Seven-seater SUVs increasingly popular among families

The seven-seater sport utility vehicle (SUV) is riding high on a wave of popularity in Singapore, particularly among families for whom size matters, reported The Straits Times. Among the more popular models here is the Mitsubishi Outlander, which Mr. Sebastian Sim, Mitsubishi sales manager of Cycle & Carriage Automotive, said is "currently the best-selling seven-seater SUV here". He added that typically, the seven-seater SUV is bought by families with children, "many of them used to drive 1.6-litre sedans".

The Kia Sorento is another popular choice. Ms. Dawn Pan, Head of Sales and Marketing at Cycle & Carriage Kia, said it has more than 20 percent market share of seven-seat SUVs. Also selling well is the Toyota Fortuner. 

The growth of the seven-seater SUV segment has come on the back of more models being introduced here. Seven-seater SUVs have evolved in terms of how handling and size, contributing to its popularity. Improvements to the drivetrain result in better fuel efficiency, and upgrades to the suspension means that it handles more like a large hatchback instead of a small lorry. Size-wise, the cabins feature more comfortable seating even in the third row and there are more amenities on board, such as rear air-conditioning, power points for gadgets, panoramic sunroof and powered tailgate.