Over the past 60 years, cars in the UK have grown significantly in size — and not just in length. Today’s most popular models are wider, taller, and heavier than ever before, raising concerns about whether our roads, parking spaces, and infrastructure can keep up. From compact saloons of the 1960s to today’s bulky SUVs and crossovers, the rise of big cars is reshaping how we drive and navigate urban spaces.
From Compact Classics to Bulky Beasts
Once upon a time, the UK’s best-selling car was the Austin/Morris 1100 — a modest family saloon measuring just 3.7 metres long, 1.6 metres wide, and weighing around 830kg. Fast forward to 2025, and the most popular new car is the Ford Puma, a so-called compact crossover that’s 4.2 metres long, 1.8 metres wide, and tips the scales at 1,300kg — or nearly 1,600kg in its electric Gen-E form.
That’s a 57% increase in weight, 14% in length, and 12% in width over six decades. And it’s not just the Puma. Across the board, big cars are getting bigger — and it’s starting to cause problems.
Parking Problems and Urban Pinch Points
As cars grow, our roads and infrastructure haven’t kept pace. Parking spaces, built to accommodate smaller vehicles, now struggle to fit modern SUVs and crossovers. According to Auto Express, this phenomenon — dubbed “carspreading” — is making tight city streets even tighter, and multi-storey car parks increasingly impractical.
Drivers are finding it harder to park, navigate narrow lanes, and avoid kerb damage. And with more big cars on the road, visibility for pedestrians and cyclists is also compromised — especially at junctions and crossings.
Why Are Cars Getting Bigger?
There are a few key reasons behind the bloat:
- Safety regulations: Modern cars are packed with crash protection, airbags, and reinforced structures — all of which add bulk.
- Consumer demand: Buyers want more space, higher driving positions, and tech-loaded interiors.
- Profit margins: Manufacturers make more money selling larger vehicles, especially SUVs.
According to Nationwide Vehicle Contracts, even traditionally small models like the Volkswagen Polo and Mini Cooper have grown significantly in recent years, gaining both length and width.
Are Big Cars More Dangerous?
While bigger cars may feel safer for occupants, they pose greater risks to others. Heavier vehicles take longer to stop, and their bulk can obscure visibility. Pedestrians and cyclists are especially vulnerable, with studies showing that SUVs are more likely to cause serious injury in collisions.
CheckThisCar.co.uk highlights that the Range Rover, once a rugged off-roader, now measures 5 metres long — making it harder to manoeuvre and more intimidating on narrow residential streets.
Environmental Impact
It’s not just about space — it’s about sustainability. Bigger cars consume more fuel, produce more emissions, and require more resources to manufacture. Even electric SUVs, while cleaner at the tailpipe, are heavier and less efficient than smaller EVs.
As cities push toward net-zero targets and cleaner air, the rise of big cars seems at odds with environmental goals.
Final Thoughts
The numbers don’t lie — cars have bloated dramatically over the last 60 years. What was once compact and practical is now oversized and cumbersome. While big cars offer comfort, tech, and perceived safety, they’re also reshaping our roads in ways that aren’t always positive.
For drivers, it means more parking headaches and higher running costs. For cities, it means rethinking infrastructure. And for all of us, it’s a reminder that bigger isn’t always better — especially when it comes to navigating Britain’s ageing road network.
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