[imagesource: Aston Martin]

SUVs, or Sports Utility Vehicles, are a popular choice for anyone looking for something that does double duty as an on-road and off-road vehicle.

An SUV has a raised ground clearance to make driving over rugged terrain easier, but it works just as well in the city.

The SUV market is competitive because of the multi-functional nature of a utility vehicle that also works on the road. You’re asking it to do a lot, but if you get it right, and stick it at a decent price point, it will fly off the showroom floor.

In South Africa, the three most popular models in the compact SUV, Medium SUV, and Large SUV categories are the Ford EcoSport, the VW Tiguan, and the Toyota Fortuner respectively.

For those looking for something with a little more luxury, the Aston Martin DBX might interest you.

Image: Aston Martin

Per TechCrunch, the automaker’s first attempt to enter the market comes with some pros and cons.

As expected it’s easy on the eyes, and scores high on performance and character. Inside, the leather trimmings and attention to comfort are characteristic of the brand.

Image: Aston Martin

In terms of user experience, it falls short with Nathan Hoyt, a spokesperson for Aston Martin, admitting that:

“The car would need to be revised to work a whole new electrical architecture” he said.

“That said, the closer alignment we previously announced between Mercedes and Aston Martin means we will continue using MB technology for the foreseeable future.”

Instead of a touch screen, you’re saddled with an older system out of keeping with the new feel of the car.

Image: Aston Martin

The new DBX is made from bonded aluminium, like all Aston Martins, and its four-wheel drive is powered by the same powerful 4,0-litre AMG-supplied V8 as the Vantage junior supercar and DB11.

Unfortunately, while this will make it hum, and ramp up the power and torque ( 543bhp and 516lb-ft), it also means that it isn’t the most fuel-efficient, and struggles to compete with others of its ilk.

Watch it in action in this video from last year:

The concept is a good one, and the bones are there, but I reckon Aston Martin is going to have to up its game if it wants its crossover from luxury sports cars to take off.

[source:techcrunch]