Exhibition. A real travel vehicle (Photo: Polaris)
Meeting a customer's need is the key to a successful product, any marketing expert will explain to you, but the great wizards really know how to invent a tool that customers didn't even know they needed until they saw it.
American Polaris, which was one of the founders of the small SUV category, the so-called side-by-side and Israel's Tomcar was one of its pioneers, is now presenting the next thing that could conquer the field. It's called XPEDITION and it's one of the coolest things we've seen in a long time.
The roof is strong enough to carry a sleeping tent (Photo: Polaris)
The Exhibition, which is defined as an adventure vehicle, is actually filling a very unique niche that is gaining increasing popularity, precisely at a time when car manufacturers are increasingly abandoning the 4x4 off-road market. Between the small Jimny and the Toyota Land Cruiser there is almost no supply. The few automakers launching SUVs are aiming for the expensive and profitable segment of the market, such as Ford with the Bronco. Suzuki, which has finally launched a 5-door version of the Jimny for emerging markets, has not yet announced its launch in Europe, which will make it possible to sell it here as well.
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Some numbers: 114 hp, 35.5 cm ground clearance (Photo: Polaris)
The new model is the responsible big brother of the Razer: it offers the passable capabilities that traditional SUVs can only dream of, with the ability to carry up to 5 passengers and cargo, at thousands of dollars lower than that of the closest thing, not to mention tens of thousands of dollars from truly improved vehicles. In addition, while the tools of this category have become increasingly extreme with an emphasis on sports, a space has been created into which this manufacturer will try to thread the new product.
Powering the vehicle is the 999cc engine in a parallel twin configuration that the manufacturer introduced in the RZR XP, it comes with a very respectable output of 114 hp. Power goes through a sequential box for rear- or dual-wheel drive, with a low transfer ratio and the huge 47-litre fuel tank should give it a declared range of 320 km.
A statistic that very few unimproved SUVs match. And it is supported by its corners in the QS35 Fox Podium brakes, a suspension travel of 5.3 cm at the front and 35 cm at the rear. At the edges of the body are 5-inch tires that, together with its construction, give it unparalleled approach and abandonment angles.
The engine breathes through an elevated snorkel and all electronic systems are sealed into brews to keep them safe even on journeys through rough muddy terrain.
These ventilators can get cold air in the middle of a trip to the Negev in August (Photo: Polaris)
The Exploration comes in two body configurations, and two seating configurations. In terms of body configurations, these are the XP and ADV, with the former offering an open box and the ADV coming with a closed "cargo box". Seating configurations include a two- or five-passenger arrangement. Both models come in three trim levels with the lower ones coming with a colorful instrument display, the medium adding a 7-inch touchscreen and an advanced JBL audio system, front and rear camera, adjustable steering wheel, padded console and winch. The highest level of finish "Northstar" adds to all these closed cabins, air conditioning (!), power windows and windshields. The roof comes with preparation for a variety of accessories, from equipment carriers and kayaks to a sleeping tent.
We said these tools offer low prices, so here they are. The base version costs $29,30 for XP and $32,33 for ADV. The price of the middle trim level is $39,40 for the XP and $35,45 for the ADV. The most expensive and well-equipped edge version is $<>,<> for the XP and $<>,<> for the ADV. Now to give proportions, a basic Jeep Wrangler in the "Sport" trim level costs about $<>,<> in the US, you want something that even comes close to the Polaris' off-road capabilities, check out the Rubicon which costs $<>,<>.
On the way to Israel, he will also enjoy low taxation compared to "real" SUVs (Photo: Polaris)
In Israel, there has been a consistent jump in sales in the category, including the expensive and sporty 4-place models that already sell for more than NIS 200,1. Prior to the Tax Authority's data released this week, sales of the category jumped from 300,2000 units in 7 to 600,2021 in 5.
A vehicle like the Exploration will be on its way to Israel from an important advantage over SUVs like the Bronco Wrangler, and also a 80-door Jimny if it arrives: while they are charged 50% purchase tax, a vehicle like the Exploration is charged only 225%. A preliminary comparison with racer prices in the US and Israel leads to an initial local price estimate of NIS 300,<>-<>,<>.
However, the Exploration has one significant drawback compared to traditional SUVs: it is not allowed to move on the road, so owners will have to tow it with a vehicle capable of doing so all the way from home to off-road. A used Wrangler for the same price will be able to make it all the way on its chubby tires.
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