the all-wheel drive Duster costs 120,000 more – 820,000, and of the differences, only an extra step in the manual gearbox and the all-wheel drive transmission itself. The equipment list is extremely modest: only power steering and driver airbag. Neither a passenger cushion, neither windows nor an air conditioner can be obtained even for a surcharge – to get them, you will have to choose the next Expression package, and then not with the base engine (with it the air conditioner is an option for 30 thousand). Thus, Duster gives the buyer the opportunity of an inconvenient, but still a choice: if he needs the cheapest possible, but all-wheel drive car, you can buy an “empty” option for 820 thousand, and if you can’t do without basic comfort options, you will have to cook at least 937 thousand .
The Hyundai Creta on this list is as expected as the Duster, although its off-road capability is expected to be less. “People’s” Korean crossover takes others – a good equipment at a low price, and all-wheel drive here – rather, a nice addition for the winter of the city.
For example, the ground clearance is quite decent – 190 mm, but the angle of entry, taking into account the skirt under the front bumper, is only 21 °, and against this background, the exit angle of 28 ° due to the short overhang is not so important. Yes, and the forced locking of the rear-wheel drive clutch only works up to a speed of 30 km / h, after which it is automatically switched off. This Magna multi-plate clutch itself is the same as the older comrades in the person of Tucson and Santa Fe, and the 2WD forced mode, like the one of Duster, is not here: only the lock button.

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