When the Jeep Compass won the NDTV Car of the Year 2018 trophy in December, it became only the second SUV to bag the title. In the 13 year history of the awards, we have had hatchbacks dominating with 6 wins, while the sedans have 5. The Renault Duster was the first SUV to win the prestigious title, and so while it is not a first for the Compass, it still creates history alongside another Renault - the Captur - which won the CNB Viewers' Choice Car of the Year 2018. It is the first time we have had both titles held by SUVs. And it is no surprise to me frankly. It is in fact a reflection of the market place and the growing relevance of and love for the SUV.
Also Read: Jeep Compass Wins NDTV Car Of The Year 2018
(Renault Captur Wins NDTV Viewer's Choice Car Of The Year 2018)And it is not just an Indian phenomenon. We have seen similar trends, worldwide. It was for the first time in 2017 that all three finalists for the World Car of the Year were SUVs - Audi Q5, Jaguar F-Pace, and the Volkswagen Tiguan. The Jaguar went on to win and become the first SUV to become World Car of the Year. And it has happened again this year, with another SUV set to take over the mantle from the F-Pace. The finalists this year are also all SUVs - Mazda CX-5, Range Rover Velar, Volvo XC60. Exciting times for SUV lovers for sure, eh? So it would appear that in India too, we seem to be following similar trends and market patterns as the rest of the world now. The awards only help drive that point home harder.
(This year, the World Car Of The Year Finalists are all SUVs! Again!)Also Read: Three SUVs Are The Finalists For World Car Of The Year 2018
Amongst our finalists this year at the CNB awards we had 3 SUVs on the final ballot - Jeep Compass, Skoda Kodiaq, Tata Nexon; and many more that were in overall contention than ever before. In fact we now have 6 SUV sub-categories to go through! So, many argue that maybe we should have an SUV of the Year award that equates with the Car of the Year (those who believe an SUV should not be called 'car'). But then we would need to also have a Hatchback of the Year split from a Sedan of the Year wouldn't we? That would be just silly, and hence the broad term car has to include the SUV too. And that is why it is with pride and conviction that we stand by our NDTV Car of the Year 2018 - and also the one you chose - the CNB Viewers' Choice Car of the Year 2018! The rest of this year will have plenty more entrants too by the way. So the 2019 awards promise to be packed with a lot more SUV excitement. And then throw in the likely electric surprise from Hyundai next year, and the entry of brands like Kia and MG - also SUV-heavy in their strategies, and it just means even more to come on the SUV side of things. Watch this space for all of that to unfold, sooner than you think!
