Small SUV market to reach 2 million in 2018

With new models from volume brands Volkswagen, Hyundai and Kia joining the party, the small crossover/SUV market in Europe is expected to keep on expanding rapidly and break the 2 million barrier by next year, reports consultancy LMC Automotive.

Current market leaders are the Renault Captur and Peugeot 2008, which are being chased by the Fiat 500X, Suzuki Vitara, Ford EcoSport and Jeep Renegade. Steady-sellers are the Dacia Duster and Nissan Juke. The Opel/Vauxhall Mokka X is gaining momentum since its 2016 facelift and will get support from the Crossland X next summer.

Non premium brands depend on the success of these small SUVs, as they generate more margin than conventional subcompacts. On average, mini-SUVs carry a 25 percent higher price tag compared to that of a classic hatchback in the same segment (source: Jato Dynamics).

Remarkably, only 14 percent of subcompact crossovers are all-wheel drive. Petrol has taken the upper hand on diesel, the market share of which dropped to 47 percent last year.

Picture copyright: Opel, 2017