The Rise Of The Small SUV

Last week Mercedes announced a new vehicle to their GL line of SUV’s, the GLB, to sit in between their aptly named GLA & GLC models.

Although the design will be toned down on the way to
becoming a production car, the GLB concept features off-road-inspired
adornments such as an integrated roofbox, LED spotlights and chunky all-terrain
tyres wrapped around 17in wheels.

It’s expected that the GLB will be available with a range of
four-cylinder petrol & diesel engines, likely very similar to those found
in the A-Class range, and also expected to slot nicely between the GLA &
GLC in terms of price at around £30,000.

The GLB is another addition to increasingly popular range of
Compact or ‘Crossover’ SUV’s. A few years ago, SUVs were unpopular due to their
high fuel consumption, heavier bodies and larger displacement engines. But with
the introduction of these smaller SUV’s with their more fuel-efficient engines they
are becoming evermore popular among family’s who are attracted to the higher
driving position and extra space in a compact vehicle.

Two of the most popular of these ‘Crossover’ vehicles are
the Kia Sportage and the Nissan Qashqai. In 2018 they both placed in the top 10
best selling cars for the UK with the Sportage coming in 10^th and
the Qashqai just missing out on the top 3 at number 4.

Overall, with several new SUV models expected to be
introduced by 2020, including electric and hybrid electric SUVs, the future for
these vehicles in Europe look extremely promising.

We sell a range of accessories for different Compact and ‘Crossover’ SUV’s including the Kia Sportage & Nissan Qashqai on our website. Make sure to check them out!