“SUV”. This seems to be the only word on the majority of car buyers’ minds these days. Gone are the days when hatchbacks were budget-friendly, sedans were elegant and luxurious, and SUVs were “too big, too expensive”. People have realized the benefits of owning an SUV, and the sales numbers support the same. Today, SUVs are selling not only more than Sedans, but also more than Hatchbacks in some cases! Let’s dissect this statement a bit more today.
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Why the sudden love for SUVs
As compared to a sedan, or a hatchback, an SUV is much more spacious in most cases. The higher up seating position makes the driver and the passengers feel like they are sitting in a much larger vehicle. The higher ground clearance makes it much more practical for Indian road conditions. The height also eases the process of getting in and out of the car, especially for the taller folks! Most SUVs are also heavily loaded with features nowadays. Segment features like a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, and ADAS, things like these have come into SUVs first.
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What is pushing these sales numbers?
Manufacturers have also realized that SUVs are selling like hotcakes, and they’re coming up with more and more options every year. As of now, the number of SUVs one can buy under Rs. 20 Lakhs is astonishing. 10 years ago, no one would have believed that an SUV would be so accessible for the common man. Even for segments where hatchbacks used to be dominant, SUVS like the Nissan Magnite and Tata Punch have started winning over buyers.
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The Emotional factor!
In the last couple of years, Indian brands Tata and Mahindra have witnessed immense support from both, existing and potential customers. This mainly started after the “Vocal for Local” movement began in 2020. People also realized that Indian cars were much safer and better built than cars from other manufacturers. Now, since Tata and Mahindra primarily sell only Sport Utility Vehicles, buyers automatically rolled over to this segment.
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Is an SUV really better than a Sedan or a Hatchback?
Well, that really depends on one’s preference. However, in general, if a vehicle in a similar price range can offer a bit more space and a more commanding position, it is a slightly better deal. As compared to hatchbacks, we can clearly say that a mini-SUV is a much better option. For sedans vs the big ones, the only thing that matters here is personal preference.
