| In terms of the evolution of the 4X4, there has been a | | | | the week and seen parked up at the supermarkets at |
| rather definite shift in which social class is best | | | | the weekend. The real question is whether these |
| represented by these large vehicles. Up until the early | | | | vehicles, primarily designed for comfort and versatility |
| nineties, the 4X4 was seen as an incredibly working | | | | on rougher terrains, should be solely driven in urban |
| class vehicle; providing versatility and power for the | | | | environments. The majority of 4X4 owners will never |
| agricultural and livestock workers amongst us. | | | | take these 'ready for anything' vehicles on any terrain |
| Then all of a sudden, there was a paradigmatic shift in | | | | more perilous than the M25. |
| what was considered aspirational and that shift pointed | | | | If you are considering buy a 4X4 in the future, I implore |
| toward 'good breeding' rather than 'new money'. With | | | | you to push it to its limit on a dirt track, as this is what it |
| this one change in societal image, cars such as | | | | was designed to do. I bought a Used Land Rover |
| saloons and sports cars gave way to the mighty 4X4 | | | | recently and have thoroughly enjoyed grappling with |
| as the de rigueur transport of choice amongst the | | | | the rough dirt tracks near where I live. I am extremely |
| middle classes. | | | | grateful that vehicles as versatile as Land Rovers |
| Now, fifteen years or so on little has changed in terms | | | | exist, I just wish more people knew exactly what they |
| of the cultural weight that the 4X4 holds. They can still | | | | were capable of. |
| be seen queuing outside every private school during | | | | |