Thomson – “India's obsession with the SUV continues unabated.”
Thompson – “To be precise, India's obsession with the SUV body style continues unabated.”
I shall not cite any numbers or data as they will be dated by the time you read this. The "SUV" craze is really something to not only be amazed by but also to question. Why have we suddenly taken to this body style, or shape, over the last ten-odd years? Right from the tiniest of entry-level cars like the Kwid and S-presso to the most humongous...it is the SUV that rules. At the latest Bharat Mobility Global Show in January, there was even an electric scooter being advertised as "the SUV of scooters". What makes this shape tick?
Our roads
Their quality changes as frequently as dialects every few kilometres. It is the safest to travel in something higher. While we build new roads, old ones fall into disrepair. While we budget for new infra, we keep very little for refurbishing the old ones. The toniest of condominiums and colonies become islands every monsoon. Hence, we need to sit high. But that is not all...
Our egos
We do not sit high only for safety but also for stature. The shape is closest to the horse carriage of royalty, in its posture and commanding position looking down upon others on the road. It allows us to bully our way through the toughest of traffic situations. Brawn rules, under the garb of "I feel safer."
Our shapes
Yes, our own body shapes are resembling the SUV body shape. Am I body shaming? I am body blaming. Obesity is a global malaise and we, given our cuisine, cannot stay sterile. It is easy for the bulkier Indian to get in and out of the SUV shape. No stooping down. No squeezing out. Also, to be fair, it suits the older generation much better ergonomically.
Our wanderlust
Remember the quips about the Bengali in his monkey cap in Kashmir or the Sardar on the moon! Earlier the urge to go on a long drive or a long-weekend trip was restricted due to the lack of purchasing power. That is not an issue any more. Giving wings to one's wanderlust needs a vehicle that allows the freedom of movement. The SUV body style allows that, in the stance of sitting high, greater ground clearance and open access to the boot.
Will this trend remain?
It certainly shall, as long as the above reasons remain relevant in decision-making. The coming of electrification actually helps reduce the 'guilt' of driving vehicles that burn much more fossil fuel than sedans and hatchbacks. Also, lightweighting will help matters more. So, this is not a temporary fad but a long-term trend, much to my irritation. After all, what is the point of moving around in a hatchback on steroids passing off as a faux "SUV"? Not my style at all.
Author: Avik Chattopadhyay
Chairperson XADM (XLRI Centre for Automobile Design & Management)
Founder INDEA (Indian School for Design of Automobiles)
Disclaimer: These are the personal opinions of the author
