The SUV Craze

SUV fashion is on the rise. In Spain, this category of cars has taken 20% of the total market in the last quarter, if we add acquisitions and rental contracts.

This trend appears to be global and manufacturers are adapting to meet the high demand. Half touring and half off-road, this type of model is defining an era.

The years 2015 and 2016 were periods in which the sales of these SUV models climbed rapidly. We were able to see a sales increase of 45% and 30%, respectively.

Currently, a good portion of consumers are betting on Sport utility vehicles (SUVs). What is behind this trend?

Do you know what an SUV is?

Design, practicality and cost are three of the reasons that justify the future dominance of these models on motorways. But we cannot understand this phenomenon if we do not first analyze the essence of the SUV; basically, this car is halfway between a traditional touring and an off-road vehicle.

The end result is a compact and lightweight sporty design that allows us to ride both in the country and in the city. It is defined as ‘utilitarian’ because it serves us in our daily lives and also on vacation trips. Also, the whole family can go inside.

The technological innovation of these models originated in the decade of the 80 ‘was its chassis with monocoque; Today, this technique is the one that dominates in automotive engineering. In addition, its all-wheel drive system – if it has one – allows good performance on difficult terrain.

The fashion of the SUV : a representation of modernity

The fashion of the SUV is explained because its functionality fits very well with the realities of the man of the present. A 21st century professional needs a car to travel short distances to work.

In addition to urban travel, you also need security and spaciousness to travel roads during your getaways and vacations. The SUV is the one that can best fulfill both facets.

In terms of price, the cheapest SUVs could be between 20,000 and 35,000 euros. This price is more affordable for a young professional with a wife and children than other options. Maintenance costs are also sustainable.

At present, this type of car comes to be something like the model of the middle class. And in fact, its models mostly belong to segments C and D in the car classification. Both categories obey to vehicles destined for family transport.

It all started with the Nissan Qashqai revolution

2013 was the reveal year for the Nissan Qashqai and all other SUVs in Europe. It was in this annual period when the car broke all records by exceeding 16,000 registrations.

These numbers were ratified and improved the following year (2014), when more than 17,000 sales were achieved. The success of this product motivated all manufacturers to include an SUV in their offer ; even high-end brands had to adapt to this new consumption pattern.

The offer of this product has evolved and now there is a great variety of very attractive proposals. For 2018, models such as the Audi Q3, the BMW X1, the Citroën C4 Aircross, Ford Kuga, among others, stand out ; it is evident that the offer has been diversified in the interest of consumers.

SUV specific advantages

• Good internal space: the SUV is a car designed for spaciousness and comfort ; for this reason, manufacturers make sure to maintain a good space for luggage storage.

• They adapt to rough terrain: their suspension is designed to resist bottom shocks and the traction allows you to grip on slippery floors.
• Low consumption:  its light structure and the design of its engines ensure low fuel consumption for its drivers. That is why they are ideal for moving around the city.

All of the above would explain why one in four Spanish drivers prefers one of these sport utility vehicles. The truth is that this trend continues to rise and its dominance in the automotive market is expected to be much broader.