We have already talked about the market shifting to SUVs in recent years. But there is robust reasoning and demand behind this trend shift. People have started choosing SUVs & MUVs rather than hatchbacks & sedans for various reasons. Considering the Indian passenger vehicle market, these big cars are always a good choice. Let’s see why:
Status Symbols
Cars are more than just tools of transport; in India, they are more of a status symbol to showcase. There is no better choice than a big & bold SUV to exhibit in your driveway and show it off throughout. We all know how legendary cars like Scorpio, Endeavour & Fortuner still turn heads around wherever they go, regardless of the generation and year.
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In India, these are among the most popular SUVs, which work as a status symbol along with a practical car with loads of space and comfort. In the last few years, the sale of sport utility vehicles has grown significantly. In 2021, SUVs accounted for 38% of the passenger vehicles sold.
Road Presence
We all want a car with a robust road presence, and people give way to it. This is a non-negotiable characteristic of SUVs as the extensive design and big tyres contribute to a beastly road presence.
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Cars such as Scorpio and Safari & Thar have a massive fan following throughout the country. These icons have their families crazy for the cars as they have a lot to offer—the potential to tackle rough terrains and take the car anywhere with the same road presence and features.
Tackling bad roads
SUVs are taller and have a high stance as compared to other cars. They also have greater ground clearance, allowing them to tackle bad roads efficiently. When it comes to Indian roads, things are still under development, and you never know when you need to face potholes or deal with improperly built roads. Whether coping with daily potholes and bumps or some minor offroading during road trips, they can handle it seamlessly.
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In addition to facing challenging roads, we also have to deal with waterlogged roads in the monsoon. When it comes to the rainy season, we have to drive across flooded roads with invisible bumps & potholes, and only SUVs can make it through in one piece. Some cars, such as the examples mentioned earlier, are built on rigid ladder frames which can easily handle challenging terrains and the modern built & damping technology ensure none of these road conditions are carried forward to the cabin.
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When it comes to off-road enthusiasts, your SUV is the best companion you can have. Thar is the most loved & famous offroader in India, and we all know it can make it through with or without roads. These cars move through any terrain, be it snow or mud, without getting stuck. The technological additions, along with the robust build, allow them to pass through rugged terrains with stability and ease.
Durability
The next factor on the list is the durability of the cars. Indians have a slightly different way of usage, whether technology or cars. It inevitably gets a little rough, and SUVs are built to last through them. As they are built on a stronger & larger frame, they are able to carry more and face challenges better.
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Being utility vehicles, they are built to offer as much as possible for the customer. At times we can still see the first generation of Fortuner, Scorpio, Bolero, Thar & Endeavour cruising comfortably around the roads. The manufacturers build the cars, so they are passed on to generations with time.
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The generations have progressed through every technological update, but they still offer the same reliability. They are built to handle more wear & tear with time without affecting the cabin & performance of the car. With the latest technological developments and safety features such as ADAS, ESC, and airbags make them safe too. SUVs have a rigid build, and the old-school frame gives some more strength.
Practicality
We all wish to own our dream car someday, but we also know they are not practical. Possessing an extremely fast supercar in India is not practical. We do see them running on the roads, but they are not made for our road conditions. We all want a fast enough car with an extensive engine that caters to our daily needs & requirements.
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SUVs bring the best of both worlds to us. They have big engines with enough power & torque for every situation. They also are loaded with convenience features along with a spacious interior. We all need third-row seating when it comes to family road trips. Be it for luggage or seating; the extra row can always come in handy. As the engines are pretty potent, it does not matter, even if they are slightly overloaded, as these cars can pull through massive amounts of weight.
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With enough power, they can also help in towing other vehicles if they break down or get stuck. We have seen a lot of instances where small hatchbacks tend to get stuck in the mud after heavy rains. Overall, it makes sense to go for SUVs, and the current trend suggests the same. There are various options and sub-segments to choose from and find the right pick. Be it a compact, mid-sized or full-fledged SUV; all have their own advantages!
