Steering You Right with Sharon Peters: Now an SAV?
Q: We did a test drive of a 2018 BMW X3, one of three makes we’re considering, and the sales guy kept referring to it as a “sports activity vehicle” and even called it an SAV. Is this the new term for some variation of SUVs? I’m kind of tired of having to keep up with and translate terminology when all I really want is a good-looking vehicle that works for my purposes.
A: I’m with you on that. We’ve got SUVs and CUVs (crossover utility vehicles –terminology that never really caught on in a big way, and they’re more often called crossovers or just, more simply, small SUVs or compact SUVs).
SAV is not new terminology … except with BMW, which has actually placed a copyright on the term. So consumers that have no interest in BMW don’t have to even think about this combination of words.
Why did BMW toss another terminology monkey wrench into the mix? I really can’t explain, except that it’s no doubt part of the ongoing efforts of all makers of SUVs (of any size) to distinguish vehicles that look a lot alike stand out in what has become a large and unwieldy category.
Here’s hoping that at some point, carmakers will recognize we’ve already got enough words bumping around in our heads, and renaming stuff that already has a name, naming the various tiers of their offerings or renaming models that have existed for years because some marketing guru says the new word will pique more interest is, frankly, becoming an annoyance to many of us.
Q: In the name of all that makes sense (or doesn’t), can you tell me why little slow cars are showing up with rear spoilers? Rear spoilers. On the Toyota Camry. On the midget Ford Fiesta, for heaven’s sake. Can you please explain what the point is?
A: No. I cannot. No one can.
All snark aside, some believe they can improve fuel efficiency. Marginally.
Maybe that’s true. But some manufacturers don’t even pretend it’s a fuel efficiency feature. Some offer spoilers as part of what they refer to as an “appearance package” that includes upgraded wheels and so on. I guess some people must think they look good.
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What’s your question? Sharon Peters would like to hear about what’s on your mind when it comes to caring for, driving and repairing your vehicle. Email Sharon@ctwfeatures.com.