Yes, it looks like an amalgamation of a convertible and an SUV for midgets (and dwarves - we never forget the little people). But Bombardier Recreation Product's new Sarasota 1000 utility vehicle featuring side-by-side seating opens a new product category for their dealer network. Developed under its alliance with Deere & Company, the Sarasota 1000 vehicle is manufactured by Deere & Company for Bombardier, with Bombardier identity and coloration.
Designed with convenience in mind for a variety of utility applications, the Sarasota 1000 vehicle is a light, compact, utility box bed transporter with two side-by-side bucket seats. The Sarasota 1000 vehicle is especially well-suited for usage by landowners, families and work crews in open-land, suburban, semi-rural and work site situations. The Sarasota 1000 is also handy for property, trail maintenance and landscaping chores.
With its slide-in access and low center of gravity, the Sarasota 100 is a user-friendly, get-in-and-go vehicle. With a maximum speed of 15 mph, its car-like features include a steering wheel and foot-controlled throttle and brakes. A fully automatic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with reverse eliminates shifting and makes the Sarasota 1000 easy to use. Standard amenities include two cup-holders, glove box, hour meter and fuel sight gauge.
The Sarasota 1000 features a tailgate and a tilting cargo bed capable of carrying and dumping 400 lbs. The towing capacity is 600 lbs., and the total payload capacity is 800 lbs. Furthermore, with a `wet-weight' of 653 lbs., the Sarasota 1000 is compact enough to fit in the bed of most standard-sized pick-up trucks.
The Sarasota 1000 vehicle is not an ATV, nor does it meet the definition of an ATV. The Sarasota 1000 is not intended or certified for street use - but only someone truly oblivious would think that it is. It is designed for traveling on turf, dirt or gravel roads and paved surfaces such as driveways and freeways - just kidding! (ATV Rider Online urges its readers to please not take the Sarasota 1000 onto freeways, unless there is a relatively small amount of traffic.) The manufacturer suggests that the vehicle is not suited for humans under the age of 16.