Highway usage: Diesel Car or SUV ?

krish3 · 18th October 2009, 12:34

I've voted for a diesel hatchback. I generally travel with only two on-board or max 4. A hatchback, specifically the one I have is good enough to carry goods for 4 people for one week and carry them in comfort.

1. Travel loving family/friends - 4/5 is max that will travel together in my case. More than that is a pain even in a SUV. Only Innova is capable of carrying more than 5 in comfort but its not an SUV. What about luggage space with 7/8 people in an SUV?
2. Regular extended road getaways - A hatchback is definitely comfortable and lighter on pocket.
3. Long distances to be covered - Modern diesels are more than capable of that and in good comfort. SUV have a heavy roll to them which gets tiring on a long run IMO. Hatchbacks are more comfortable IMO
4. Condition of highways/roads not always known - One big advantage for the SUVs. Potholes are a no bother, but passengers do take the brunt induced by the roll. On hatchbacks, one has to definitely slow down. No other way out.
5. Driving/Travelling comfort - Driving comfort is better on a hatch IMO. Travelling comfort is also better on a hatchback bcoz of less roll. Safari is the only SUV which I feel gives good comfort over long drives becoz of the space it offers.
6. Safety - Modern hatches are also safe. SUVs give the impression of being safe and the bullies definitely give way to SUVs.
7. Last, but not least, economies to scale. A getaway cannot mean a substantial hole in the pocket from fuel expenses alone - A hatch is definitely more economical than an SUV.

But for me a Sedan is better than either of these for long drives, but couldn't consider it as it wasn't given as an option.

karanraheja · 18th October 2009, 12:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by vid6639

6L means only a small diesel hatchback.

I guess a lil above 6 lacs we have entry level sedans like Dzire , Logan and Manza. But only Logan and Manza are spacious till that budget , the hatches in that range are not very roomy.

I would go for a 10 lac SUV.

ravibhat · 18th October 2009, 13:34

6 lac car and 10 lac SUV is not ideal to compare. I suggest lets discuss between 8 lac car and 10 lac SUV.

In any case 10 lac SUV wins for sure! especially in Indian highway. Show me one highway which is completed 100%. India is not trying to learn from mistakes. SUV/MPV are best suited for Indian highways.

Regards,

Ravi.

kiren · 18th October 2009, 13:38

I think if the family is not big & luggage is less a hatch should be good to drive.

~~h · 18th October 2009, 13:40

with 6-lakh diesel car and a 10-lakh diesel SUV the choice is pretty much straightforward.. Pick the SUV.
Pros:
Spacious, Can take on broken patches with ease even when loaded with 5 adults.
Cons: High GC, Braking not confidence inspiring as the Car.

pranava999 · 18th October 2009, 13:43

My vote is for the SUV primarily because of unknown road conditions.

aaggoswami · 18th October 2009, 14:22

1) Voted for Diesel SUV. Any given day, SUV are better to travel on highways because of bad roads, indisciplined traffic and the trucks. A low slung sedan is good for roads that are expresshighway, but not for normal highways.

2) During rainy season when even highways have water lodging at some places, SUV are better for crossing those water invaded roads. This is something one starts appreciating after driving in low slung car.

3) The chances of surviving after a crash with HCV are higher in SUV.

McLaren Rulez · 18th October 2009, 16:46

Well I see the logic of category but why is the sedan a cheaper one while the SUV is expensive? Let's have a ten lakh sedan against a ten lakh SUV. Or more generally, an SUV vs sedan comparo. That makes far more sense than a rather oblique sedan vs SUV comparo.

klassics45 · 18th October 2009, 17:54

SUV feels more comfortable and safe (psychologically) when driving around trucks on SH, especially when you get struck in highway traffic where you get trucks and cabs pushing you from all side if you are in sedan or hatchbacks. Also, body rolls shouldnt worry you much if you cruise in 100 which is always the comfortable speed in indian roads.

aerohit · 18th October 2009, 19:04

I think this voting thread is irrelevant.

Most Indians will choose SUV (low morale and unsecured feeling of bigger the better)

That is because we have widest roads in the world and lowest-density population. We can easily put Japan to shame.

McLaren Rulez · 18th October 2009, 19:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by aerohit

I think this voting thread is irrelevant.

Most Indians will choose SUV (low morale and unsecured feeling of bigger the better)

That is because we have widest roads in the world and lowest-density population. We can easily put Japan to shame.

