Why Nigerians are crazy about SUVs

The Land Rover Discovery Sport is a replacement for the Freelander, only with the versatility of seven seats. Based on the more expensive Range Rover Evoque, only with a new design of rear suspension that allows for the third row of seats, it promises to blend style and space in a way that no other […]

The Land Rover Discovery Sport is a replacement for the Freelander, only with the versatility of seven seats. Based on the more expensive Range Rover Evoque, only with a new design of rear suspension that allows for the third row of seats, it promises to blend style and space in a way that no other model in this class can. Perhaps these features are reason enough for Nigerians’ ‘craze’ for SUVs. There’s the advantage of packing a larger family, bending rear seats to accommodate e xcess baggage.
Daniel Joshua has driven a KIA Sorento SUV for a decade. His reasons are simple: It has an advantage of balance and is heavy, unlike other cars. It is different from other vehicles, can access rough Nigerian roads with greater ease, particularly on a long journey where fresh pot holes emerge by the day, even on familiar routes. “Even though there may be damages on such roads, the risk is less,” he says, adding that the SUV was bought brand new in 2006 from KIA Motors and it has made a frequent trip from Abuja to Yola in Adamawa State. Also, its fuel consumption is low.
But Muhammed Nasir, a sales representative of AA Autos points out that although the sales of new SUVs is presently low because people are going for fairly used ones, below N1m. The attraction he emphasises, is the vehicles big size, which invariably makes its users experience a sought of superiority and also because they are ideal for Nigeria’s rough roads.