Trend of larger cars: for or against
Many new generations of the same car model are larger than the previous one. For this reason we open a place for debate here to give your opinion on this trend of larger cars. So, what do you think? are you for or against?
Larger dimensions mean greater interior space, greater boot capacity and greater confidence on the road, but it also means less ease of parking, greater consumption and less agility in the city.
If manufacturers offer new generations of larger cars to the market it is because there is demand for it. If so, why do we need bigger cars now than before? Or is it that there is less variety of small models and we buy cars larger than what we need? How to manage the two types of uses of a car in the same size: contained dimensions during the work week and larger sizes for weekends and holidays?
Examples:
• The second generations of the BMW X2 in 2024 and the Peugeot 2008 in 2020, significantly larger than the first ones.
• The current generation of the Volkswagen Polo is larger than the first generation of the Volkswagen Golf.
• The second generations of the BMW X2 in 2024 and the Peugeot 2008 in 2020, significantly larger than the first ones.
• The current generation of the Volkswagen Polo is larger than the first generation of the Volkswagen Golf.
Percentage for and against larger cars: 👍11.9% and 👎88.1%
Curious to know the trend of opinions elsewhere?
👍11.9% - 👎88.1%
👍6.6% - 👎93.4%
👍9.2% - 👎90.8%
👍29.3% - 👎70.7%
👍23.3% - 👎76.7%Latest opinions
Perth Australia, 01-12-2024 👎
Trend to bigger cars partly due to size of occupants, needing more space. The car designers are trending to sleek sloping rear ends, to make them aerodynamic, faster which then require more space to accommodate passengers . It is so hard to find a boxy car unless in large suv range. Larger cars / suvs do not fit the roads, parking bays, garages and are a hazard to everyone using the road. Larger suvs, utes etc do not have a place in cities and should not be permitted to enter city perimeter.
Trend to bigger cars partly due to size of occupants, needing more space. The car designers are trending to sleek sloping rear ends, to make them aerodynamic, faster which then require more space to accommodate passengers . It is so hard to find a boxy car unless in large suv range. Larger cars / suvs do not fit the roads, parking bays, garages and are a hazard to everyone using the road. Larger suvs, utes etc do not have a place in cities and should not be permitted to enter city perimeter.
west grinstead, 30-11-2024 👎
Pointless if you live in the UK. The much used phrase ‘threading it down a country road’ is rendered entirely unenjoyable. Why or why does every generation of cars get bigger. Alpine A110 proves the benefits. I won’t buy a Ferrari now as they are all so wide.
Pointless if you live in the UK. The much used phrase ‘threading it down a country road’ is rendered entirely unenjoyable. Why or why does every generation of cars get bigger. Alpine A110 proves the benefits. I won’t buy a Ferrari now as they are all so wide.
Timisoara, 29-11-2024 👎
Bigger cars - narrow streets not to talk about parking spaces, if I compare golf 2 with golf 8 there are two different size classes, like BMW 3 first series is more likely the size of BMW 1 now days. Audi A6 - 2000 vs 2024 length: 4.6 to 4.94 - the difference is only plastics, try parking that to supermarket in EU, perhaps newer giant cars should have 4 steering wheels and some spare wheels for side parking.
Bigger cars - narrow streets not to talk about parking spaces, if I compare golf 2 with golf 8 there are two different size classes, like BMW 3 first series is more likely the size of BMW 1 now days. Audi A6 - 2000 vs 2024 length: 4.6 to 4.94 - the difference is only plastics, try parking that to supermarket in EU, perhaps newer giant cars should have 4 steering wheels and some spare wheels for side parking.
Brussles, 26-11-2024 👎
I hate those bigger cars, I bought an ID7 because of the specs, I am trying to resell it to buy a smaller car. I have the impresion that I am driving a big boat.
I hate those bigger cars, I bought an ID7 because of the specs, I am trying to resell it to buy a smaller car. I have the impresion that I am driving a big boat.
