The popularity of SUVs and compact crossovers has been a boon for many carmakers, but they’ve also caused increased pollution, congestion and fuel consumption.
It’s easy to sell the idea of an SUV to a regular motorist. Many like the thought of a rugged vehicle – something with a tall stance and bulky body. It probably makes drivers feel like they can go anywhere and do anything. Many SUV fans also say that being in a bigger car gives them more confidence because they are less likely to be “bullied” by other drivers.
But unless you regularly go off-roading (which means heading into forested/inhospitable areas filled with bugs, leeches and mosquitoes the size of small birds), I don’t see the point of owning an SUV.
An SUV’s tall stance gives you a better view of the road ahead. But its bulky body doesn’t just mean decreased manoeuvrability – it also means bigger blind spots. One might argue that blind spot monitoring systems can counter this. But drivers should not become too reliant on technology. Your skills and instincts should still be the first line of defence.
SUVs with all-wheel-drive are also unnecessary here. Yes, having such a system is reassuring during thunderstorms. But in most, if not all driving situations in Singapore, a front-wheel-drive or rear-wheel-drive car is more than adequate. All-wheel-drive means more grip, but it also means poorer fuel economy.
If money is no object, then by all means, get yourself an SUV. But even the wealthiest driver would get annoyed if he constantly had to feed his thirsty SUV. Fuel costs matter to most motorists. If you’re keen to save, forget about an SUV.
SUVs contribute to more traffic congestion, too, because they occupy more road space. Their larger mass means greater inertia, which in turn means they’ll move off and accelerate slower than smaller cars.
If you’re a jungle-basher, an SUV is for you. If you’re a concrete jungle-dweller, you should definitely consider a more practical and efficient vehicle.
