Baby SUVs come of age in year’ s best cars

PINT-SIZED SUVs are taking over the drive ways of Aussie homes.

There has been an unprecedented influx of all-new models this year, as manufacturers woo prospective buyers with compact SUVs that are essentially replacing the humble hatchback.

Seven all-new nameplates have been launched this year alone from leading brands including Toyota, Mazda, Ford, Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz.

News Corporation’ s annual Car of the Year awards reflect the growing trend, with more than half the field made up of all-new small SUVs.

Toyota’s Yaris Cross Hybrid is typical of the new wave, slotting in below the C-HR to become the seventh SUV in Toyota’ s range.

Meanwhile sales of hatchbacks and sedans continue to slide.

In 2014, sedans and hatchbacks made up close to 50 percent of newcar sales.

This year, they have dwindled to 25 per cent, as SUV sales account for half the market.

The other 25 per cent is made up

mostly by four-door 4WD utes, which are increasingly being used as family vehicles.

Australians can now choose from more than 100 SUV models in five different sizes.

Meanwhile, some of the most recognised names on Australian roads have disappeared.

Aside from the Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon, once-popular models such as the Mitsubishi Lancer, Nissan Pulsar and Hyundai Accent have disappeared, while the Honda Jazz will be discontinued.

Car industry commentator and Car of the Year judge, Toby Hagon, said the trend was more about image than practicality.

“Some of these baby SUVs are smaller and less practical than the average hatch back—and they cost a lot more—but buyers are still flocking to them ,” he said.

H ag on said the new breeds old on the promise of outdoor adventure, but the vast majority would be confined to school runs in the suburbs.

And although they were marketed to young singles and couples, much of their success was driven by older buyers.

“They appeal to older people because they are higher off the ground and easier to get into ,” he said.

With arch rival Holden con signed to the history books, Ford is enjoying a renaissance and has two contenders for this year’s prize.

The Fiesta ST hot hatch and the diminutive Puma SUV enhance Ford’s reputation for vehicles that are well priced and fun to drive.

The Volkswagen group dominates the nominees, though.

The VWT-Roc is one of two allnew SUVs launched by the company this year. Skoda has an entrant with the clever Kamiq SUV. And for the traditionalists, VW’s luxury offshoot Audi will line up with the A 4 sedan.

The cars winner will be announced on Friday, December 4.