Hardinxveld-Giessendam, 26-11-2024 👍
York, 24-11-2024 👎
Can’t park in car park bays as too small multi storey car park access is worse can’t fit car into driveway gates and original garage also danger on narrow roads in town when passing parked cars also worse with loss of spare wheel as danger to life when tyre stuff pumped in also bring back dashboard buttons as accessing central screen when dark and opposite car lights dazzle a real danger
Can’t park in car park bays as too small multi storey car park access is worse can’t fit car into driveway gates and original garage also danger on narrow roads in town when passing parked cars also worse with loss of spare wheel as danger to life when tyre stuff pumped in also bring back dashboard buttons as accessing central screen when dark and opposite car lights dazzle a real danger
Manchester, 24-11-2024 👎
There is no need for larger cars, they take up more of a parking space and are more of a threat to pedestrians and cyclists. The drivers seem incapable of staying in their own lane on the road. We're meant to be saving the planet but bigger means heavier so take more fuel or electricity to move them. The bigger wheels make it easier for drivers to mount the kerb and block the pavemnet.
There is no need for larger cars, they take up more of a parking space and are more of a threat to pedestrians and cyclists. The drivers seem incapable of staying in their own lane on the road. We're meant to be saving the planet but bigger means heavier so take more fuel or electricity to move them. The bigger wheels make it easier for drivers to mount the kerb and block the pavemnet.
St. Gallen, 23-11-2024 👎
I do not think that there are any benefits to larger cars. A compact car, like the Honda Jazz/Fit, has a lot of space. A roof rack can easily add extra space if needed. Larger cars are heavier and handle more sluggishly, requiring a bigger engine and tank, which in turn requires more space. Wheels are even made bigger, so that the proportions look similar. The extra width is a problem, especially since a lot of country roads were designed for narrower vehicles. Larger and heavier cars are also much more dangerous to pedestrians and other vehicles.
I do not think that there are any benefits to larger cars. A compact car, like the Honda Jazz/Fit, has a lot of space. A roof rack can easily add extra space if needed. Larger cars are heavier and handle more sluggishly, requiring a bigger engine and tank, which in turn requires more space. Wheels are even made bigger, so that the proportions look similar. The extra width is a problem, especially since a lot of country roads were designed for narrower vehicles. Larger and heavier cars are also much more dangerous to pedestrians and other vehicles.
Swindon, 23-11-2024 👎
They don't fit British roads,parking spaces, or garages any more.
They don't fit British roads,parking spaces, or garages any more.
Taunton , 22-11-2024 👎
I live in a rural area with very narrow country lanes. The trend to larger wider cars is a real problem as I need a car that is narrow, but has reasonable boot size, 5 seats and that is hybrid or electric … very few cars that meet those criteria nowadays.
I live in a rural area with very narrow country lanes. The trend to larger wider cars is a real problem as I need a car that is narrow, but has reasonable boot size, 5 seats and that is hybrid or electric … very few cars that meet those criteria nowadays.
Melbourne , 18-11-2024 👎
Gas guzzling, expensive to fill, stealing my view, harder to park More dangerous to other smaller vehicles, SUV often have only 1occupant, more likely to roll, produce greater emissions. Boots less useful than a conventional station wagon as luggage has to be piled up vertically so more difficult to pack. Great weight thus damage to roads.
Gas guzzling, expensive to fill, stealing my view, harder to park More dangerous to other smaller vehicles, SUV often have only 1occupant, more likely to roll, produce greater emissions. Boots less useful than a conventional station wagon as luggage has to be piled up vertically so more difficult to pack. Great weight thus damage to roads.
London, 18-11-2024 👎
My 4 x 4 has to live on a tiny London front garden and cope with a very steep and very rough, drive that has been described as an off road situation in the country. I use four wheel drive low everytime I drive up and down the drive. So I need a smaller car. Plus I'm an old wrinkly and old wrinklies usually drive a smaller car! So a Suzuki Jimny is perfect for me! These huge cars are getting ridiculously large!
My 4 x 4 has to live on a tiny London front garden and cope with a very steep and very rough, drive that has been described as an off road situation in the country. I use four wheel drive low everytime I drive up and down the drive. So I need a smaller car. Plus I'm an old wrinkly and old wrinklies usually drive a smaller car! So a Suzuki Jimny is perfect for me! These huge cars are getting ridiculously large!
Dalton-in-Furness, 17-11-2024 👎
I live in the Lake District and can confirm that the trend of cars becoming wider and wider is causing a huge problem for navigating our narrow lanes, accident stats appear to be rising along with higher repair and insurance costs.
I live in the Lake District and can confirm that the trend of cars becoming wider and wider is causing a huge problem for navigating our narrow lanes, accident stats appear to be rising along with higher repair and insurance costs.
