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Overview of the SUV market in the UK by brand

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15 July 2016

 SUV guide to the market

Felipe Munoz of JATO pickups
Felipe Munoz of JATO Dynamics

A review by Felipe Munoz, Global Automotive Analyst at JATO Dynamics.

OUR SUV guide first looks at how the SUV market features in the UK new car market that achieved its best ever performance in 2015 at 2.63 million units; it was the best result since 2003 and the fourth consecutive year of positive growth that allowed the UK to keep its position as the second largest market in Europe.

Most of the growth is explained by the sales boom of SUV/crossovers that took not only the UK but Europe and many other regions by storm.

For the first time in the history of the British car market, the SUV/crossovers became the best-selling segment outselling the traditional subcompact and compact segments.

Last year SUV registrations accounted for almost 24% of the total, posting an impressive positive growth of 26% over 2014 volumes, totalling 630,400 units.

It was the highest increase among all segments and it was significantly higher than those posted by subcompacts (+4%) and compacts (+3%).

The evidence shows that it was not a passing trend as annual figures indicate that the SUV registrations have been continuously gaining share since 2008 and driving a big part of the industry’s growth.

Before the results seen in 2015, the last record year was in 2003 when 2.58 million units left the UK’s dealers.

By that year SUV segment counted for 6.2% of the total with only 24 brands and 44 models registering more than one unit sold.

More favourable economic factors such as lower oil prices and the growing appeal of SUV benefits have played a part in the success of the segment and which can also be explained by a wider range of brands, models and even sizes.

During the next three years the total market decreased at an annual average rate of 3% but the SUV segment managed to increase its share up to 7.7% in 2006.

The segment declined during the period 2008-2011 when the total across all vehicle types was short of two million units, but at the same time the SUV registrations continued to grow up to 250,800 units in 2011, commanding a 13% market share.

Their share growth hasn’t stopped since thanks to double-digit percentage growth each year leaving the market for more traditional vehicle types with smaller market share with registrations falling 17% between 2015 and 2003.

More favourable economic factors such as lower oil prices and the growing appeal of SUV benefits have played a part in the success of the segment and which can also be explained by a wider range of brands, models and even sizes.

Last year there were more than 80 models that registered at least one unit sold coming from four sub-segments: the small, compact, midsize and large SUV.

The compacts are the first by volume with 257,500 units in 2015, up by 9% over 2014.

However the small SUV posted the highest volume increase passing from 156,600 units registered in 2014 to 210,900 one year later.

Meanwhile the midsize SUV posted the highest percentage increase (+77%). The consumer has now more choices and many brands are joining the party with updated versions and all-new models.

That’s the case of recently launched Fiat 500X and Ford Ecosport (small), the Renault Kadjar and new Hyundai Tucson (compact), the Land Rover Discovery Sport and Mercedes GLC (midsize), or the new Volvo XC90 and Audi Q7 (large).

SUV market forecast for 2016

According to our forecasting partner LMC Automotive, UK total new car market will remain strong at just over 2.6 million units (+0.4%).

Within this context SUV registrations will continue to grow but at lower rates with total volume reaching 647,000 units, up by 2.7% from 2015 volume.

The segment will benefit from new arrivals such as the new Audi Q1, Bentley Bentayga, Ford Edge, Infiniti QX30, Maserati Levante, the Jaguar F-Pace and a new compact SUV from Seat.

Our SUV guide to the market by brand

SPORTS utility vehicles – SUVs – are the fastest-growing sector in the UK market and across Europe. Which SUV is on your shopping list? Our definitive SUV guide to the market by brand for 2016.

Audi

SUV guide to the market
Audi RS Q3

There’s an Audi Q SUV for almost every sector of the market.

Starting with the Q3, pictured above in sporty RS mode, it’s offered with a choice of petrol and diesel engines. Only the 1.4 TFSi petrol is offered in a two-wheel drive version. Launched in 2011, it received a light face-lift in 2015.

Then there is the mid-sized Q5, that’s four-wheel drive only and offered with one petrol and four diesels. Launched in 2008, an all-new Q5 is expected in 2017.

