Sunroof craze in India: Pointless car feature most want but few need

Once considered a sign of luxury in Indian cars, the sunroof has now become a common feature in cars across all price ranges in India. Today, you can find it in everything from high-end SUVs to budget-friendly subcompact sedans as well as hatchbacks. True, it is a popular and one of the most sought-after features in cars these days, but is it really useful? Let’s take a look.
These days, more than 25 percent of new cars sold in India come with a sunroof, a big jump from just 7 percent five years ago.In fact, a recent report says that in models that offer it, the sunroof can boost sales by up to 55 percent. For some manufacturers in India, over 60 percent of their sales come from the mid or high-end trims where sunroof is offered.

While the sunroof adds a touch of luxury and can make the cabin feel more spacious, it often doesn’t offer much in terms of everyday usefulness. For many, it’s more about a ‘Oh-wow’ feature than a practical one.

The Indian weather is contrasting. It can range from harsh summers to heavy rains - thus, doesn’t always make the sunroof practical. It can also lead to maintenance issues like leaks, and the extra weight and space taken up by the sunroof mechanism might not be worth it for everyone. Plus, the sunroof often comes with a higher price tag, usually found on top-end models.
There’s also the safety aspect. Some people have been known to let their kids or even themselves stick their heads out through the sunroof, which is not only dangerous but also illegal. It’s clear that sunroofs’ appeal is more about looking good than being truly practical. In a country where practicality often matters most, the sunroof remains a trendy feature that many people want but don’t necessarily need.