While browsing the car showroom in India, the first question you will be asked by a salesperson is whether you want the sunroof variant.
Given how aspirational a car with a panoramic glass roof has become in the country, opting out of it sometimes feels like choosing the base variant of the vehicle. However, before shelling out an extra Rs 50,000-Rs 1,00,000 for the sunroof feature on your new car, here is what you should think about
The upfront “sunroof tax”
While the ex-factory difference for a sunroof variant in the sub-15 Lakh segment is anywhere between Rs 60,000-Rs 1.2 Lakhs, the opportunity cost of that additional amount is something you need to consider. In most cases, sunroof cars come with an upgraded variant, which means you have to make do with a lesser powertrain option or compromise on some features.
This additional amount can either be put towards getting a car with better fuel economy or a better safety package for the entire lifespan of the car.
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The Indian climate
While the salespeople at dealerships will show you pictures of cars with sunroofs in cooler climates, the brutal Indian weather is not something you should overlook. In places with extreme sunlight for 6-8 months of the year, a sunroof is more of a hindrance than a help.
Owners of sunroof cars have complained that the inside temperature on an overcast day is much higher than a similar car without a sunroof, and the AC ends up working overtime to keep the cabin cool, impacting fuel economy.
Sunroof cars have also been observed to have lower mileage per km driven as compared to their non-sunroof counterparts, given the additional load of the glass pane and the impact on the AC compressor.
Apart from that, the constant exposure to sunlight without any protection increases the risk of the plastic and leather interior losing its durability before its time.
Higher maintenance cost
The motorised mechanism of the sunroof makes it one of the most delicate parts of the car. While sunroofs are generally reliable in the first few years of ownership, they are quite sensitive to the dusty Indian climate
A clogged drainage system in the sunroof track can cause water to leak inside the cabin during the rainy season, which might require stripping the interior of the car to reach the drainage tube. Additionally, the motorised mechanism tends to give up after 5-7 years of service, with the repair costs shooting up to Rs 15,000-Rs 30,000. Finally, a sunroof requires regular maintenance in order to prevent rattles caused by degraded rubber seals and other worn-out parts.
Structural integrity & safety
Modern-day sunroofs use tempered laminated glasses that can ensure the owner’s safety in case of an accident. However, there is an element of risk involved when considering a car with a sunroof. A solid metal roof provides much better rigidity and crash protection than a glass pane. However, manufacturers address this issue by providing reinforced pillars on sunroof cars.
That being said, in case of an accident, a glass roof might not protect the occupants as well as a metal roof would. Furthermore, adding an additional weight of 20-30 Kgs on the roof of the car can affect its centre of gravity, which again impacts the safety of the car.
Resale value of a sunroof car
While it is possible to recoup some of the money spent on a sunroof car by selling the car at a higher price, there is a very low chance of a sunroof car retaining its value. A used car buyer will always look to cut costs, and a sunroof car can be an easy way to do it. The higher price tag of a sunroof car gets factored into the depreciation. In other words, if you spend an extra Rs 1,00,000 on a sunroof car, it will depreciate by that amount as well over its lifespan. Even if a buyer is looking to buy a sunroof car, he will always try to negotiate the price and lower the bill by a significant amount if he discovers any defects in the sunroof mechanism during a physical inspection
When does a sunroof car make sense?
If the primary use of the car is on cooler regions or for night drives, a sunroof car will make much more sense, as the glass pane will act as a canopy for stargazing. Similarly, if the sunroof is included in a higher variant of the car that also offers additional features like ventilated seats, ADAS, or a premium sound system, it might be worth it
On the other hand, if you are buying a car with a sunroof on a budget, making compromises on the engine size and other important aspects of the car, it would be better to skip the glass pane.
A sunroof is an amazing addition to any car, capping the feeling of openness under a sky full of stars. However, the cost of a sunroof in India comes with its own risks that you should consider before buying a sunroof car. Weigh out the opportunity cost of the extra amount spent on the sunroof, and whether or not you will use it to its maximum potential. Sometimes the road ahead can be a better view than the view on top of the car.
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