Crossover car is a familiar term to many people. Since 2007, the popularity of this type of car has begun to increase from year to year. This can be seen from the various variants of crossover car brands that you can find on the highway. Exactly, what makes this car so popular and in demand by many people? Check out the answers in our article below.

A crossover is a concept on a car that combines two different car models in one vehicle. SUV and hatchback car models are the two car models that are most often combined into crossover cars. The merging of these two car models makes crossover cars have many advantages compared to other car types. A crossover car is the right choice for those of you who want to have a car with a sporty design and efficient fuel use.

Every year, many car manufacturers compete to release various types of crossover cars on the market. The various advantages offered by this car make it one of the best-selling types of cars in Indonesia. Want to know what a crossover car is, its types, advantages and disadvantages? Let’s read and review this article ‘til the end for a more complete explanation about crossover cars!

What is a crossover car

A car which combines two different car models in one vehicle is called a crossover car. The crossover car combines the form and capabilities of the two car models. Generally, crossover cars take the attributes from both SUV and hatchback models. Not only these two car models, crossover can also be generated from other car models. Other models that are usually used as crossover cars are the MPV and LCGC. Crossover cars are often used by people who drive on city roads and need a vehicle that is more streamlined. The size of the vehicle that is not too big makes this car fuel efficient. So, what are the types of crossover cars?

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Types of crossover cars

Based on the cross model of the car, crossover cars can be categorized into 4 types, namely station wagons, hatchbacks, MPVs and sedans crossovers. The following are the types of crossover cars:

1. Crossover Station Wagons

The main characteristic of the station wagon model is the large cabin capacity for storing luggage. Many car manufacturers are releasing crossover crossovers with station wagons and SUVs by making the car taller, with a longer roof and a large cabin capacity, one of which is Subaru. Other automakers offering crossover station wagons include Volvo, Volkswagen and Audi. The following are some of the crossover station wagon brands: Subaru XV, Subaru Legacy Outback, Volvo V90 Cross Country, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain.

2. Hatchback crossovers

The crossover hatchback car model is the easiest type of crossover car you can find on the road. The hatchback's compact body combines with the SUV's taller body and bigger tires. Usually this crossover car is not designed with an all-wheel drive model, but only has front-wheel drive or Front Wheel Drive (FWD). The use of FWD is usually seen inside the contents of the car's hood. The layout of the machine is made transverse to transmit power to the two front wheels. Several manufacturers selling this type of crossover car are Kia, Ford, Nissan, and Honda. Several brands of crossover hatchbacks circulating in Indonesia are Suzuki SX4 S-Cross, Nissan Juke, and Honda HR-V.

3. MPV crossovers

MPV crossover cars usually combine MPV load capacity with SUV ground clearance. Many people in Indonesia prefer the MPV car model, but they also need a high ground clearance and a sporty design appearance like an SUV. That is one of the reasons car manufacturers modify the design of existing MPV cars to be similar to SUVs. Usually, this crossover car is not designed with an all-wheel drive model, just like the crossover hatchback type. Some manufacturers selling this type of crossover car are Renault, Volkswagen and Suzuki. The following are several MPV crossover car brands circulating in Indonesia: Suzuki XL7, Honda BR-V, Mitsubishi Xpander Cross, Chevrolet Spin Activ, and Nissan Livina X-Gear.

4. Crossover Sedans

The crossover car model does not always use the SUV model. Some car manufacturers combine sedan and coupe car models. Crosses like this are usually carried out by luxury car manufacturers by combining coupe car models with added doors so that they are similar to sedan models. The BMW 6 Series Gran-Coupe and the Mercedes-Benz CLS-class are included in this type of crossover.

In addition, several car manufacturers also try to combine a large sedan with the appearance of a coupe. The coupe car model has limited space for the passengers in the back. The addition of a pair of doors gives comfort and a sporty design to this crossover. The Bentley Continental GT and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe are included in this type of crossover car. This sedan crossover model is quite rare in Indonesia. Several car manufacturers design this type of crossover car, namely Toyota, Mercedes Benz, Bentley, and Renault.

The advantages of crossover cars

After knowing the types of crossover cars, now is the time for you to know the advantages and disadvantages of crossover cars. Actually, what makes crossover cars so in demand in the market? Here are some of the advantages of crossover cars compared to other types of cars:

1.  Large cabin and luggage capacity

Crossover cars provide a lot of space for passengers compared to other types of cars. Usually, crossover cars have a fairly wide passenger bench design, with 3 rows of seats that can accommodate 7 to 8 passengers. In addition, to increase luggage capacity, the rear seats can be flexibly folded according to your needs.

2. Affordable prices

Apart from its function, the main attraction of crossover cars is that they are quite affordable. A minimalist budget with specifications similar to SUV models plus an elegant appearance makes the crossover model quite popular. You can buy an average crossover car with prices starting from Rp. 200,000,000 while the selling price for an SUV starts from Rp. 300,000,000. The price is lower than this SUV model because the cost of producing a crossover car is not as expensive as an SUV. Car manufacturers are trying to combine the best features of SUV models that are already in demand in the market and keep prices affordable for crossover cars.

3. Fuel-efficient

The most basic difference between SUV and crossover models is fuel efficiency. The SUV has a large body so that the fuel used is more extravagant. This is different from crossover cars which have slimmer bodies so that the fuel used can be more efficient.

4. Easy handling and maneuverability

Crossover cars have easier handling and maneuverability, thus they can increase your comfort while driving. The body design that is not too wide and high makes this car more agile driving on narrow roads. In addition, for those of you who don't have a large garage, a crossover car can make your parking easier.

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Disadvantages of Crossover Cars

In addition to the various advantages offered by crossover cars, this car also has disadvantages like other types of cars. Here are some of the disadvantages of crossover cars compared to other types of cars:

1. Engine performance that is not as strong as an SUV

The slimmer body of a crossover car and its lower price make its engine performance not as strong as that of an SUV. This car is suitable for use on city roads, but not suitable for some tough terrain.

2. High ground clearance

High ground clearance can be a crossover car's advantages as well as its drawbacks. A crossover car's high ground clearance makes the tires used larger so you need another footing to make it easier to get into the car.

3. A pretty high maintenance costs

The cost of maintaining a crossover car depends on the type of crossover car you have. Several types of crossover cars such as crossover sedans are generally released by luxury car manufacturers. This can make your car maintenance costs high, especially if the car is damaged.

Well, that's the explanation of crossover cars and their advantages and disadvantages. Pretty interesting right? Before deciding to buy or rent a crossover car, it's a good idea to find out your needs first. For example, what kind of road terrain will you be going through, how many passengers and luggage will you be carrying. If you clearly know what you need, choosing the type of car that fits your trip will be easier. In addition, you also have to consider the budget you have.

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