According to Jato Dynamics, the growing momentum behind the anti-4x4 lobby is eating away at demand for the vehicles which have become status symbols for consumers with no need for off-road capability. Jato said SUV manufacturing was undergoing a period of transition resulting in a trend for new models which are smaller than their predecessors and offer four-wheel-drive only as an optional extra.

“Rising fuel costs, the spiralling C02 debate and the associated social pressures are putting a strain on the SUV segment,” said Nasir Shah, sales and marketing director for Jato. “While many buyers still have a desire to own these cars, there is a need to make them cheaper to run. If not it will become a segment in serious decline.” Shah said the backlash against SUVs had been particularly strong in the UK where they were seen as the “environmental bad boys”. This had attracted the attention of legislators and led to hikes in taxation.