Solid your thoughts again 30 years in the past when SUVs just like the Mitsubishi Pajero, Nissan Terrano, Perodua Kembara, and Isuzu Trooper have been in every single place, that they had one factor in widespread – a really recognizable rear-mounted spare tyre. Even the primary two generations of the Honda CR-V supplied a rear-mounted spare tyre, which was discontinued upon the discharge of the third-generation mannequin.

Quick ahead to modern-day SUVs and you’d discover that the rear-mounted spare wheel, a characteristic that after outlined an SUV, is turning into far much less in style. What occurred to the rear-mounted spare tyre that was as soon as in every single place?

One attainable motive why the rear-mounted spare tyre needed to be relocated is as a result of SUV tyres have elevated in measurement tremendously over the previous couple of years. Even a Proton X70 may be had with large 19-inch alloy wheels, which might get somewhat heavy.

Additionally Learn: Review: Proton X70 Premium X – Is there a better SUV for the money?

Mounted such a heavy spare tyre on the rear of an SUV can have hostile effected on the SUV’s dealing with, as results of inertia may be amplified when driving by a flip or altering lanes.

On the similar time, a large-sized rear-mounted spare tyre is just too heavy to be eliminated and fitted to a tailgate. Relying on SUV, their spare tyre is mounted beneath the automobile (Toyota Fortuner), or beneath the boot ground (most unibody SUVs just like the Honda CR-V, Proton X70).

Furthermore, clients nowadays desire an upward-opening tailgate versus a side-opening tailgate. A side-opening tailgate that both opens to the left or proper aspect is troublesome, as on the left aspect, they’re blocked by the door; in the event that they enter from proper, the spare wheel is obstructing . Both means, the proprietor nonetheless must drive SUV out to open the tailgate absolutely.

With all mentioned and completed, it’s not essentially the tip of rear-mounted spare tyres. Even in 2023, you’ll be able to nonetheless discover a handful of modern-day SUVs with a rear-mounted spare tyre, together with the Jeep Wrangler, Ford Bronco, Land Rover Defender, and Suzuki Jimny.  

For the previous few fashions, they’re iconic fashions with a protracted heritge and the rear-mounted spare wheel is a part of their design identification. On-road driving efficiency for these SUVs is secondary to holding the iconic look.

Additionally Learn: Review: To really appreciate the quirky Suzuki Jimny, you need to switch off your brain