Strong sales of newcomer models such as the Cupra Formentor and Renault Arkana helped make volume compact SUVs Europe’s second-largest segment, despite a collapse in registrations for the segment’s former leader, the Volkswagen Tiguan.
Compact SUVs trailed only small SUVs (784,307 to 678,281) after the first five months as volume for the former dipped just 3.7 percent during the period in an overall market that fell 13 percent, according to figures from Dataforce.
The relative stability amid a period of market turmoil meant that compact SUVs overtook small cars, traditionally Europe’s most popular segment, after they suffered a much steeper decline of 21 percent during the period.
Hyundai Motor Group owned the top row of the segment with the Hyundai Tucson at No. 1 with 62,896 sales and the new Kia Sportage taking second with 54,620 (see table, below).