Rogues in vogue

If you want to make a statement, there’s nothing better than flaunting an SUV. But, of course, to do that, you gotta splurge, says Ameya Bhise

Monster has a new moniker: SUV (sports utility vehicle). Powerful, brattish, even stylish, this brute has become the pet horse(power) for boosting the family’s status. As salaries bloat and the economy booms, you might just hear the vrroom vrroom of SUVs in your neighbourhood.

No wonder sellers are smiling: already, over a dozen brands have launched in India in the last couple of years and half a dozen more are queuing up. Yes, the SUV craze is driving Mumbai nuts.

Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty says his Hummer H2 is a superride, not just for the four-wheel drive, power and comfort, but also for style and attitude. “SUVs are a luxury within themselves; they have sporty looks and loads of attitude. The Hummer is bigger compared to any other SUV and it makes a tremendous style statement. Even the looks are a killer; it’s all steel and iron.”

Vikram Pandya, director of Pandya Roadlines, who recently bought the Pajero, is in complete awe of the 2.8L 8- valve engine that drives the monster. “It’s macho to drive an SUV. If there’s a sedan around, I can always give that ‘I can throw you off the road’ look to the driver,” says Pandya.

Dilawar Nensey, joint managing director of Royal Palms, who possesses a Porsche Cayenne, says: “SUVs are very stable cars and perfect drives with higher ground clearance. You don’t have to be extra cautious while driving an SUV; in a sedan you always have the fear of someone scratching you.”

Says S Vasudevan, managing director of Ozone Properties, who recently bought a 350bhp, V8 Audi Q7. “Considering the conditions of Indian roads, an SUV is a perfect fit. The Audi Q7 is roomy and is comfortable for long drives.

Says Adman Prahlad Kakkar, who owns a Hyundai Tucson with a turbocharged CRDi diesel engine, “I prefer an SUV as it is a solid offroad vehicle and I travel a lot. For many young people, owning an SUV is a macho thing, but for older people like me, who have enough hair on their chest, it is more of a comfort factor than a macho thing.”

Gurtaj Kahlon, managing director of Imkemex International, a chemical distribution company, recently bought the Mitsubishi Montero for its comfort factor. “I wanted a car that could handle not only potholes but also hilly terrain. This car can make its way through flooded roads easily,” says Kahlon.

Says Diwan Rahul Nanda, chairman and managing director of Tops Group, who owns a 6.0L V8 Hummer: “The Hummer is like the SRK of all cars. I always wanted a Hummer since the time I got into body-building and knew that Arnold (Schwarzenegger) drove a Hummer.”

The SUV market in India has also taken a big leap. “The utility vehicle market is 220,000 units now. I expect the segment to grow at 15 to 20 per cent a year,” says Abdul Majeed, partner, Price Waterhouse.

“The Indian consumer is evolving.  He is becoming more brand conscious, stylish and flamboyant. And, he wants a vehicle which best reflects his personality but will not compromise on style and comfort. So, SUVs are a perfect match,” says Vivek Nayer, vice-president, Mahindra & Mahindra.

Automobile designer Dilip Chhabria says: “The reason for SUVs’ popularity is that they are perched higher and give the feeling of being at the top while driving. Now, even the women prefer SUVs as they want to show they are strong. They give a feeling of owning the road.”

As Srinivas Krishnan, an auto editor, says: “An SUV is beyond just a transport vehicle. People want to be seen in a big machine.”