Westerham, 17-11-2024 👎
20 years ago you could pass another car on the country lane without stopping but now we have to pull over to let these large monstrosities through.
20 years ago you could pass another car on the country lane without stopping but now we have to pull over to let these large monstrosities through.
Andover, 16-11-2024 👎
Very strongly against. The trend for larger cars leads to higher fuel consumption and difficulty in parking. I cannot find a suitable car that will fit into my garage and am having to continue to drive my 7 year old vehicle. The manufacturers don’t give a damn and produce what they think will sell. The only way to change this is to not buy the new models if they are larger than before.
Very strongly against. The trend for larger cars leads to higher fuel consumption and difficulty in parking. I cannot find a suitable car that will fit into my garage and am having to continue to drive my 7 year old vehicle. The manufacturers don’t give a damn and produce what they think will sell. The only way to change this is to not buy the new models if they are larger than before.
Athens, Greece, 14-11-2024 👎
Increases price and reduces practicality.
Increases price and reduces practicality.
Belgrade, 13-11-2024 👎
No sense, high fuel consumption, no parking space in the city
No sense, high fuel consumption, no parking space in the city
Minehead, 13-11-2024 👍
Larger cars are a good thing. They actually encourage sedate, smooth driving, to the point that a larger car can be more eco, and fuel efficient than a smaller one.
Larger cars are a good thing. They actually encourage sedate, smooth driving, to the point that a larger car can be more eco, and fuel efficient than a smaller one.
Villebon , 13-11-2024 👎
Pas suffisamment de place sur les emplacements de parking
Pas suffisamment de place sur les emplacements de parking
london, 13-11-2024 👎
this trend is terrible for uk driving. The lanes are already too narrow here, with cars getting bigger it feels so unsafe having them take up almost the entire width of the road. It's a nightmare getting past large vehicles on country lanes, and every parking lot is unbearably tight.
this trend is terrible for uk driving. The lanes are already too narrow here, with cars getting bigger it feels so unsafe having them take up almost the entire width of the road. It's a nightmare getting past large vehicles on country lanes, and every parking lot is unbearably tight.
Warsaw, 12-11-2024 👎
No. One cannot stick to one family within favorite make when changing car for a new one. It requires painful investigation and experimenting with car dealers.
No. One cannot stick to one family within favorite make when changing car for a new one. It requires painful investigation and experimenting with car dealers.
Sheffield, 12-11-2024 👎
Some cars are now too big to fit in parking spaces and you also see many people who can't judge gaps properly.
Some cars are now too big to fit in parking spaces and you also see many people who can't judge gaps properly.
sw, 10-11-2024 👎
cars way too wide and long. Car parking spaces are inadequate/too small
cars way too wide and long. Car parking spaces are inadequate/too small
Leeds, 09-11-2024 👎
Just getting ridiculous. Used to be able to park up and get in or out of the car even in the 1960s multistory. No longer. Car barely fits the space. No wonder so many people have given up trying. Don't get me started on those driving aids that mean no-one knows what size the car is any more. And the collision warning system that tells me I'm about to crash into the vehicle that's turning right ahead. Useful if you are incapable of driving properly I suppose.
Just getting ridiculous. Used to be able to park up and get in or out of the car even in the 1960s multistory. No longer. Car barely fits the space. No wonder so many people have given up trying. Don't get me started on those driving aids that mean no-one knows what size the car is any more. And the collision warning system that tells me I'm about to crash into the vehicle that's turning right ahead. Useful if you are incapable of driving properly I suppose.
Lisbon, 09-11-2024 👎
Not a fan. I’m all for having large models, but the choice of good, small cars is getting tough. These are usually relegated to the entry level which means if you want a faster or better equipped car that’s also small you’ll be hurting for choice. Some parking spots are small, especially in European cities so this is extremely disappointing. Might be the difference between being able to store a car on the apartment building’s parking or leaving it outside. For electric cars especially that’s potentially a dealbreaker as home charging is a huge reason why you’d get an EV.
Not a fan. I’m all for having large models, but the choice of good, small cars is getting tough. These are usually relegated to the entry level which means if you want a faster or better equipped car that’s also small you’ll be hurting for choice. Some parking spots are small, especially in European cities so this is extremely disappointing. Might be the difference between being able to store a car on the apartment building’s parking or leaving it outside. For electric cars especially that’s potentially a dealbreaker as home charging is a huge reason why you’d get an EV.