The history of the SUV – How farm vehicles invaded our city streets

The commercial success of the SUV is one of life’s mysteries. After all, they have inferior fuel economy, handling and boot space than an estate or MPV, and their size and weight pose far more risk to others in the event of a crash.

The reasons why the car industry hoodwinked we motorists into thinking we need to drive what are essentially farm vehicles is explored in this eye opening documentary, which has had over one million views in the last two days.

Could the tide be about to change against SUVs?

In a recent interview with Auto Express, Citroen CEO Vincent Cobée explained candidly that despite sales of SUVs accounting for 50 per cent of all new car registrations in Europe over the last few years, their image is suffering: “If you live in a big city, five years ago if you drop off your kids with a big SUV you’re a man. Now, if you do this, you’re a ‘terrorist’…”

However, image problems aside, it’s the reduction in range caused by boxy styling and the additional weight of batteries that will see sales of the SUV dwindle according to the Citroen boss: “On a battery EV, if your aerodnaymics are wrong, the penalty in terms of range is massive. You can lose 50 kilometres between good and bad aero, and between an SUV and a sedan you’re talking 60/70/80 kilometres very easily.”

The ethical choice

The ETA was established in 1990 as an ethical provider of green, reliable travel services. Over 30 years on, we continue to offer cycle insurance , breakdown cover and mobility scooter insurance while putting concern for the environment at the heart of all we do.

The Good Shopping Guide judges us to be the UK’s most ethical provider.