Compact SUVs are quietly becoming the default family car

Compact SUVs now account for a growing share of passenger car registrations in most major markets. Higher seating positions, easier ingress and perceived safety continue to pull buyers away from traditional sedans and hatchbacks.\n\nManufacturers have responded by widening powertrain choice within a single nameplate. It is now common for one compact SUV to be offered with a naturally aspirated petrol, a turbo-petrol, a strong hybrid and in some cases a fully electric derivative.\n\nThe practical outcome for buyers is that comparison shopping is harder, not easier. Two trims of the same model can differ by a substantial margin in efficiency, performance and equipment. Reading the variant table carefully matters more than picking a nameplate.