Replaced just last year is the range-topping Q7. Lighter and more efficient than the model it replaced, there is the choice of two versions of the 3.0-litre TDI diesels. Launched in 2015, an emission-busting hybrid version is expected in the summer.

An all-new baby Q2 model debuted at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, with a new Q4 model, slotting below Q5, expected in 2017.

Bentley

The Volkswagen-owned iconic British luxury brand goes Range Rover chasing.

The result is the Bentayga. Recently launched, there is just one petrol engine with four-wheel drive available.

BMW

SUV guide to the market by brand for 2016
BMW X4

Audi‘s Q badging denotes its SUVs, but BMW has the letter X to mark its off-roading vehicles.

First up is the compact X, the X1, powered by a range of petrol and diesel engines. All but the entry-level 18d have the xDrive all-wheel drive system. Launched in 2015, this second-generation version is not due a refresh anytime soon.

Next is the mid X – the X3. Each version has the xDrive all-wheel drive system, with diesel-only engine choices. Launched in 2010, this second-generation X3 was face-lifted in 2015.

The X4 is for those who want an X3 coupe and is also xDrive only, with the same choice of engines. Launched in 2014, the X4 is due a refresh in 2017.

The X5, which started the big SUV boom in the late 90s, is now in its third generation. All are fitted with xDrive all-wheel drive. The current car was launched in 2013, again due a refresh around 2017.

The X6 is the bigger brother of the X4 and basically a coupe version of the X5, with the same range of petrol and diesel engines, plus standard four-wheel drive. Launched in 2014, like the X5, it’s due to be refreshed in 2017.

Future models include a possible i-electric version of the X5, alongside an all-new big brother to the X5 – the X7.

Dacia

Renault’s budget brand, but the Duster is the SUV choice.

The tough and capable Duster is sold in two and four-wheel drive versions, with petrol and diesel power. Launched in 2012, the Duster was mildly face-lifted in 2013.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

Fiat:

New to the SUV market, Fiat offers the pumped-up 500X

The 500X is a scaled up 500 super mini, with five-door practicality. Available with a choice of petrol and diesel engines, plus two- and four- wheel drive. Launched in 2015, there are no face-lift plans anytime soon.

Jeep:

SUV guide to the market by brand for 2016
Jeep Renegade

The iconic American off-road brand goes from strength to strength, under Italian ownership.

The distinctive Renegade is the Jeep entry point to the range. Offered with petrol and diesel power, two and four-wheel drive versions are available. Launched in March 2015, no face-lift is expected any time soon.

Inspired by the original Willys Jeep, the Wrangler is four-wheel drive only, with diesel power and the choice of three and five-door models. Launched in 2006, a new model due in 2016.

Cherokee is Jeep’s mid-size challenger, sold with petrol and diesel power and two and four-wheel drive. Launched in 2013, the Cherokee is due a face-lift in 2016.

The Grand Cherokee is Jeep’s range-topper. Four-wheel drive only, there’s a choice of petrol and diesel power. Launched in 2011, it will be face-lifted in 2016.

Ford

SUV guide to the market by brand for 2016
Ford Edge

For the moment Henry is just offering the Ecosport and Kuga for SUV fans.

The Ecosport is the baby, based on current Fiesta underpinnings. Two-wheel drive only, the Indian-built SUV is available with a choice of petrol and diesel engines.

The Kuga is Ford’s spacious mid-size SUV. The Kuga, available with front or four-wheel drive with a choice of petrol and diesel engines, is being launched with a facelift and more driver-aiding technology in 2016.

Future Ford SUV plans revolve around the launch of the bigger Edge SUV, arriving in late 2016.

Honda

Honda has heritage in the SUV market, with the popular HR-V and CR-V launched back in the nineties.

The HR-V is the baby, with two-wheel drive and the choice of petrol and diesel power. Launched in 2014, a face-lift is due in 2017.

