On the 4x4 debate - is this just as 'bad'

[handlemecarefully]

I have a vague commitment to environmental issues (recycle, buy biodegradable bin bags from Smile Child etc ) so need to ask about this:

volvo xc90

Is it as bad as the other so called 'chelsea tractors'? I think it does about 30 miles to the gallon (but may have got that wrong). Is that bad?...or reasonable?

Would it be as dangerous to pedestrians?

We are attracted to it because it has a good build quality (nice solid safe vehicle in terms of occupant safety), has 7 seats all of which except the driver seat can be reclined to totally flat (giving a van type environment to transport bulky items if required), and rather superficially, I think it is so much more aesthetically appealing than a people carrier...

Is diesel more environmentally sound than petrol?

If this really is a damaging vehicle, please suggest something comparable (lots of space, good build quality and attractive) as a more pc alternative

when I say 'that sort of car' I mean the volvo!

Adding fuel to the fire

Okay thanks, I shall look up some more info on honda, toyota Prius / Verso in What Car etc to get more of a low down on them....[weak smile emoticon in the manner of someone ingesting cod liver oil because of it's health benefits]

it is the Toyota Verso, correct Foxy!

Don't know if my link will work.

Dh says the volvo is good but expensive.

He says all Toyota's are good cars and then explained it was because they were Japanese and then I am afraid I nodded off.

Go ooon HMC - you'll feel a little more righteous!
I think anyone considering buying a 4x4 in the current climate holds an attitude not wholely disimilar to the excuse of a president currently holding position in the States.

outrageous!

HMC - its a lovely looking vehicle HMC. What does your dh say?

lol Jools!

Well precisely Jools!!

Thanks for that link Oliveoil - that's really helpful..

Skinnycow,

dh is rather sold on the XC90

But I generally wear the trousers....so if I am convinced enough by an alternative.....

have you had a test drive yet? I would go and see what you think.

Id go for the Volvo personally. Although cant see why anyone would think it wasnt as bad as a Landrover/BMW/other 4x4 - they're all pretty much of a muchness

Dh has (I haven't), thought that it 'handled' really well

if you wear the trousers you need a strong pair of braces on here!

anything pleasant in life seems to be harmful:

alcohol
chocolate
xc90

compare the specs (ooh get me) and see what is more 'damaging'. IMO, people see the size of the car rather than think of the size of the engine. A smaller looking car can down petrol far more than a 4x4.

Our car has a big engine (apparently) and dh is always moaning on about fuel comsumption.

Well it's not so much that I wear the trousers, more that he is generous natured and humours me

oh I think I missed the 4x4 debate - and it looks VERY long - so can't be arsed to read it.

BUT what I want to know (all you people carrier and 4x4 haters) is what are people who have more than 3 children supposed to use???

I'm sure it's very well built, it's got top marks on the euro ncap test (for the occupants) and it's a nice looking car. I think if you can put your conscience aside, you'd probably love it (but do watch out when reversing out of driveways etc.)!

the Goodies bike?

hnc - do you still eat choccies? drink wine? I rest my sphincter

We test drove the XC90 and I think it is the most car-like of the high up 4x4s, (Jeep, Disco, Lexus, LandCruiser)

Really its a 2 wd on stilts with an optional rear wheel drive that cuts in should you get stuck (on children..sic) I didnt know about the one child per day stat, crumbs.

Every time dp got in she knocked her head on the door frame, slopes back a lot.

you know hmc, if we were all good all the time, it would be very boring.

Besides, I bet there are very few people who make their own clothes, live in mud huts and only eat raw organic fruit and vegetables.

No to the chocs, yes to the wine

Good point about comparing the specs Oliveoil

Sometimes it is so tedious having the rudiments of a social conscience (re 4x4)...wish I could just buy it and be damned, but am truly struggling with the purchasing decision due to all this...

Does it count that I wouldn't knock down any pedestrians because I am a hugely safe and cautious driver (although bad parker like Blu pointed out), and rear parking sensors would protect small children from my reversing?

Ah ignore me. I will give proper consideration to the Honda and Toyota models

QoQ - I quite agree (although I only have 2 children atm, but will be ttc from April)