5 reasons why a family car can be better than an SUV

The SUV trend arrived in our market almost two decades ago and has not only become established over the years, but is even becoming stronger in this transitional stage towards electrification. There are more and more car manufacturers (especially Chinese ones) and all these new ranges have a significant offer of SUV vehicles. But the fact that this type of vehicle is very successful in our market thanks to its versatility does not mean that they are the cars that all buyers really need.

And there are many other types of bodywork that can perfectly meet the needs of users even more successfully than an SUV. For example, there are sporty SUVs, but they are not necessarily the best option for everyone looking for a sports car, just as there are urban SUVs and they are not necessarily the best option for everyone looking for a utility vehicle.

This is why we have taken advantage of the test of the Hyundai i30 CW, the family version of the successful compact i30, to present five reasons why a family car can be better than an SUV. Specifically, we have chosen the 1.5 T-GDi 140 hp microhybrid version associated with the seven-speed automatic transmission and the sporty N Line finish.

5 reasons why a family car can be better than an SUV

1. Better driving dynamics

The laws of physics are what they are and cannot be contradicted. For this reason, it is easy to understand that an SUV of equivalent size to a family car, due to its higher body, and greater volume and weight, will have worse dynamic behaviour. This is not only important if you are looking for a model with high performance, but also in daily use.

For example, the Hyundai i30 CW in this test is equipped with a 1.5 140 hp micro-hybrid petrol engine that accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.9 seconds, while the equivalent SUV model, a Hyundai Tucson 1.6 TCV 1, achieves an almost identical acceleration figure.

It's no secret that SUVs are often less agile and dynamic on the road. In contrast, the Hyundai i30 CW, with a lower centre of gravity, offers a more stable and confident ride both on motorways and dual carriageways and on twisty roads. Its optimised suspension and chassis provide an ideal balance between comfort and sportiness, something that is much harder to find in most equivalent SUVs.

2. Lower fuel consumption

Following the same logic as in the previous section, the fact that a family car is more compact and lighter than an equivalent SUV has a direct impact on fuel consumption. First of all, we must take into account a differential fact: weight. The Hyundai i30 CW that we are dealing with today stops at 1,412 kilos, while similar models such as the Volkswagen Tiguan, Cupra Terramar or Peugeot 3008, with equivalent engines, exceed 1,600 kilos.

If we add to this the fact that the aerodynamics of an SUV are usually worse than those of a family car, the balance tends to tip towards the family corner. In the case of the Hyundai i30 CW, the approved consumption is 6.3 liters per 100 kilometers, a figure that during the test we were even able to reduce a little, to 6.2 liters.

3. More useful load space

This is perhaps the most important point when discussing the five reasons why a station wagon can be better than an SUV. Ultimately, what the buyer of an SUV is looking for is a versatile car, while what the buyer of a vehicle with a station wagon body is looking for is maximum interior space. The reason is obvious: the SUV is the car that it is, with no other alternative, while the station wagon is usually derived from another model.

For example, the Hyundai i30 CW is derived from the Hyundai i30 with a compact body, but compared to this model the trunk capacity increases by 207 liters, going from the 395 of the normal model to the 602 of the family model. One similar car like the Hyundai Tucson The Volkswagen Tiguan has a boot capacity of 577 litres, while the Volkswagen Tiguan has 550 litres and the Peugeot 3008 makes do with 520 litres.

But there is not only a difference in the capacity of the boot between estate cars and SUVs, but also in their practicality. For example, the loading opening of SUVs, being off-road style cars, is usually positioned higher than in estate cars. This may be fine in certain situations, but normally we will appreciate not having to lift bulky or heavy objects too often.

On the other hand, cars with station wagon bodies have trunks with very regular shapes that maximize the loading space, since they have been specifically designed for this purpose. On the other hand, in the world of SUVs we can find everything, because exterior aesthetics are usually prioritized over interior practicality.

4. They can be more aesthetically attractive

This section is purely subjective and, as such, may cause controversy among those who disagree with my opinion. First of all, I want to clarify one thing: I would not have made this statement 15 or 20 years ago, when in many cases family vehicles had an appearance that was not very different from that of hearses. But brands quickly realized that they had to make their family cars more attractive, and the result in many cases is spectacular. Thus, cars like the Hyundai i30 CW in this test, with a longer rear overhang than the compact model but with a rear drop almost in the style of a coupe, is at least as attractive as the compact model.

What is also evident is that there are SUVs that are really good looking, and the proof of this is their very high level of sales. However, I personally still prefer vehicles with family bodies, whether derived from compact or sedans. But, as I said at the beginning... there is no accounting for taste.

5. The price is significantly lower

The last point on this list is about the purchase price, but it also needs some clarification. It is important that when it is said that cars with station wagon bodies are usually cheaper than equivalent SUVs, we should keep in mind that we should buy two similar models and, if possible, from the same brand. For example, the most direct SUV rival that the Hyundai i30 CW has within the same brand is the Tucson. And the price difference is notable, since while the station wagon is available from 24,950 euros, the SUV starts at 28,725 euros.

If we look at other brands, the same thing happens. For example, the Seat Leon Sportstourer has a starting price of 23,141 euros, while the Ateca starts at 25,800. And much more spectacular is the difference we see at Toyota, where we find the Corolla Touring Sports available from 28,000 euros and to access the RAV4 we must prepare 41,500.

Conclusion

After all this, I am sure that the Hyundai Tucson will continue to sell better than the i30 CW illustrated in this article. The reason is that, although you can find 5 arguments in favour of the family model (or more), in general terms potential customers like the idea of having an SUV more than a model derived from a compact. Whether it is because of appearance, comfort when accessing the vehicle or because they like the off-road style more; the fact is that SUVs continue to sell perfectly.

Precisely for this reason it is still so interesting that some brands are still betting on family vehicles like the Hyundai i30 CW. Because it has a huge boot, it is visually attractive, it is well equipped and, with the 140 hp 1.5 T-GDi engine, it offers a good balance between consumption and performance. As we said, the range starts at 24,950 euros, but the version with N-Line finish and that engine goes to 29,425 euros.