Australia’s small SUV segment has become
the battleground to watch, and although volume in that segment for the first
six months of 2017 is down on last year by around 6%; the competitors fighting
it out for market share represent the most popular brands in the SUV segment.
As Subaru launches its updated XV, it
crosses swords with the big boys – Mitsubishi, Mazda, Honda and Nissan. The ‘new’
XV offers lots of benefits in quietness, rigidity and handling, because it’s
built on Subaru’s first new vehicle architecture in 20 years – the Subaru
Global Platform (SGP) – which is also found on the Levorg and the latest
Imprezza.
However, despite a real upgrade to the
interior, more interior room and a boost in engine output – it’s got a big job
ahead in facing off to the segment leaders.
In order, they are: Mitsubishi ASX; Mazda
CX-3; Honda HR-V and the Nissan Qashqai.
The Subaru bests most of its
competitors, because of its well-sorted all-wheel-drive configuration, while
many of the competition are just Front-Wheel-Drive.
But, although the XV showed itself very
capable off road, during a short trek off the bitumen, I’m certain the latest
Subaru crossover will mostly be seen in shopping centres.
Then again, there’s a couple of spoilers in
the mix. First, and surprisingly, the FIAT 500X, which is enjoying a 78% boost
in sales to the half year.
Toyota has also thrown its hat into the
ring with its strikingly unique C-HR, which has bolted out of the starting
gate. It seems as though the small SUV audience likes the bold design of the Toyota
newcomer.
Even five years ago it would have been hard
to see the growth which this segment is enjoying now. Sure, the
established players were much larger vehicles, but the Australian market shows a definite preference for these smaller urban-friendly crossovers.
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