Hai Arun,
I had the fusion for 3 years and drive the Scropio CRDE now. If the Scorp gets bogged down, it would take a tractor to pull it out, its a 2.5 ton truck. Though the truck is powerful and torquey, weight is a huge problem.
I've found that in bad roads; with 1.6cc petrol engine, 195 mm gc, 16" wheels and a light weight and a hard suspension; the fusion can do terrains the Scorpio or Safari cannot even think about. Being light makes a huge difference; I've done the Badarnath road from Joshimath, seen Thevaras, Safaris and Scorpios burning rubber on this trail, whereas we skimmed through rough roads without efforts. Some sections we passed were blue murder with just cleared land slides and boulders. The Fusion also did magical work when we had to go off in many Uttranchal roads.
If the farm roads are anything like what you explained, you must seriously consider the Fusion, TD it and see what come out.
I've done a TD of the SX4, I think for your use, Fusion would be a much better alterntive, though the resale value and spare costs would be an issues.
Happy Hunting,
--Ramky
Quote:
Originally Posted by arunmur  My dad currently has the WagonR. Its about 7 years old now. He is a photographer hobbyist so does a lot of riding into the forests and no road territory every week end for the past 4 years. You won't believe what that car can handle. It is still in one piece  and he does not find any car that seem to fit his needs better. His car got stuck only once in a hole just the size of the wheel which he and his friend solved by applying manual force in one direction.
My point is that farm track driving and a bad roads are something most of our cars can handle if it has a stiff suspension and a medium ground clearance. Keeping this in mind i can see the SX4 will easily fit your requirement. If you are not in need for a 7 seater car your parents are bound to be happy with SX4 as it has a lot of car like traits and still can match an average SUV in off-road performance. The SX4 hip level is also lower which will make getting in and out easy(very good for older people) as compared to the Scorpio. It also has most of the safety equipments like the Airbags, ABS, Pre-tensioner etc which is worth the investment. In city conditions SX4 out performs any SUV with its higher than normal car seating position, light EPS, definitely lighter clutch and manageable car like dimensions(psychological).
The only defect of the SX4 is that it does not have a diesel engine.
On the other hand Scorpio is also a good SUV. |