Excellent vehicles in an expanding SUV market

Sport utility vehicles (SUVs) continue to make their way into popularity. With their capacities that suit on-road and off-road drives for traversing amidst challenging road and weather conditions; coupled with better visibility through higher seating and generous cargo and cabin spaces; and finished with sophisticated design, SUVs are turning heads in the automotive market today and likely in the years to come as well with more developments to take place in the segment.

Globally, the SUV market was valued at US$34.69 billion in 2021, according to Data Bridge Market Research. This is projected to reach US$105.25 billion by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate of 14.88% from 2022 to 2029.

The major factors seen to drive the growth of the SUV market are the rising need for premium vehicles in the advanced nations and the acceptance for SUVs. The increase in the demand for heavy and luxury vehicles and the emergence of technological advancements like the integration of Internet of Things and real-time information solutions are also perceived as drivers that could accelerate market growth.

SUVs have also maintained their popularity in the Philippines. More models have arrived in the country’s SUV market last year, boasting new improvements and electrification.

A new sub-compact SUV was released by Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) in April last year. Toyota’s new Veloz comes in two variants: 1.5 G CVT and 1.5 V CVT. On the inside, it provides more comfortable and spacious seating, offering a long sofa mode as an additional option. It also features a seven-inch TFT Multi-Information Display as well as a nine-inch multimedia display (eight-inch for G CVT), which includes Apple Carplay and Android Auto. It also includes wireless smartphone charging capability.

Complementing its “comfort and function” is the new stylish design of the new Veloz, which boasts a modern-looking front grille and split-type LED headlamps. And to give an accent to its SUV design, the vehicle sports an overfender, which is exclusive to the Philippine build of the new Toyota Veloz.

Honda, meanwhile, announced the introduction of its all-new BR-V last November. In a statement, Honda shared that the new model elevates its already spacious and comfortable cabin that provides better legroom and head clearance with its 7-seater SUV seating capacity that contains larger body dimensions and cargo space. It is powered by a 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC engine, mated with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) to deliver a “smooth, refined, and engaging driving experience.”

“With the All-New BR-V, HCPI is bringing these to the next level because Filipino families deserve better,” Honda’s statement added.

With the return of Hyundai to the Philippine market in June last year, new SUV models were presented to the market, among which are Creta, Tucson, and Santa Fe.

Posed as a “premium B-segment SUV,” Hyundai’s second-generation Creta stretches at 4.3 meters. The vehicle is powered by a 1.5-liter (L) Smartstream gasoline engine with an Intelligent Variable Transmission system, promising to carry out “tough, responsive, and efficient performance.”

Hyundai also equipped Creta with several safety features, among which is the Forward Collision-avoidance Assist (FCA), which warns the driver when a risk of impact from the front direction is detected by the system. The system will automatically carry out an emergency braking when the risk of impact persisted to rise even after the warning.

Meanwhile, the fourth generation of Hyundai’s Tucson now sports a 3D parametric-style grille and jewel-like surfaces. Inside, the SUV shows its versatility with its rear seat folding feature that makes 1,903 L of flat storage space available. Tucson offers two variants, Smartstream Gasoline 2.0 and Smartstream Diesel 2.0.

Hyundai’s new Santa Fe offers spacious interiors, with more luggage space and legroom in the second and third rows. On the outside, Santa Fe is styled with a wide cascading chrome grill and 19-inch alloy wheels to give the SUV a “new unique, and bold design.”

“The reason we launched the SUVs first is because these are globally loved models by our customers. So, we launched the Santa Fe, Tucson, and Creta. The Creta is a well-received model produced in Indonesia. [The plant] started production in January this year. So, new factory, new cars. I think Filipinos will enjoy our new products, with very nice features,” Hyundai Motor Philippines President Lee Dong Wook told BusinessWorld last August.

Some new SUV models in the Philippine market are also electrified, such as Kia Philippines’ EV6 and Maserati’s Levante GT Hybrid.

An all-electric crossover SUV, the new EV6 is made with a 77.4-kWh battery pack with a 168-kW electric motor. When fully charged, the vehicle has a driving range of up to 528 km. It offers 800V ultra high-speed charger, which enables it to charge up to 80% in less than 18 minutes.

The new EV6 is also created with comfort and safety in mind with its relaxation comfort seats and temperature-controllable seats as well as features including Blind View Monitor, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Smart Cruise Control.

Launched in the country last September 2022, Kia’s new EV6 will be available by first quarter next year.

Meanwhile, Modena Motorsports, the official distributor of Maserati in the country, has brought in the Levante GT Hybrid. The SUV sources its power from its four-cylinder, two-liter engine with a 48-volt hybrid system, which delivers a horsepower of 330ps and a torque of 450Nm.

Among the notable features incorporated in the Levante GT Hybrid is the Maserati Connect, which lets the driver know about the vehicle’s health and alerts them when a service is due. It also provides real-time traffic information and continually updated maps. Via the dedicated Smartphone or Smartwatch app or a virtual personal assistant like Amazon Alexa or Google Assist, car owners can stay connected with their vehicle through the Maserati Connect.

Maserati’s Levante GT Hybrid was launched in the country last June 2022. — Chelsey Keith P. Ignacio