Absl?

[KraftyPg]

And live with it is about all we can do because it's unlikely things will change much just because a few people don't like them.

Many people don't like DPF's, but we've got then and its hard to see they will ever be completely forgotten in the future, unless they are replaced with something similar but cheaper.

Some don't like switch mode 4wd because they like the feel of another stick to rub (or some such thing) but so many makers are using it now I think it's probably here to stay.

Some are jealous they can't afford the hair dryer models but they too get over things eventually.

At the end of the day if they made cars suit each buyer there would be no need to modify them.

 

[BravoBrad]

Electronic smarts work well, they just require a different driving technique.

Where as in an old 4by, you may just slip a bit of pedal in and tap on the brakes to fire the old worn out LSD into action, when its electronic, the answer is generally to stand on the accelerator pedal and let the smarts work it out. with the ABS/torque control stealing around 50% of the grunt, they will crawl their way out of some hairy spots.

Given a choice, I would pick an electronic diff lock, but the manufacturers will probably tend to go for the fully electronic no user input over the next few years, as they believe people are not smart enough for manual hubs/auto hubs, Elockers etc which require you to push a button or flick a switch.

 

[justdrinkbeer]

I don't find it to be much use, still a 2odd tonne diesel, if your spinning the wheels, even in rain your driving is a bit dodgy, i've had it kick in on dirt roads and thought something on the car was broken and was going to spin.
I had a Discovery 2A and the traction control (whatever they called it) was awesome, got me off some seriously boggy roadsides, and great in the snow too.
As Brad said it robs power from you, I found it (and the rest of the 550) to be a pain in the arse off road. Going to try to get up to Stockton this weekend, will see how it is on sand (i'm guessing not very good)

 

[Old.Tony]

I thought the 550 we had up at the muster was a smooth, stable creature that helped bring the vehicle back under control when a wheel slipped in the mud.

For cruising on the highway, the 550 would be a superb vehicle, either solo or as a tug. Off-road it'd be a bloody nightmare, because when you WANT the tail to get loose and swing out and around so you're pointing in another direction, the silly thing goes and fixes that for you.

Still, for the market the 550 is aimed at, it's just right (my opinion). Given its price tag, it is doubtful they've aimed it at the paddock bashers or those that want to do some rock climbing in it.

It was amusing that the "VCD Off" button only really lit a light on the dash, it didn't turn off the stability control!