[koushik]

I have read that short wheelbase SUVs are popular in Japan.For example Toyota RAV4 J which is with short wheelbase (2410 mm) is manufactured only in Japan and then exported to other countries. May I know the reason for such popularity.

[silverado]

Suzuki Jimny is another one.

Japenese people are genetically short
Parking might be costlier
Lower initial costs
No need of powerfull engines
Sportier stance

Is TATA SUMO the shortest SUV in terms of wheelbase?

[condor]

Maneuverability is an important consideration. But the shorter WB also makes it less suitable for higher speeds. You'll find more SWB SUV's in off-roading than in highway cruising.

Simple example:
Safari's & Scorps are regularly driven at well above 100 kmph. But The Sumo is better off at 100, max 110. Anything more, and stability will reduce a lot. But you'll find them at home in the hills, since it is much easier to take them around the curves. Personally, I love the way I am able to take it around the city, in city traffic

Originally Posted by silverado

Is TATA SUMO the shortest SUV in terms of wheelbase?

Sumo Gold: 2425 mm (as per brochure)
Sumo Victa / Sumo classic: 2400 mm (I am little surprised too, but my Sumo has a 2400 mm WB)
Maruti Gypsy: 2375 mm
Suzuki Jimny: 2250 mm

[koushik]

Originally Posted by silverado

Suzuki Jimny is another one.

Japenese people are genetically short
Parking might be costlier
Lower initial costs
No need of powerfull engines
Sportier stance

Is TATA SUMO the shortest SUV in terms of wheelbase?

I think their motto is... SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL , SMALL IS WONDERFUL, SMALL IS POWERFUL....!!!

YES TATA SUMO is in short wheelbase category,
TATA SAFARI in mid wheelbase category ,
TATA ARIA in long wheelbase category

But Sumo is not in compact SUV category

[Aroy]

Short wheel base SUV are better for off roads and bad roads as the break over angle is more, there by offering easier climbing to/from a steep slopes to plain level. The short wheel base also translates to a higher practical ground clearance over undulating terrain (This is where the break over angle comes to play. Of course in absolute terms when you need to go over a boulder GC is as stated).

In an urban environment, especially when families are small a five seater is more than sufficient. Hence it makes more sense as
. More BHP/ton, so performance is better.
. Shorter length == less parking space, a major plus point in sky high urban parking space costs.
. Shorter & lighter vehicle == better FE.

[nvdisdesi]

Aren't Gypsys considered an SUV? and the Mini Xylo is coming out what would be considered an Compact SUV as well as the Primier Rio what is already out and selling in the market. I am pretty sure it has nothing to do with Japanese people being short because the short wheel base version of Rav 4 is selling in Europe as well.

[GTO]

Short-wheelbase UVs are generally preferred by off-roaders, due to the reasons mentioned in Aroy's excellent post.

That isn't the reason behind the SWB RAV4 though. Japanese streets are quite narrow and the cities very congested. Plus, a SWB RAV4 can make do with a small engine, thus increasing fuel efficiency. Think of the SWB RAV4 / Pajero as an alternative to a hatchback.

[tsk1979]

Originally Posted by GTO

Short-wheelbase UVs are generally preferred by off-roaders, due to the reasons mentioned in Aroy's excellent post.

That isn't the reason behind the SWB RAV4 though. Japanese streets are quite narrow and the cities very congested. Plus, a SWB RAV4 can make do with a small engine, thus increasing fuel efficiency. Think of the SWB RAV4 / Pajero as an alternative to a hatchback.

I think it also has to do with their tax structure. Smaller cars are taxed much lower than bigger cars. Thats why you have Kei cars there too!
Kei car - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

From the article.
Tax is 3% instead of 5%
Further
For a three year period, the amount is 13,200 yen. For two years it costs 8,800 yen, which compares to the 18,900 and 12,600 yen respectively charged to larger size passenger cars. The savings are thus above 30% in both cases.

You also save 4000 on insurance

There is some disadvantage too but its offset by the advantage