Big brother the CR-V is practical and well-equipped. There’s the choice of petrol and diesel power for this Honda, plus front- and four-wheel drive. Launched in 2012, the CR-V received a thorough face-lift in 2015.

Hyundai

SUV guide to the market by brand for 2016
Hyundai Tucson

Style plus generous levels of standard kit and that long warranty keep buyers coming back to Hyundai SUVs.

The sharp-looking Tucson is the ix35 replacement. Available with the choice of diesel and petrol engines and two and four-wheel drive. Launched in 2015, there are no plans for a face-lift.

The Tucson’s big brother is the Santa Fe. It is offered with four-wheel drive and diesel power only. Launched back in 2012, the Santa Fe is due a light refresh in 2016.

Infiniti

SUV guide to the market by brand for 2016
Infiniti QX30 – click for more

Infiniti has attracted the attention of SUV buyers with its distinctive designs and the British-built Q30 has fuelled the premium brand’s sales success in the UK and abroad this spring..

The QX50 is four-wheel drive only and available with petrol and diesel power. Launched in 2013, the QX50 will receive a face-lift in 2016.

The QX70 is interesting to look at and backed up by powerful petrol and diesel power. Launched in 2013, the QX70 will be face-lifted in 2017.

Jaguar

SUV guide to the market by brand for 2016
Jaguar F-Pace – click for more

Historic British luxury car brand wades into the luxury SUV market and the F-Pace launched this year is the result.

Sharp looks, a great drive, a premium package and capable off-road, the F-Pace has every reason to do well.

Four-wheel drive with a two-wheel option, the F-Pace is available with petrol and diesel power.

 Kia

SUV guide to the market by brand for 2016
Kia Sportage – click for more

The Korean Hyundai sub-brand has turned its image and models around since the beginning of the noughties. The Sportage and Sorento are justifiably popular.

Assertively-styled Sportage offers improvements to quality and equipment. Petrol and diesel versions are available; with the choice of two and four-wheel drive. Latest version just launched in 2016.

Sorento is Kia’s biggest SUV. Just the 2.2-litre CRDi diesel engine is available with four-wheel drive. Launched in 2015.

Land Rover

SUV guide to the market by brand for 2016
Land Rover Discovery Sport – click for more

Think SUV or off-roader and Land Rover is the brand that immediately springs to mind.

Discovery Sport offers seven-seat practicality; it’s only available with diesel power and four-wheel drive. Launched in 2014, there are no face-lift plans due.

Defender is the original Land Rover, that’s only available with diesel power and four-wheel drive. Launched in 1948, the last Defender rolled off the production line earlier this year.

The Discovery is a fine on and off-roader. Just the 3.0 litre SDV6 engine is available, with four-wheel drive. Launched back in 2009, it will be replaced by an all-new model in 2016.

The stylish baby member of the Range Rover range is the Evoque. Only the 2.0 eD4 is available in two-wheel drive form, with three and five-door hatches available. Launched in 2011, it was lightly face-lifted late in 2015. With a new convertible version launched this year.

The Range Rover Sport sits between the Evoque and the Range Rover. Four-wheel drive only, it’s available with a choice of petrol, diesel and hybrid power. Launched in 2013, the Sport will be face-lifted in 2017.

The Daddy of the range is the Range Rover. Four-wheel drive only and offered with the choice of petrol, diesel and hybrid power, plus a choice of standard and long-wheelbase versions. Launched in 2013, the current Range Rover is due to be face-lifted in 2017.

Lexus

SUV buyers are well catered for at Lexus, with the RX and now baby NX models.

With a hybrid drivetrain option the NX offers something different for SUV buyers. There’s a choice of front and four-wheel drive, with petrol hybrid and petrol power. Launched in 2015.

The fourth-generation RX debuted at the end of 2015. Four-wheel drive only, there’s a choice of petrol and petrol hybrid power. Launched in 2015.

Mazda

Mazda offers the keendriving, fuel-efficient CX-3 and CX-5 SUVs.

CX-3 is a compact rival for the Nissan Juke and Renault Captur. Diesel and petrol versions with two and four-wheel drive are available. Launched 2015.

