SUVs continue to sell well at dealerships with a rise of 40% in sales since 2011, according to the latest statistics by Roy Morgan research. In particular the figures show small SUVs amongst the most popular model.
In terms of what kind of vehicles these small SUV future buyers are looking at driving, 25.8% (approximately 50,000 people) will be stepping out of a small car, an increase of around 33,000 since 2011.
Since 2011, the proportion of Australia’s new car intenders considering or planning to purchase an SUV for their next vehicle has grown by more than 40%.
Small SUVs have experienced a big surge in popularity, with 180,000 potential car buyers now having one on their shopping list – up from 71,000 in 2011.
Among the models preferred by potential small SUV buyers, are the Hyundai ix35, Nissan Dualis (renamed the Qashqai in July) and Volkswagen Tiguan – with the Hyundai ix35 the big mover since 2011.
Jordan Pakes, industry director — automotive, Roy Morgan Research, says: “Over the last few years, the small SUV segment has been the fastest growing segment in terms of new vehicle sales; and with purchase consideration continuing to improve, this trend looks likely to continue.
“With a number of small SUVs on the market sharing platforms with their small/light car siblings, it appears that the allure of these generally ‘newer’, high-riding vehicles could be swaying some traditional small/city car buyers to consider an SUV instead,” Pakes says.
The proportion of motorists already behind the wheel of a small car or light/city car who are considering a small SUV for their next vehicle is also on the rise. As the graph below shows people moving from other cars towards the Small SUV has grown 5%.
What vehicles are ‘small SUV considerers’ currently driving? 2011 vs. 2014
With a number of new small SUVs set to launch in early 2015, including the anticipated Mazda CX-3 (pictured) and Honda HR-V (pictured), it looks likely that the popularity of this category will continue to rise over the next few years.
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