SUVs were known as 4x4s and they were only owned by people who enjoy driving on rough terrains and needed a rugged four-wheel drive vehicle. In the 90s, SUVs known as ‘soft off-roaders’ were introduced and it has become a trend among Malaysians these days.
Most SUVs in urban areas are front-wheel drive like regular cars. It feels like driving a taller sedan or wagon. If you’re wondering why SUVs are becoming increasingly popular, here are a few reasons.
1. SUVs Have a Larger Space & Are More Practical
The average car buyers in Malaysia prefer spacious cars. Most mid-size and compact SUVs have more cargo volume and flexibility than most sedans on the market.
Because of that, buyers tend to go for the type of vehicle that has what they need, even if they don’t really need it.
2. Most SUV Owners Are Seniors
In Malaysia and most foreign countries, most SUV owners consist of older people aged between 40 to 60 years old. Most sedans and hatchbacks these days are quite low (example: Honda Civic) so it’s difficult to get in and out if you’re old. In addition, it also makes it difficult for children to get in and out of the car seat.
That’s why many parents tend to choose SUVs. The longer doors and higher seats as well as roof make for better access to the rear seats, making life easier for them.
3. Higher Driving Position
SUV drivers like the high driving position because it has all-round visibility, making it easier to drive around traffic or avoid other obstacles on or off the road. In fact, the high driving position also makes you feel safer.
4. Stylish Design
Style is very important for most individuals, especially in the social media age where many are actively showing off their ‘stylishness’. Furthermore, most Malaysians are easily influenced by image or brand factors. If you drive an MPV, you definitely have a soccer mom or soccer dad vibe, but this is not the case if you drive an SUV, since it looks more rugged and stylish.
Statistics from the Malaysian Automotive Association in 2019 show that SUVs accounted for almost 25% of the total number of private vehicles of 270,875 units recorded during the period. The SUV market share for the first six months of 2018 was only 14%.
MPV sales declined by 32.6% or 10,059 units to 20,757 vehicles in the January-June period compared to 30,816 in the same period in 2018. MPVs only accounted for 7.7% of the passenger car market for the first half of 2019 (1H19), a significant decline compared to their 11.8% market share.
5. SUV Prices Are More Competitive
The old ‘one-size-fits-some’ approach of SUVs has been replaced by more specific markets by car manufacturers. Now, if you want an SUV or a crossover, there are plenty of segments and spec options to fit almost any budget you have. If brand new SUVs are too pricey for you, there are also plenty of used SUV options on the market.
Conclusion
Nowadays, vehicle manufacturers design SUVs by taking some of the features and equipment from hatchbacks, sedans, wagons, and off-road vehicles to create an SUV with an attractive package and style.
This trend is not only going on in Malaysia, but all over the world. The question is, how long will this trend last before buyers hop on to another trend? Let’s wait and see.
If you’re looking for quality pre-owned SUVs that have been inspected thoroughly and refurbished to ensure safety beyond standards, complete comfort, and a refurbished aesthetics, check out CARSOME Certified SUVs here.
This article is written based on the “5 Sebab Kenapa SUV atau Crossover Lebih Baik Dari Sedan untuk Rakyat Malaysia!” article that was published at wapcar.my.
