But it’s a misconception that SUV’s ride better than normal cars as the higher centre of gravity often requires harder suspension to retain safe handling at the expense of ride. Our CRV is one of the softer ones but even it is a bit bouncy. I’d rather take the pot holes and speed humps in an 80’s Renault, Peugeot or Citroen than any modern SUV.

Give a Range Rover a try, then tell me SUVs don't ride nicely! ;) But true, I was relating this in another thread about not really noticing speed humps when they first appeared in the late 80s, as I had a Citroën CX at the time. I don't think it's the ride thing either (current SUV ownership) it's about avoidance of tyre/wheel/suspension damage, SUVs generally have smaller wheels and deeper profile tyres which will absorb potholes better - and more importantly, will offer protection for the wheel whilst reducing the transfer of impact energy through to the suspension components, which (often, but not necessarily) will be more robust to begin with - unless it’s a car based soft-roader, even so, SUV tyres will likely have higher load ratings and heavy duty sidewalls/rim protection.

Sadly Ford of Europe just didn't see the SUV boom coming. And they can't even get the city car right. The original Ka was a hoot to drive, but the current Ka+ is hopelessly underpowered. What sort of corporate mindset decided to put this completely separate, weedy engine in the Ka+ instead of using one of the engines available in the Fiesta?

True about Ford completely missing the SUV boom.

The Ka was generally a parts-bin special sweating old but well known and refined assets (simpler/cheaper previous gen engines and chassis bits) to an audience that couldn't care less - the problem is cars have got so heavy these days with all the regulated safety gear that they'll feel worse on budget suspension components, because the current Ka is a current platform, the cost of making then will be higher, so there's less budget left for suspension and engines. So you're trying to produce a car that (on price) can compete with the likes of Dacia with a more expensive platform as a starting point - something's got to give - and don't forget, Ka is no longer a Euro Ford - most American Fords have awful suspension dynamics.

As for Ford in general, during the 90s recession, Ford spent heaps on R&D while everyone else was pulling their belts in, Alex Trotman (sp?) rightly banked on "speculate to accumulate"; They came out the other side with class leading cars at the right price. Now they're hacking away like everyone else at all perceived "costs" and are trying to live off their 2000s rep (of producing world class cards) charging premium prices for many aging models. I really wouldn't be surprised if Ford go bust within the next 5 years and PSA or Toyota buy them. Putting a Ford back in the chair was a mistake - particularly one who was brought up in the agriculture and trucks division where costs rule everything - this isn't 1902 and your Great Grandad's way is no longer going to cut the mustard!

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SHame to see it go, I had a few and they were good comfortable cars and never let me down. Ford made the huge mistake in making the later models far too big. My last Mondeo was bigger than my old MK2 Granada. The BMW 3 and Audi A4 are smaller cars and enough for most people, never mind the better, more effective, brain washing from German PR.

Yes I made the change to a SUV type, no regrets.

Edited by sandy56 on 03/09/2018 at 08:41