Mazda’s Nissan Qashqai and Ford Kuga rival is available with two or four-wheel drive and diesel and petrol power. Launched in 2012, the CX-5 was face-lifted in 2015.

Mercedes

SUV guide to the market by brand for 2016
Mercedes GLC

Mercedes probably have one of the most comprehensive ranges of SUVs – all starting with the letter G.

The GLA is the baby SUV rival for the Audi Q3 and BMW X1. Offered with petrol and diesel power, with four-wheel drive only, it was launched in 2014, with a face-lift due in 2017.

GLC takes on the established Audi Q5 and BMW X3. Available with diesel power and four-wheel drive only, it was launched in 2016.

GLE is the new name for the ML Class. Petrol, hybrid and diesel versions of this four-wheel drive are available. Launched 2015.

Mercedes’ rival to the BMW X6 is the GLE Coupe. Like the GLC, it’s four-wheel drive only, with the choice of petrol and diesel power.

The G-Class is the iconic Mercedes SUV that refuses to die. Four-wheel drive only, there’s diesel and petrol power. Launched in 1972, a face-lift is due in 2016.

Biggest Mercedes SUV is the GLS-Class, with petrol and diesel versions of this four-wheel drive available. Launched in 2012, it has been face-lifted and renamed in 2016.

MINI

SUV guide to the market by brand for 2016
MINI Countryman – click for more

MINI is the home for the fun, funky and popular Countryman and Paceman SUVs.

Countryman offers five-door practicality, with two and four-wheel drive versions available. Launched in 2010, face-lifted in 2014 and an all-new Countryman will debut in late 2016.

Paceman is the coupe version of the Countryman and offers similar engine and drive options to the Countryman. Launched in 2012, it was face-lifted in 2014.

Mitsubishi

Innovative Japanese brand with much more to offer than just the Shogun!

Outlander offers a practical and efficient SUV alternative. There’s a choice of two and four-wheel drive, with diesel and petrol hybrid versions. Launched in 2012, it was face-lifted in 2015.

Shogun has real off-road appeal and is offered as a four-wheel drive with diesel power in three and five-door versions. Launched in 2006, an all-new Shogun is due in 2017.

Nissan

SUV guide to the market by brand for 2016
Nissan Qashqai

One of the manufacturers responsible for the SUV/crossover revolution in the noughties, with the Qashqai, Nissan is still strong with the Juke and X-Trail stablemates.

Juke is the baby and offered with the choice of petrol and diesel power, plus two and four-wheel drive. Launched in 2011, an all-new second-generation Juke will be launched in late 2016.

Qashqai is one of the original crossover SUVs, with the choice of two and four-wheel drive, plus petrol and diesel power. Launched 2014.

Need a bigger Qashqai with seven-seats? Well, the X-Trail is what you need. It is available in two and four-wheel drive, with the choice of petrol and diesel power. Launched 2014.

Peugeot

Just the 208-based 2008 is on offer for Peugeot SUV fans. The 2008 is two-wheel drive only, with the choice of petrol and diesel power. Launched in 2013, there’s a face-lift planned for 2016.

Porsche

SUVs from Porsche are like their sports cars – great to drive.

The four-wheel drive Macan puts the Sport into Sport Utility Vehicle, with the choice of petrol and diesel power. Launched in 2014, it will be lightly face-lifted in 2016.

Cayenne is Porsche’s four-wheel drive SUV range-topper, with the choice of petrol, petrol hybrid and diesel power. Launched in 2011, the second-generation car was face-lifted in 2015.

Renault

SUV guide to the market by brand for 2016
Renault Kadjar

Renault has a two-pronged assault on the SUV market with the smaller Captur and Qashqai-based Kadjar.

Classy, practical and customisable, the Captur rivals the Juke. Two-wheel drive only, there’s the choice of petrol and diesel power. Launched in 2013, there are no face-lift plans due.

Kadjar is a lesson in how to improve an excellent SUV – with its Nissan underpinnings. There’s petrol and diesel power and the choice of two and four-wheel drive. Launched in 2015, there are no face-lift plans. Although an even larger, brother to Kadjar is due in 2017.

