The Sunroof Feature in Modern Cars | Useful or Useless?

Here in India, car buyers are more inclined towards features rather than what’s under the hood. Keeping that aside, some features are among the favourites of the buyers. One such feature is the sunroof. But is sunroof really useful? Or is it just a luxury? Let us have a look.

Types of Roofs? (Sunroof, Moonroof, Panoramic Sunroof)

Before giving a verdict let us have a look at the types of roofs with glass available in the market.

1. Sunroof
   

   

   The sunroof is not so common in cars in this era, but it consists of a solid body-coloured panel than can be tilted or can be completely removed.

2. Moonroof
   

   

   The most common type of roof now a day is the moonroof. This type of roof is made up of a glass panel on the outside and an interior coloured panel on the inside. Both of the panels are retractable.

3. Panoramic Sunroof
   

   

   It is a fairly large panel of glass that covers almost the entire roof. The roof is bifurcated in two one of which can be opened. Sometimes both of the pieces open.

Advantages

First things first, here are the reasons why sunroof is a boon.

1. Improved Cell Phone reception
   

   Yes! indeed having a sunroof or any sort of opening roof improves the signals. This is because glass doesn’t interfere with the signals.

2. Gazing
   

   One of the most important boons of an opening roof is gazing. Having such a roof allows one to gaze stars at night or beautiful sunset or the marvellous clouds.

3. Good to look at!
   

   After all, aesthetics is one of the reasons people in India prefer an opening roof, especially a panoramic sunroof.

4. Increase the Sense of Space
   

   With a glass opening allows a lot of light to enter the cabin, well that enhances the sense of airiness and makes the cabin feel less hemmed in.

5. Reducing the cabin temperature
   

   A Sunroof can operate in two ways, the whole roof and the second is the tilt function. With either of the two one can drastically reduce the cabin temperature. This is one of the good functions, especially in India.

Cons

1. Reduced Space
   

   Adding any type of operable roof also adds its electronic mechanism. This rig occupies a lot of space on the inside and eats in the cabin headroom.

2. Heavy
   

   Lighter is better, is what the company focuses on when making a car. Well, adding a sunroof drastically increases the weight of the vehicle. The electronics and the mechanism are surely heavy.

3. Pricey
   

   Of course, everything in this world comes at a price, this is no different. All the rig to operate the roof comes at a price. One has to shed a lot to opt for it as mostly it is the top-end trim that has one.

4. Inconvenience
   

   It’s not just about the rig, but also the maintenance of the roof, it needs time. Cleaning the sunroof is in itself a task.

Recommended: 10 Cars in India with a Sunroof Feature

Final Verdict

A sunroof, moonroof, or a panoramic sunroof, all are of the same family and require some maintenance. Apart from aesthetics, they don’t really have a function. But considering the pros, they add a feel-good factor to a vehicle. But what if a car does not have one? Well, in that case, it is subjective. It should not be a deal-breaker one should see the best of both worlds.

Also, Read History of the Sunroof | An In-Demand Car Feature in India