When it comes to buying a new car, each customer has their own set of priorities. While some may look for comfort, others may prioritize on features like music system or a trustworthy engine that can last long. But most Indians when purchasing a new car, tend to choose SUVs over sedans. This rise in popularity of SUVs among Indians is because of various factors. Let’s explore why and the different models of SUVs that are currently in the Indian automobile market.
What is an SUV?
SUVs are basically a cross between a sedan and an off-roader. They are generally bigger, sturdier and feature higher ground clearance than regular sedans. SUVs are generally designed for long distance driving, and come with a higher seating position than sedans, which allows you to see better what’s around you, even in bad weather conditions. The SUV’s sturdiness and height makes it an excellent choice for driving on off-road terrains. It is an excellent choice for families with growing kids, as it provides more legroom and comfort than a sedan. So, next time you need to go camping, road trip or drive your kids to school in bad weather, an SUV can be a great option.
Why People Buy SUV in India?
As said above, the SUV is a mix between a sedan and an off-roader. But that’s not the only reason that makes it a desirable choice. These are the factors that make an SUV a more preferable choice among Indians. These factors also make SUVs a safer, more luxurious and a more convenient choice than a sedan for the Indian customers. Here are some of the reasons: – Better fuel economy – The SUV’s higher ground clearance and bigger size help in reducing the friction between the tires and the road, which leads to better fuel economy. – Better Handling – Usually, SUVs are fitted with bigger and better quality tyres than sedans, which aids better handling. This can be a great advantage for those living in hilly areas where the roads are uneven. – More Space – SUVs provide more space than sedans, making it a better choice for families with growing kids or for transporting passengers or luggage. – Better Suspension – Great suspension systems and ride quality are important for Indian customers who drive on bad roads on a daily basis. – Safety – SUVs provide better protection against head-on collisions compared to sedans.
There are many automakers in India that offer SUVs as part of their product offerings. Some of the most popular ones include Mahindra, Tata, Ford, Hyundai, Jeep, Honda, Nissan, Skoda, Toyota, and Volkswagen. Here’s a brief on the most popular SUVs currently offered by these brands: – Mahindra SUVs – The XUV 500 and the the Xylo are Mahindra’s most popular SUVs. The XUV 500 is the best-selling SUV in the Indian car market with over 100,000 units being sold so far. – Tata SUVs – The Hexa and the Tigor are Tata’s most popular SUVs. The Hexa was introduced in 2016 and has been one of the most popular SUVs in India since then. – Ford SUVs – Ford’s popular SUVs are the Endeavour and the EcoSport. The EcoSport, India’s first ever hybrid SUV, has been very popular among the Indian customers since its launch in 2018. – Hyundai SUVs – The Creta and the Tucson are Hyundai’s most popular SUVs. The Creta, which was launched in 2017, has been very popular in India, especially among the youth. – Jeep SUVs – The Compass and the Grand Cherokee are Jeep’s most popular SUVs. The Grand Cherokee is one of the oldest SUVs in the Indian car market and is still immensely popular among Indians. – Honda SUVs – The WR-V and the CR-V are Honda’s most popular SUVs. Both have been very popular in the Indian car market since their launch in 2018. – Nissan SUVs – The Terrano and the X-Trail are Nissan’s most popular SUVs. The Terrano was launched in 2017 and has been one of the top-selling SUVs in the Indian car market since then. – Skoda SUVs – The Kodiaq and the Octavia are Skoda’s most popular SUVs. Both have been very popular among Indians since their launch in 2017. – Toyota SUVs – The Fortuner and the Toyota Rav4 are Toyota’s most popular SUVs. The Fortuner has been one of the most popular SUVs in the Indian car market since its launch in 2016. – Volkswagen SUVs – The Tiguan and the Touran are Volkswagen’s most popular SUVs. Both have been very popular in the Indian car market since their launch in 2017.
Best Selling SUVs in India
– Mahindra XUV 500 – The XUV 500 has been the best-selling SUV in India for the last few years. It’s a rugged SUV that has a spacious cabin and features like a touchscreen infotainment system, climate control, and a reversing camera, making it a very luxurious car. – Ford Endeavour – The Endeavour, which was launched in 2015, is one the most popular SUVs in India, and is Ford’s best-selling SUV in the country. It is a rugged SUV that has a spacious cabin and features like automatic climate control, a touchscreen infotainment system, and a reversing camera, making it a very luxurious car. – Hyundai Creta – The Creta, launched in 2017, is one of the most popular SUVs in India. It is a spacious vehicle with a touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, and a reversing camera. It is also one of the most affordable SUVs in the Indian market. – Toyota Fortuner – The Fortuner has been one of the most popular SUVs in the Indian car market since its launch in 2016. It is a rugged SUV with a spacious cabin and features like a touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, and a reversing camera. – Honda WR-V – The WR-V, launched in 2018, is one of the most popular SUVs in India. It is a rugged SUV with a spacious cabin and features like a touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, and a reversing camera. It is also one of the most affordable SUVs in the Indian market. – Nissan Terrano – The Terrano, launched in 2017, is one of the most popular SUVs in India. It is a rugged SUV with a spacious cabin and features like a touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, and a reversing camera. – Volkswagen Tiguan – The Tiguan, launched in 2017, is one of the most popular SUVs in India. It is a rugged SUV with a spacious cabin and features like a touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, and a reversing camera.
Why Indians prefer SUV over Sedan?
The Indian customers are very protective about their family’s safety. They want a car that can provide maximum protection in any kind of condition. SUVs provide better safety compared to sedans because of their bigger size and higher ground clearance. – Sedans are quickly becoming obsolete, especially in India. With the rise of online shopping and e-commerce, the need for a car with a spacious cabin and enough legroom for large boxes is more in demand. This is one of the major factors behind SUV’s increasing popularity in the country. – The younger generation especially prefers SUVs over sedans because of the more luxurious, spacious, and tech-savvy interiors. – The rising fuel prices have made the Indian customers
