Let's face it: who SUV drives, could drive a van in many cases. After all, it's mostly about things like a large amount of space, the possibility of a third bench and a slightly higher seating position; and both segments basically have that in their program. Most SUV drivers don't like the all-wheel drive, and it is also available for some vans on request. And yet for most customers, SUVs are the more casual cars. More and more manufacturers are offering this vehicle concept in increasingly absurd forms. The latest creations at this year's Geneva Motor Show include the luxurious Maserati Levante, the classy Seat Ateca and the Skoda Vision S study, the corresponding series production model of which will go into production this year.
In addition, visitors can admire mobile pedestals such as the Kia Niro, the Toyota C-HR or SsangYong XLV, which at first glance make it difficult to tell whether they are SUVs or vans. Audi rounds off its SUV range with the Q2. After all, Peugeot and Opel are giving their little ones - 2008 and Mocha - a facelift. The only real new van in Geneva, however, is Renault's brand new Scenic compact model.
Both segments were started once with similar charm - or much more nonexistent charm. Off-road vehicles were once pure workhorses, either for foresters or the military. Many years would have been the same for all categories: Whether Daihatsu Rocky, Mercedes G-Class, Nissan Patrol or Suzuki LJ - all were not very comfortable thanks to leaf springs and rigid axle. They were just as uninhabitable with their dreary interiors and accordingly only popular with a clear target group. And there were asphalt in the Federal Republic even two decades ago, so you did not even have to go into the terrain.
So off-road vehicles really only drove, who really needed them. No sign of lifestyle factor. The first attempts with large-capacity sedans undertook Japanese manufacturers before the frequently mentioned protagonists such as Chrysler and Renault. Mitsubishi Space Wagon and Nissan Prairie were not very attractive offers, with which the companies wanted to give the owners value only. And the Honda Civic Shuttle was already in the late eighties practicality with all-wheel drive - so the topic is not so new.
In the nineties the vans became really popular - almost every manufacturer participated - from Chrysler Voyager to Volkswagen Touran - and sold vigorously to families and other lovers of this practical vehicle category. But at the latest since the end of the last decade the tide has turned and the triumphal march of the SUV seems to have no end. Every fourth new car in Germany already belongs to this category. Trend: further increasing.
But why? High seating position, good and beautiful. But the higher structure ultimately means more energy consumption and less driving dynamics. If customers have to choose between the van and the SUV, in most cases they choose SUVs. These seemingly so attractive vehicles seem to bring the topic "utility value" in a cooler way. But even if the 2016er salon in Geneva reflects the trend correctly - the corporations have not given up the van theme for a long time yet. The world premiere Renault Scenic comes relatively flat and chic therefore, it can take in terms of design easily with many SUV. The interior captivates by noble architecture with wood paneling depending on the equipment. In the middle of the large screen emblazoned from the new Espace. So look up when buying a car and maybe take another look at one of the available vans. Because he is definitely an attractive alternative to the SUV.