Car sunroofs were once considered a luxury feature in the automotive industry. Once limited to the Mercedes Benzes, the Porches, the BMWs, the Škoda Superbs of the world, the sunroofs have come a long way. Recognising the growing aspirations and disposable income of the average buyer, car manufacturers today equip budget hatchbacks and mass-produced compact SUVs with a sunroof, a feature they happily boast in their marketing materials and the spec lists on offer.
But what purpose do sunroofs serve in the Indian market context, and are they just a mere gimmick to give the desis a taste of “luxury” or are they purposeful enough to justify the extra work that these panels may need to keep up in a country as harsh as ours?
Sunroofs: Modern Day Boom
Sunroofs, also known as
moonroofs, today come in various types, shapes, and sizes. A tilting sunroof may only lift at the rear with the sole purpose of creating a vent. Working on a basic hinge mechanism, a tilting sunroof does not slide.
The second most common type of sunroof in the automotive industry is the tilt-and-slide variety. When activated, the panel first tilts upward for ventilation and then slides externally over the roof. Many models include a wind deflector that pops up to reduce wind noise, ensuring a quieter and more comfortable ride.
Another sunroof you may have frequently read about or heard in the car reviews is the panoramic sunroof. These can come in multiple glass panels and provide a generous opening for passengers typically seated in a large vehicle.
Purpose Of A Sunroof
Sunroofs serve purposes that enhance the driving mood and overall comfort of the passengers on board.
Roomy/Airy: Having a sunroof in the car makes the cabin feel roomier and brighter. These can elevate dull, gloomy days by bringing in the essential bright light, making the commuters feel less claustrophobic.
Ventilation:
Parking in the open on a summer day in India can leave the interiors scorching hot. A sunroof can assist in cooling the cabin while also allowing fresh air to enter.
Status
Sunroofs have been perceived as a luxury feature for decades. Accessible now more than ever in a wide range of budgets, an aspiring buyer, especially a first-timer, is inclined to choose a car that comes equipped with a sunroof.
Aesthetic
Sunroofs can contribute to a car’s aesthetics and overall feel during scenic drives and elevate night journeys.
Are Sunroofs Practical For Indians?
The answer lies in who you ask. Preference aside, a car owner’s geography influenced whether the addition of a sunroof elevated their driving experience or made it a burden they had to lug around everywhere.
We explored the opinions of car owners and enthusiasts across India, delving into the reasons why some strongly favour sunroofs while others remain firmly opposed.
The Pros
Those who backed the feature as essential stated why they were in the pro-sunroof camp.
“I live in Pune, and except summers I open my sunroof almost daily usually during night times or evenings (sic),” a Reddit user commented on a discussion around the usecase of sunroofs in Indian cars.
“I don’t understand why people like to mock those who like sunroof. Everybody has a different taste. Everyone’s way of showing off is different too (sic),” chimed in a second.
“I myself love panoramic sunroofs especially during mist rain and cloudy days, looks lovely thru the glass panes (sic).”
“I wouldn’t call them [panoramic sunroofs] useless. When you get in the car on a hot sunny day, turn on the AC and open the roof. The hot air will rise up and escape from the top while the cold air starts accumulating below. Start feeling better in half the time.”
The Cons
Those who believed a sunroof had no space in their lifestyles also pointed out the dangerous and rampant scenarios of kids, and in some cases, adults leaning out of the sunroof to catch fresh air.
“Tbh people in India aren’t aware of the usage of sunroof. Everywhere we see kids/young boys/girls standing in the car with their upper body outside sunroof. It’s extremely dangerous and could prove to be fatal for someone. This needs to be banned asap (sic),” wrote one on this Reddit thread.
“Maybe its fun for kids but there are no kids in our house, we have opened the sunroof of our car about 4-5 times in 2 years of ownership. So the disadvantage is waste of money for no reason (sic).”
“Zero use. In fact, it’s a liability and maintenance pit,” wrote another dismissively.
Listing the individual aspects that may hamper drives, a Reddit user highlighted several scenarios where having a sunroof could come with its set of disadvantages. These included a failing motor, warmer cabin owing to a thin sunroof liner in some car models, reduced headroom, and the inability to stack luggage on the car top.
Sunroof Maintenance – After Rain
A section of car enthusiasts also provided handy tips on how to maintain a sunroof in areas frequented by rainfall.
“Change the sunroof weatherstrip every 2-3 years. It dries and shrinks, causing wind noise at high speeds,” wrote one. “Clean the sunroof water drain channels,” adding that not following this could lead to water entering the cabin.
A second, joining the conversation, added that driving on bad patches of roads over a prolonged time could create gap between sunroof and car body, introducing leakage issues.
