Why do you want to buy an SUV?

[Faisal]

The SUV market is booming in India, lead of course by compact SUVs like the Renault Duster and Mahindra Quanto. This segment has just started, there is a lot to come like the Ford EcoSport, Maruti XA Alpha, Jeep B segment SUV, Fiat 500X, etc. The crucial question though is, why do you want to buy an SUV? Now I can't answer for others, but some reasons I feel people run behind SUVs are -

1) Easy to get in and out - one has to crawl into a sedan or hatchback but one can simply walk into an SUV. Thus its easy on the knees.

2) Ground clearance - increase ground clearance means you don't have to worry about speed breakers and bad roads. Recently on the expressway I saw a half kms traffic jam at the toll booth. A Renault Duster get quickly turned left, went off the road and easily bypassed 300-metres of traffic.

3) 4-wheel drive - while most SUVs don't have 4-wheel drive and 90% owners of 4-wheel drive SUVs never go off-road, there is an advantage of having 4-wheel drive. One has more confidence in going over bad roads, although it is mostly psychological that having 4-wheel drive will ensure you are not stuck.

4) Bigger boot - a 5-seater SUV has comparably more boot space than a similarly priced sedan or hatchback!

5) Sense of pride - an SUV is a slightly bigger vehicle than say a sedan or hatchback, thereby offering a more commanding driving position and a sense of pride in traffic. Easier to scare taxis and rickshaws.

So what would be your reason to buy an SUV?

[Anupam]

Great thread Faisal. SUV's are definitely getting uber popular and a surprising number of people are buying them willy-nilly. I personally don't like SUV's so much. So I am listing reasons (advantages) why I may buy one in spite of not liking them -

1) Great Visibility - Sitting in an SUV you definitely have a better view of the road and see further, many times over the roofs of cars in front!

2) Ground Clearance - No need to explain!!

3) Feel - Not a very explainable thing, but an SUV feels very different to drive and makes you feel very different too. You sort of have a feeling of pseudo superiority

4) Space - Acres of space especially in something like a Scorpio or Safari or even the Quanto actually.

Many people like driving SUV's mainly for the 'FEEL' and because SUV's are not bullied by fellow motorists (aka public transport ones and others with fancy number plates!!). But personally i feel they are too heavy to drive, roll about too much, many have a bumpy ride and are not fun to drive.

Of course this can be a different discussion altogether though, but if I ever have to buy an SUV, the only one I crave to own is the Skoda Yeti. No other. Actually I'l buy the Yeti 2X4 anytime. I don't think i will ever need 4X4 and I like smaller vehicles than big ones. It is almost car like to drive and has a very distinctive personality. Tough but subtle. Adventurous without being very crude or utilitarian.

Its my personal opinion though! Others should chip in.

[Aariz]

Great Visibility - Sitting in an SUV you definitely have a better view of the road and see further, many times over the roofs of cars in front!

Feel - Not a very explainable thing, but an SUV feels very different to drive and makes you feel very different too. You sort of have a feeling of pseudo superiority

If I have to buy an SUV, I will go with these reasons Anupam has stated. One more reason to buy an SUV for me would be fatigue-free driving on long routes, which I have experienced on the Renault Duster, Tata Safari and Honda CRV. These SUVs provided me a good level of comfort with their impressive ride quality to clock big distances easily.

[Faisal]

Of course this can be a different discussion altogether though, but if I ever have to buy an SUV, the only one I crave to own is the Skoda Yeti. No other. Actually I'l buy the Yeti 2X4 anytime.

One of the most capable and practical SUV in the market today, is of course the Skoda Yeti. Sadly it never picked up in India because it never looked imposing enough. Skoda has realised that and the next gen Yeti will look bigger and butch. Remember people try to equate size to price ratio with SUVs and the Yeti fails on that front.

These SUVs provided me a good level of comfort with their impressive ride quality to clock big distances easily.

I second that, some how SUVs don't make you tired even on the longest of journey's, there is something about them. The bigger wheels and higher profile tyres also mean a better ride quality.

Which SUV would you like to buy guys, for use on Indian roads? I would prefer the Rexton for its good ride quality, easy to drive, automatic gearbox and big fuel tank.

[Anupam]

Hey guys. Since we are on the topic of "why SUV's", I found a rather funny video on youtube!! Watch it and you'll know what I mean



Cheers!

[Punter]

Nice thread Faisal.

I like SUVs for their high ground clearance, macho looks and very comfortable ride. The most important point no one messes with SUVs in city traffic which I noticed personally while driving Safari, Scorpio and Bolero.

The compact SUV segment will grow massivly withing 2-3 years in India.

I would like to own Ford Ecosport 1.0 EcoBoost Engine.

[Amish]

I would like to buy Mitsubishi Pajero Sport for its butch road presence, of road prowess and superior ride quality. But if you if live in a congested town like mine then probably you are better off with Duster, but still I would buy the 4x4 variant which is coming soon, this may sound cliche but SUV without 4x4 is like posing for a photoshoot by wearing tons of makeup to hide your look.

[Faisal]

This may sound cliche but SUV without 4x4 is like posing for a photoshoot by wearing tons of makeup to hide your look.

The truth is, that not even 5% people with 4-wheel drive cars ever use the 4-wheel drive or go off-roading. You are paying more for 4-wheel drive system which is heavier, reducing performance and mileage!?!

[Edd]

Hey Nice video Anupam. Got to give it to that SUV driver. But frankly SUVs are just over sized hatchbacks (you get my point). Don't really like them a lot, but recently compact SUVs have got hold of my attention due to smaller size and better comfort and drive ability than normal hatch backs are not road hogging monsters like full fledged SUVs. However, being said that, if I could I would buy a Hummer H2 SUV any day. It's looks are unlike any other SUV out there, it's a real machine!

[Amish]

The truth is, that not even 5% people with 4-wheel drive cars ever use the 4-wheel drive or go off-roading. You are paying more for 4-wheel drive system which is heavier, reducing performance and mileage!?!

Then what is the sense in badgeing it as SUV? Sports Utility Vehicle in my parlance means that a vehicle that can be used for adventure trips as well as town and country runs, I dont care about what the Indian customers buy but I know that still there are enthusiats who buy a 4x4 and dont mind losing even 15% in mileage.



Photo Source: The Automotive India

I know that you all know what 4x4 can do what but still in arm chair comfort of Tata Safari backseat and I can still do this.