What makes an SUV stand out from the crowd?

The year 2012 proved to be the landmark year for the SUV market in the country. Before 2012, the best SUV cars in India were more of station wagons or light trucks which were ruggedly built, difficult to drive, hard to manoeuvre and gas guzzlers with very inefficient engines. It was the Renault DUSTER that changed this image and the customer perception of an SUV in India.  


Today, the SUV market has evolved so much that it ranks as the 2nd largest segment of passenger cars with close to 40% market share. While the hatchbacks still dominate as far as numbers are concerned, it is the SUV category that is seeing all the action. 


Renault Captur


Here’s what makes an SUV a better deal when compared to a conventional hatchback or sedan:


  • Rugged look

The predecessor of the modern SUV was launched in the 1930s as a car for the military. They required a vehicle that was good on-road and equally good off-road. Since there was no other utility for such a car besides being a defence personnel carrier, it was made very rugged. The modern-day SUV has retained the rugged look and some other features of this defence personnel carrier.  


  • High ground clearance

Since the car was meant to go off-road also, high ground clearance was a very important feature. Even in modern SUVs, this is one of the most prominent features.   


  • Spacious cabin space

In those days, the car was meant to transport soldiers and their equipment over difficult terrain on the battlefield. Hence it was designed to be spacious on the inside but was decorated with only bare essentials. However, since the modern SUV is a passenger carrier, it retains the roominess but is also thoughtfully done to provide ample storage space for keeping all life essentials. 

  • Comfort & convenience

Unlike its predecessor which was designed as a simple yet rugged box on wheels, today’s SUV oozes of comfort and convenience. Wide doors, spacious seats, ergonomically designed cabin, latest audio-visual aids, reliable engine and excellent suspension have now become the trademark of an SUV. 

 

  • Safety

As technology evolved and new inventions were made in the automobile and passenger safety, the SUV started featuring all of them. Be it the passenger air-bags, ABS with EBD, monocoque design, parking sensors, etc, all are now found as standard features in most SUVs. 


New Renault Duster


Today, the best SUV cars in India are the likes of Toyota Fortuner, Tata Harrier, Hyundai Creta, Maruti Suzuki Breeza, Ford EcoSport, Tata Nexon, Renault CAPTUR and of course the car that started it all, the Renault DUSTER. 


Recently, Renault launched the BS6 compliant version of the DUSTER. This upgraded version is now loaded with more features than before and bolder in terms of its overall design and is all set to rule the Indian roads and off-road all over again. 


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