What's up with that bro?

architect · 18th October 2009, 22:43

Voted for a 6-L diesel car (hatch / sedan, whatever).
Reasons:

1. Economical (18-20 kpl on the diesel car vs 10-13 kpl on the diesel SUV, that's a substantial difference that can help you get a more expensive accomodation)
2. Lesser body roll, better braking and high-speed manners
3. Easier to squeeze into the tight parking lots of some of the hotels, esp those in the hill stations
4. More comfortable driving position.
5. There are rarely more than 3-4 members in families nowadays who travel together (I travel alone 80% of the time).

However, there are two things SUVs do much better:
1. Better ground clearance esp for flooded roads and faster speeds over bad roads.
2. Better luggage carrying capacity.

I don't really buy the point about safety in crashes with large vehicles. That works only if you hit trucks from the back.

GTO · 19th October 2009, 18:54

Of course the SUV!

- Higher stance, better visibility at the front. You can literally look over the car ahead and plan your overtaking manouveur.

- Can carry more people in comfort.

- Can carry more luggage (we Indians love to pack, wot?)

- The kind of broken roads that our highways are made of, are exactly the type that SUVs were designed for.

- Pesky contraptions (home built three wheelers etc.) give way to bigger vehicles.

Of course, I am talking about traditional Indian highways here. Bring clean expressways into the picture, and I'll take a sedan any which day. Way better handling + fun to drive.

chaxy · 19th October 2009, 19:33

Going by the design of our highways, its definitely SUV. With the higher ground clearance and heavy suspension, only SUVs can take the beating on our highways. regular sedans can do the duty but will need to overhaul the suspension every couple of trips. SUV will go on..n..on...before the suspension has issues. Add to it the heavy loading of long highway trips.

cooldude1988765 · 19th October 2009, 20:37

SUV/MUV especially one that can take abuse well. Innova is a perfect example you can still be doing speeds in excess of 100 when all the hatches and sedans slow down to a crawl because of bad(read non existant roads).
If travel is primarily on expressways i would prefer a low slung petrol sedan with performance suspension and performance tyres.
But for most of our highways i would prefer an innova with michellin mxv8s or the new primacy LC.

View Poll Results: Which category of vehicle for Indian highway use?
A diesel car	57	34.34%
A diesel SUV	109	65.66%
Voters: 166. You may not vote on this poll

18th October 2009, 12:34	#61
krish3 BHPian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Cochin/Bangalore Posts: 758 Thanked: 191 Times	I've voted for a diesel hatchback. I generally travel with only two on-board or max 4. A hatchback, specifically the one I have is good enough to carry goods for 4 people for one week and carry them in comfort. 1. Travel loving family/friends - 4/5 is max that will travel together in my case. More than that is a pain even in a SUV. Only Innova is capable of carrying more than 5 in comfort but its not an SUV. What about luggage space with 7/8 people in an SUV? 2. Regular extended road getaways - A hatchback is definitely comfortable and lighter on pocket. 3. Long distances to be covered - Modern diesels are more than capable of that and in good comfort. SUV have a heavy roll to them which gets tiring on a long run IMO. Hatchbacks are more comfortable IMO 4. Condition of highways/roads not always known - One big advantage for the SUVs. Potholes are a no bother, but passengers do take the brunt induced by the roll. On hatchbacks, one has to definitely slow down. No other way out. 5. Driving/Travelling comfort - Driving comfort is better on a hatch IMO. Travelling comfort is also better on a hatchback bcoz of less roll. Safari is the only SUV which I feel gives good comfort over long drives becoz of the space it offers. 6. Safety - Modern hatches are also safe. SUVs give the impression of being safe and the bullies definitely give way to SUVs. 7. Last, but not least, economies to scale. A getaway cannot mean a substantial hole in the pocket from fuel expenses alone - A hatch is definitely more economical than an SUV. But for me a Sedan is better than either of these for long drives, but couldn't consider it as it wasn't given as an option.
	() Thanks

18th October 2009, 13:34	#63
ravibhat Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 2,256 Thanked: 37 Times View My Garage	6 lac car and 10 lac SUV is not ideal to compare. I suggest lets discuss between 8 lac car and 10 lac SUV. In any case 10 lac SUV wins for sure! especially in Indian highway. Show me one highway which is completed 100%. India is not trying to learn from mistakes. SUV/MPV are best suited for Indian highways. Regards, Ravi.
	() Thanks

18th October 2009, 13:38	#64
kiren BHPian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: mumbai Posts: 454 Thanked: 33 Times	I think if the family is not big & luggage is less a hatch should be good to drive. Last edited by theMAG : 18th October 2009 at 14:27. Reason: Removing car names. Thanks
	() Thanks

18th October 2009, 13:40	#65
~~h BHPian Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Singapore Posts: 145 Thanked: 17 Times	with 6-lakh diesel car and a 10-lakh diesel SUV the choice is pretty much straightforward.. Pick the SUV. Pros: Spacious, Can take on broken patches with ease even when loaded with 5 adults. Cons: High GC, Braking not confidence inspiring as the Car.
	() Thanks

