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Contradictions In Official Classifications Rekindle Debate On What Defines An SUV In Brazil After Inmetro’s Decision That Separates Versions Of The Same Model Into Distinct Categories.
The National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology (Inmetro) reopened the debate on vehicle classification in Brazil by reclassifying the Volkswagen Tera 1.0 MPI as a hatchback while keeping the TSI versions as SUVs.
The decision highlights inconsistencies in establishing criteria that define what is or is not a sports utility vehicle.
The controversy began with the analysis of the versions of the VW Tera, manufactured in Taubaté (SP) and launched in May 2025.
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The version equipped with the turbo TSI engine was approved as an SUV by Inmetro, meeting the technical parameters—elevated height, adequate approach and departure angles, and ground clearance above the minimum.
On the other hand, the entry-level version, equipped with the aspirated 1.0 MPI engine, had a height below the required values, which led it to the hatch category.
In practice, the Tera TSI has a total height of 1,504 mm and offers a ground clearance of 17.8 cm, a measurement disclosed by Volkswagen; in turn, the MPI version, with a height of 1,478 mm, would result in an estimated ground clearance of 14.8 cm—below the minimum of 18 cm required by Inmetro.
Technical Criteria Of Inmetro For Classifying SUVs
Since 2019, Inmetro has used clear technical criteria to classify a vehicle as an SUV under the Brazilian Vehicle Labeling Program (PBEV), although these criteria do not restrict marketing or commercial naming.
The required points are:
- Minimum approach angle of 23° (with a tolerance of -1°);
- Minimum departure angle of 20° (with a tolerance of -1°);
- Minimum ramp breakover angle of 10° (with similar tolerance);
- Minimum ground clearance of 18 cm (tolerance of -1 cm).
- The MPI version of the Tera, due to having 15-inch steel wheels (same as the Polo Track), does not meet these averages.
- On the other hand, the Tera TSI, with a higher suspension and larger wheels, meets the minimum values.
Kwid, Argo, And C3 Have Also Raised Similar Controversies
The current controversy resembles previous questioned decisions, such as the inclusion of the Renault Kwid, Citroën C3, and Fiat Argo Trekking in the SUV category by Inmetro.
Despite their compact hatch appearance, all of these have a minimum ground clearance of 18 cm, with approach, departure, and ramp breakover angles aligned with the criteria.
In the case of the Kwid, for instance, the ground height of 180 mm and the approach (24°) and departure (40°) angles were decisive for its classification as an SUV.
This led the subcompact to be included in the list of SUVs according to Inmetro, despite its hatch platform and lack of genuine off-road characteristics.
Inmetro Justifications And Impact On Manufacturers
Inmetro argues that the use of these technical criteria allows for the establishment of consistent standards for consumption labels, independent of marketing decisions.
The standardization aims to ensure transparency and objectivity in energy efficiency comparisons between vehicle categories.
However, as pointed out by specialists and motorists, this distinction based solely on physical measurements creates contradictions: cars marketed as SUVs may not meet all the requirements, and vice versa.
Reactions And Criticisms Of The Official Decision
Professionals and consumers criticize the logic applied by Inmetro.
On social media, users have engaged in heated discussions on Reddit and automotive forums.
One participant on r/cars stated:
“Kwid is considered an SUV by Inmetro… it has a minimum ground height of 18 cm, an approach angle of 24° or greater, and a departure angle of 19°.”
Industry experts emphasize that the lack of uniformity among versions of the same model shows flaws in the technical criteria.
The Tera MPI, for example, could easily be elevated to the SUV category with a larger diameter wheel, as seen in the Citroën Basalt.
Technical Classification Versus Public Perception
This ambiguity directly impacts how manufacturers position their models and how consumers make purchasing decisions.
A vehicle classified as an SUV may be perceived as more robust or reflect higher added value, even if it is not technically suitable for off-road use or on rugged terrain.
At the same time, the minimum requirement for characteristics such as ground clearance and approach angles forces manufacturers to adapt entry versions, even if they are practically identical in design, just for certified classification.
What The Tera Case Reveals About The Market
The Tera case exposes the informality in using the term “SUV” in Brazil: many times the market adopts cars with a “tall” appearance as utilities, but without grounding in rigorous technical criteria.
From now on, the differences between MPI and TSI versions of the same model will illustrate the direct consequences of almost imperceptible changes in specifications.
So far, Volkswagen has not issued an official position on the dual classification.
Inmetro has reaffirmed its decision in a statement to the Jornal do Carro.
In the end, the episode reinforces a broader question about the coherence between technical legislation, marketing announcements, and public perception.
Do you consider this technical classification by Inmetro fair, even when it diverges from public perception about what is or is not an SUV?
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