The demand for automobiles in Vietnam and worldwide is increasing, and automakers are responding by introducing new models with diverse options in terms of segments, designs, and prices. To stay competitive, automakers are also paying more attention to “options” and features, ranging from convenience to safety.
Sunroofs, once an exclusive feature of luxury vehicles, are now available on mainstream models. Of course, not every car has one, but for those that do, it becomes a selling point that helps consultants easily persuade customers to make a purchase. After all, who wouldn’t want to enjoy a sunroof typically found in luxury vehicles while driving a more affordable car?
The top-of-the-line Hyundai Accent 2021, with a price tag of only 542.1 million VND, also features a sunroof.
Imagine those cool days with fresh air; opening the windows and sunroof to let the breeze flow into the cabin, turning on some good music, and letting go of your worries as you drive. In reality, many people, when researching and choosing a car, tend to favor models with sunroofs or opt for a higher trim level just to have this feature.
The Summer Heat Conundrum
However, sunroofs in Vietnam are not the most practical feature, especially during the hot summer months. With temperatures soaring to 40-50 degrees Celsius at their peak, the sunroof glass will trap heat, making the car even hotter. As a result, owners of vehicles with sunroofs often choose to apply heat-resistant film, which costs more than regular tinting due to the additional glass panel.
Cars with sunroofs tend to absorb more heat than those without.
But even heat-resistant film has its limitations. Despite its high quality, the most popular films on the market can only block a portion of the heat, and the sunroof’s typical location above the front seats can still cause discomfort. As a result, many people resort to adding sunshades, sacrificing aesthetics to avoid the sun’s rays.
The higher temperature in the car with a sunroof leads to increased fuel consumption due to the heavier use of air conditioning.
In more expensive models, manufacturers often include a sunroof cover that can be made of plastic or fabric, depending on the size of the sunroof. However, during the hottest part of the day, a plastic cover offers little improvement, and a fabric cover is even less effective for panoramic sunroofs.
The panoramic sunroof looks great, but have you considered the summer heat?
Some newer models, such as the VinFast VF9 and VF6 Plus, even feature glass roofs. While this may sound luxurious, it can become a summer nightmare for owners. This is evident from the photos circulating on social media in Vietnam, showing VF9 owners installing additional covers to shield themselves from the heat.
A VinFast VF9 with an additional cover installed to shield the glass roof from the heat.
A glass roof may sound fancy, but it can become a summer nightmare for car owners.
Sunroof in Name Only
Aside from the heat issue, many people who buy cars with sunroofs rarely, if ever, open them. This is especially true in large cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, where air pollution is a constant concern due to the high density of vehicles. As a result, even on cooler days, people tend to keep their windows closed to prevent dust and pollution from entering their vehicles and soiling the interior.
The Allure of the Sunroof
While the pros and cons of sunroofs in Vietnam are well-known, some people still choose to include them in their vehicles. The reason is that having a sunroof adds a sense of luxury and elegance to the car, making the interior feel more spacious.
I still remember the classic Hollywood movies where the main character would lean out of the sunroof of a limousine at the end of the film, enjoying the breeze in their hair as they drove along the California coast with palm trees swaying in the background. That image represented a turning point in the character’s life, a sign of success and achievement. I believe many others share this sentiment.
That’s how the idea of a sunroof in a car became ingrained in our minds, representing a certain lifestyle. So, when given the chance to own a car, who wouldn’t want to relive those movie moments?
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