SEAT

SUV guide to the market by brand for 2016
SEAT Ateca – click for more

Can Volkswagen’s Spanish arm inject sportiness not seen in the compact SUV class, with the new Ateca?

Ateca not just a Spanish town, but SEAT’s new Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage rival launched at Geneva that arrives this September. There will be a choice of petrol and diesel engines, with two or four-wheel drive.

Skoda

Just the Yeti at the moment, but we’ve seen its big brother that will debut at the end of the year and there’s lots to look forward to. A ‘concept’ version – the Skoda VisionS – was debuted at Geneva and now the Kodiaq five- and seven-seater is raising its profile.

Yeti is great to drive on road, but quite capable off of it. There’s a choice of petrol and diesel engines, with two and four-wheel drive. Launched in 2009, it was face-lifted in 2013 and an all-new model is due in 2017.

SsangYong

The South Korean brand continues to go from strength to strength under Indian ownership.

Rivals the Dacia Duster in the value stakes, the Tivoli is spacious and modern and there is a choice of petrol and diesel models, with two and four-wheel drive. Launched 2015.

Korando is Ssangyong’s compact SUV rival. It is offered with petrol and diesel engines and the choice of two or four-wheel drive. Launched in 2010, it received Euro 6 engines in late 2015, but there are no plans for a face-lift.

Rexton is a capable SUV with seven-seats, that’s diesel and four-wheel drive only. Launched in 2012, like the Korando, it received Euro 6 engines in late 2015, but no face-lift.

Suzuki

Suzuki and small SUVs have fitted well together since the 70s.

The Vitara is Suzuki’s latest compact SUV. Petrol and diesel versions with two and four-wheel drive are available. Launched in 2015, there are no plans for a face-lift.

Toyota

Toyota has real heritage with SUVs, after all the Land Cruiser has been produced for over 60 years!

RAV4 is the smallest of Toyota’s SUVs, with a spacious interior. There’s a choice of petrol and diesel engines with two or four-wheel drive. Launched in 2013, face-lift and hybrid models will go on sale in spring 2016.

The capable Land Cruiser is in its eighth incarnation since 1951. There is choice of three and five door versions, both with diesel power. Launched 2007, it was face-lifted in 2015.

Vauxhall

SUV guide to the market by brand for 2016
Vauxhall Mokka – click for more

Vauxhall offers a competent range of SUV models to go alongside its popular cars.

The Mokka is Vauxhall’s compact SUV. Offered with two and four-wheel drive, it is powered by either petrol or diesel engines. Launched in 2012, a face-lifted Mokka with a new name (Mokka X) will debut at Geneva (March).

Antara is a high-value rival for the Toyota RAV4. Just four-wheel drive models, powered by the 2.2 CDTi diesel, are available. Launched in 2006, it was face-lifted in 2010.

Volkswagen

Like their cars, Volkswagen SUVs are proving to be desirable alternatives to premium opposition.

The current Tiguan is attractive and well-made. A choice of two and four-wheel drive versions powered by the 2.0-litre TDI diesel are available. Launched in 2009, it was face-lifted in 2011 and an all-new model is due in spring 2016.

Touareg is Volkswagen’s four-wheel drive only Audi Q7-rival. It is only available with a 3.0-litre V6 TDi diesel engine. Launched in 2011, the second-generation Touareg was face-lifted in 2014.

Volvo

SUV guide to the market by brand for 2016
Volvo XC90 T8 Momentum – click for more

The XC90 took Volvo from zero to hero in the SUV stakes. The smaller XC60 is also popular.

The Volvo XC60 is a keen alternative to the BMW X3 and Audi Q5. Available in two and four-wheel drive, the smaller Volvo SUV has petrol and diesel power. Launched in 2008 it was face-lifted in 2013.

XC90 MK2 showcases Volvo’s impressive four-wheel drive future. Petrol, petrol hybrid and diesel versions are available. Launched 2015.

 

 

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