Euro Compact SUV Comparison : 2013/15-2023 (Part 1)

As we have already seen the fall of the traditional car, now we can see their replacement below, the crossover/SUV. Some of the crossovers are nothing more than a slightly higher riding hatchback car but I guess you have to draw a line somewhere. 

Below are two graphs, done in small groups as there is a limit of how many can fit and still see what's happening. We will start with Set A, made up of Stellantis and one VW Group SEAT all with a South European flavour. Then below the charts, Set B with a broader cover including Ford and Toyota.

Set A. The Peugeot 2008 (top pic - 2020) and Renault Captur (second pic - 2018) both arrived in 2013 and have tracked each other closely. They have led this section of vehicles throughout with the former doing better over the last three years. The Fiat 500X arrived in 2015 but soon fell back disconcertingly. The SEAT Arona (pic just above - 2022) and Citroën C3 AirCross did something similar but have held up slightly better. It shows that even in a popular segment, success isn't a given.

Set B. The Opel Mokka has been around since 2013 but shown here from 2025. It settled nicely in the 160-170k region for a few years but it wilted quite badly after that. The second generation arrived in 2021 and is likewise based on a PSA platform. The Opel Crossland is yet another taking a PSA platform and after a reasonable start, noticeably fell back. In 2024 its replacement has been named the Frontera, a name revived from way back. 

VW was a bit slow getting into this area of the market but like buses, two arrived in quick succession. The T-Roc (pic two above - 2022) was introduced in late 2017 and the T-Cross came eighteen months later. They aren't that much different in size with the former growing strongly but the latter fading. 

The Ford Puma (pic below -2020) came with a crossover model in 2020 that has proved popular for a company eschewing traditional passenger cars. Toyota then entered the segment with the Yaris Cross (pic above - 2021) and its rise has been impressive, only the T-Roc is above it.

Summary. They have come recently but have taken over the passenger car market. Their practical nature appeals and there is no sign of their popularity going anywhere but up. 

Picture source: Netcarshow.

Euro Small Car Comparison : 2000-23

How have small cars done over this century in Europe? So as not to clutter the graphs, I did it in two parts. The first has three French models with a Czech one thrown in randomly. The second more Germanic with a Toyota as a comparison.

First up, it is plain to see that the year 2000 had Peugeot (top pic 206 - 2003)and Renault as leading brands in this segment. Peugeot was on top, helped in part with its tendency to replace a model but keep the older one for a while, effectively having two entrants in the race. 

The volume race is over as we see the decline below. Citroën (2nd from top C3 - 2014) at times threatened to press the top two but never quite got there. I would say the surprise for me was the Škoda Fabia (above - 2019) which is a value for money proposition. It didn't reach the top and now is looking rather subdued. 

Not starting with as much volume as above, the still popular Corsa (above - 2007), Polo (below - 2022) and Fiesta (bottom - 2009) have run a fairly close battle with each other with the Toyota Yaris not too far off that trio. 

The Opel/Vauxhall Corsa started out on top but the Fiesta then took charge with the Polo always in the mix. The Fieats has now been axed as sales were very poor over the last few years. The Corsa still does OK but as usual, Toyota holds a steady line as the others declined.  

Small cross overs have hurt the above models. They are an ideal car for city driving but not enticing buyers anything like they used to.

Picture source: Netcarshow.

Euro Compact Car Comparison : 2000-23

The compact sized passenger car has taken a beating during the 21st century. The SUV has been mainly responsible for the decline. In Europe, this was a very popular segment but not anymore and it's still progressively sliding downwards. 

Below is data collected from various sources and defining Europe is not the same from each one. It is close enough to give a clear picture of what has happened from the year 2000 through to 2023. The Golf includes the Bora and later the Jetta but just the Golf in latter years.

The VW Golf (top pic - 2013) had remained the best selling throughout, thanks of late to its enduring popularity in Germany although that is waning too. The Opel/Vauxhall Astra (above - 2007) and Ford Focus (just above - 2015) were sought after but are now on life support. The Focus ends in 2025 but the Asta continues. The fact it is now part of the Stellantis Group means it can share development costs with other models within the Group.  

I put in the Toyota Corolla (pic under chart - 2019) as a comparison. It's never been a hot seller and Toyota hasn't chased sales but the model has remained solid while the others have steadily declined. The hybrid technology Toyota has utlilised is working for the Corolla.

Picture source: Netcarshow.