• 
• 

Published on August 15, 2007

They only want the new election to be held, and then they believe everything will be just fine. Whether the new government lasts only six months or a year is not a problem, because we can always elect another one. After listening to them, I am now praying that all of the political factions stop being nuisances and actually do something that is good for the country. They like to say they love the country, but in reality they don't even deserve to live here.

Meanwhile, reader Cherd R has requested I compare two sport-utility vehicles. For ease of reading, I have inserted my answers after each of his questions.

Dear Khun Pattanadesh,

I am writing to seek your advice before making a decision to own either a Toyota Fortuner or Chevrolet Captiva. This is the last car I plan to buy, as I am approaching the last chapter of my life and intend to take my wife and relatives to visit places we have been thinking about. As a fan of your auto commentary, I would very much appreciate your opinion on the difference between the two models on the following issues:

Is there much difference in fuel consumption and wear and tear between four-wheel-drive on demand and full-time four-wheel-drive?

Fuel consumption is not so different, although in theory the full-time system is claimed to have a higher consumption. In reality, the fuel consumption of an on-demand (or real-time) four-wheel-drive system is no different, because as power switches back and forth between two and four wheels, the fuel consumption also rises and drops.

To ensure low fuel consumption in on-demand systems, you must be gentle with the throttle even while accelerating. Do not floor the petrol pedal, because the control unit may take it that extra traction is needed and will distribute power to all four wheels. Then, when the desired speed is achieved, it cuts back to two wheels. If you floor the petrol again, the process repeats itself, and this raises fuel consumption significantly.

Which is more durable?

I haven't had a chance to drive the diesel version of the Captiva yet, but the interesting thing is the engine has 150 horsepower and as much as 320Nm of torque at generally low engine revs, so engine wear should be low. The durability of modern diesel engines depends on how they are used as well as maintenance. As for future repairs, you have a better chance with the Toyota, due to the availability of service centres and spare parts.

Is the 2,000cc Captiva powerful enough to climb northern mountainous areas?

The 2,000cc diesel engine in the Captiva and its five-speed transmission (with the fifth gear ratio being 1:1, meaning there is no overdrive) should be able to get the vehicle up mountain roads comfortably if the driver is skilled enough and there is not too great a load. I believe the Captiva can travel any road in Thailand without trouble.

Will the resale value of the Captiva be much lower than that of the Fortuner in the next few years?

Where it comes to resale value, the Toyota is surely better.

Which vehicle offers better suspension?

The vehicles come with very different suspension systems, although the feel is very similar. The Captiva's suspension has been set for ride comfort, so much so that when you change lanes quickly, there is a lot of body roll.

The Fortuner's suspension has been modified from that of the Vigo pickup. Its predecessor, the Sport Rider, was harshly criticised for its poor ride and road-holding qualities, so for the Fortuner, Toyota replaced the leaf springs with coil springs. This gives it improved ride comfort, although there is still some "pickup feel" left.

For fast drivers, I would suggest stiffer shock absorbers for the Fortuner, since it is a heavy vehicle and there is considerable roll in corners. Stiffer shocks would help reduce this effect. The same advice applies to the Captiva, although I would suggest adjustable shock absorbers, to give it better roadworthiness.

I hope you find the right vehicle to suit your needs and that you enjoy the driving.

By Pattanadesh Asasappakij

E-mail your motoring questions to Pattanadesh@nationgroup.com.

Ultimate in Luxury

The Luxury LS 460 is a wonderfully comfaortable car fitted with all mod cons, althoough not necessarily the most fun vehicle to drive.