Sportsman ACE From Polaris May Open New Off-Road Vehicle Category

Beauty shot of the new Sportsman ACE from Polaris.

Beauty shot of the new Sportsman ACE from Polaris.

The overhead view shows the rider cockpit and overall narrowness of the vehicle.

The overhead view shows the rider cockpit and overall narrowness of the vehicle.

Polaris recently introduced the Sportsman ACE, an ATV/UTV hybrid vehicle that, if successful, could launch a whole new category of off-road vehicles. The Sportsman ACE is a single-passenger vehicle with a sit-in chassis. The design combines the small size, responsiveness and maneuverability of an ATV with the more comfortable rider position and safety features of a UTV. According to David Longren, vice president of Polaris’ Off-Road Division. “In creating the Sportsman ACE, we wanted to not only appeal to current off-road enthusiasts, but develop a vehicle that brings new customers to off-road recreation. We accomplished this by coupling an easy-to-use, nimble platform with a confident and secure ride that, together, provides drivers of all experience levels a new way to experience the outdoors.” Some of the key features of the vehicle include:

  • Trail-capable and easily-transportable 48 in. width
  • 10.25 in/26.04 cm of ground clearance and 9.5 in/24.1 cm of rear travel
  • Fully independent rear suspension (IRS) outfitted with performance, twin tube shocks featuring adjustable preload
  • 32 horsepower ProStar™ Electronic Fuel Injected Engine
  • ROPS cab frame
  • Bucket seat with three-point seatbelt
  • Integrated 2.8 gal/10.6 liter semi-dry, front storage compartment, and a high-capacity Lock & Ride® cargo box with rack extenders and rear tie down rails combine for 575 lbs of cargo capacity
  • 1,500 lb towing capacity
  • Polaris On-Demand True All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system
  • Optional roof, door, windshield, tires and other accessories
  • Winch ready

The MSRP for the base vehicle is $7,499 and it will be available in White Lightning at dealerships in February.

Learn more:  Polaris.com

Comment:  This is another example of why Polaris is the leader in this market. They continue to keep churning out new vehicles, whether slight variations of existing models to target sub-segments or improve performance in existing segments, or, as in the case Sportsman ACE, to break entirely new ground. From a marketing standpoint this vehicle could be very versatile in attracting a range of buyers. At such a low price point compared to UTVs it can definitely attract the buyer with less money to spend or someone who wants to try out trail-riding but is maybe reluctant to spend the money on a more expensive UTV. Thus the Sportsman ACE provides an entry point to new customers who can move into UTVs later.

It also offers riders who want access to narrow trails a more affordable alternative to some of the newer, narrower and pricey high-performance UTVs. While some areas of the country have wide-open trails, in many areas only vehicles the size of an ATV can access trails. Potentially existing UTV owners could also purchase a Sportsman ACE as a second vehicle for riding narrower trails or for solo riding. Another potential market could be farmers and other commercial users of ATVs looking for more comfort, safety and payload in a similarly priced vehicle. In the long term, this vehicle could become a replacement for the ATV category, offering a more comfortable and safer alternative to existing ATVs designs.

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