18th October 2009, 13:43	#66
pranava999 BHPian Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: BANGALORE Posts: 845 Thanked: 23 Times View My Garage	My vote is for the SUV primarily because of unknown road conditions.
	() Thanks

18th October 2009, 14:22	#67
aaggoswami Senior - BHPian Join Date: May 2007 Location: Vadodara Posts: 4,982 Thanked: 2,931 Times	1) Voted for Diesel SUV. Any given day, SUV are better to travel on highways because of bad roads, indisciplined traffic and the trucks. A low slung sedan is good for roads that are expresshighway, but not for normal highways. 2) During rainy season when even highways have water lodging at some places, SUV are better for crossing those water invaded roads. This is something one starts appreciating after driving in low slung car. 3) The chances of surviving after a crash with HCV are higher in SUV.
	() Thanks

18th October 2009, 16:46	#68
McLaren Rulez Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Mysore Posts: 3,390 Thanked: 5,107 Times	Well I see the logic of category but why is the sedan a cheaper one while the SUV is expensive? Let's have a ten lakh sedan against a ten lakh SUV. Or more generally, an SUV vs sedan comparo. That makes far more sense than a rather oblique sedan vs SUV comparo.
	() Thanks

18th October 2009, 17:54	#69
klassics45 BHPian Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Chennai Posts: 305 Thanked: 277 Times View My Garage	SUV feels more comfortable and safe (psychologically) when driving around trucks on SH, especially when you get struck in highway traffic where you get trucks and cabs pushing you from all side if you are in sedan or hatchbacks. Also, body rolls shouldnt worry you much if you cruise in 100 which is always the comfortable speed in indian roads.
	() Thanks

18th October 2009, 19:04	#70
aerohit BHPian Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: India Posts: 978 Thanked: 981 Times	I think this voting thread is irrelevant. Most Indians will choose SUV (low morale and unsecured feeling of bigger the better) That is because we have widest roads in the world and lowest-density population. We can easily put Japan to shame. Last edited by aerohit : 18th October 2009 at 19:06.
	() Thanks

18th October 2009, 22:43	#72
architect Senior - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Ghaziabad, U. P Posts: 1,359 Thanked: 764 Times	Voted for a 6-L diesel car (hatch / sedan, whatever). Reasons: 1. Economical (18-20 kpl on the diesel car vs 10-13 kpl on the diesel SUV, that's a substantial difference that can help you get a more expensive accomodation) 2. Lesser body roll, better braking and high-speed manners 3. Easier to squeeze into the tight parking lots of some of the hotels, esp those in the hill stations 4. More comfortable driving position. 5. There are rarely more than 3-4 members in families nowadays who travel together (I travel alone 80% of the time). However, there are two things SUVs do much better: 1. Better ground clearance esp for flooded roads and faster speeds over bad roads. 2. Better luggage carrying capacity. I don't really buy the point about safety in crashes with large vehicles. That works only if you hit trucks from the back.
	() Thanks

19th October 2009, 18:54	#73
GTO Team-BHP Support Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Bombay Posts: 70,546 Thanked: 300,789 Times View My Garage	Of course the SUV! - Higher stance, better visibility at the front. You can literally look over the car ahead and plan your overtaking manouveur. - Can carry more people in comfort. - Can carry more luggage (we Indians love to pack, wot?) - The kind of broken roads that our highways are made of, are exactly the type that SUVs were designed for. - Pesky contraptions (home built three wheelers etc.) give way to bigger vehicles. Of course, I am talking about traditional Indian highways here. Bring clean expressways into the picture, and I'll take a sedan any which day. Way better handling + fun to drive.
	() Thanks

19th October 2009, 19:33	#74
chaxy BHPian Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: hyderabad Posts: 388 Thanked: 18 Times View My Garage	Going by the design of our highways, its definitely SUV. With the higher ground clearance and heavy suspension, only SUVs can take the beating on our highways. regular sedans can do the duty but will need to overhaul the suspension every couple of trips. SUV will go on..n..on...before the suspension has issues. Add to it the heavy loading of long highway trips.
	() Thanks

19th October 2009, 20:37	#75
cooldude1988765 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 1,042 Thanked: 194 Times	SUV/MUV especially one that can take abuse well. Innova is a perfect example you can still be doing speeds in excess of 100 when all the hatches and sedans slow down to a crawl because of bad(read non existant roads). If travel is primarily on expressways i would prefer a low slung petrol sedan with performance suspension and performance tyres. But for most of our highways i would prefer an innova with michellin mxv8s or the new primacy LC.
	() Thanks