Trend toward smaller SUVs

By Thomas Geiger Dec 21, 2011, 3:07 GMT

Tokyo/Los Angeles - The recent big motor shows in Tokyo and Los Angeles show a clear trend toward smaller sports utility vehicles (SUVs) that combine all the practical advantages of a station wagon with a snazzy look.

'The manufacturers have even managed to minimize one of the main disadvantages, like the high fuel consumption,' says Nick Margetts of the Jato Dynamics research institute, based in the German city of Limburg.

Large SUVs have always been at the receiving end of criticism because of their huge size, weight and high fuel consumption. Carmakers like VW reacted by building smaller SUVs, such as the Tiguan. Other manufacturers are now joining the trend.

In the past, a normal SUV was well above the price range of a normal sedan. Today the Dacia Duster is selling on the European market for just over 11,000 euros (14,338 dollars), the Fiat Panda 4x4 for 13,890 (18,100 dollars), the Suzuki Jimny for 14,990 (19,539 dollars) and the Skoda Yeti for 19,000 euros (24,766 dollars).

At the Tokyo Motor Show in early December, VW revealed a Cross Coupe that is slightly smaller than the Tiguan, but has a more sporty look than a conventional SUV. The concept comes with three engines.

The petrol engine has an output of 110 kilowatt/150 horsepower (kW/hp) while an electric motor of 40 kW/54 hp is linked to the front axle. If four wheel drive is required, another electric engine with an output of 85 kW/115 hp can be added.

The Cross Coupe is listed with a consumption of only 2.7 litres, which translates as 64 grammes per kilometre. In the purely electric mode it has a range of 45 kilometres and a top speed of 201 kilometres per hour.

While VW is unlikely to launch the car into serial production, Opel is going one step further.

'We will be showcasing a small SUV based on the Corsa early next year,' an Opel press spokesman confirmed. It will be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March and be in European showrooms shortly afterwards.

Italian manufacturer Fiat has meanwhile confirmed that it will be producing a 4x4 version of the new generation Panda. Audi is keeping its option open on producing a 4x4 version of the A1. Customers currently have the choice between a Q7, Q5 or Q3. Porsche is working on a 'baby' version of the Cayenne under the project name 'Cajun' with chief executive Matthias Mueller confirming that the car will be presented in 2013.

Other manufacturers are competing in the Tiguan range, with Ford presenting the new Espace in Los Angeles. It will be coming to Europe with lower fuel consumption as the new Kuga. Honda will be presenting in Geneva the new CR-V, unveiled in Los Angeles.

Mazda is launching early next year the CX-5. Based on the Mitsubishi ASX, Peugeot is launching the 4008 and Citroen the C4 Aircross. Both models will be making their debut in Geneva and be available early next year.

Meanwhile the bigger SUVs are a long way from dying out. Land Rover will soon be launching the new Range Rover and Mercedes the new generation GL. 'But the manufacturers are trying to deflect criticism of the big SUVs in presenting lightweight models with hybrid drive,' according to Margetts.