Sweeping statements that fuel prices are forcing motorists to buy smaller cars are too simplistic, according to market leader Toyota Australia.

The company's senior executive director sales and marketing David Buttner said the generalisation ignored the strong growth in sales of sports-utility vehicles (SUV).

Mr Buttner said industry SUV sales had increased by 13.2 per cent so far this year - the fastest growth of any segment and three times the rate of the overall market.

Australian motorists bought a record of almost 110,000 SUVs in the first half of this year - second only to the small-car total of just over 123,000.

Twenty of the 23 manufacturers represented in the segment had sold more SUVs in 2008 than during the same period in 2007.

Toyota leads the SUV market with sales this year advancing by 40 per cent to a record of more than 29,400 vehicles.

Toyota's Prado, Kluger and RAV4 are the three most popular SUVs in a segment that offers more than 50 models.

"Rising fuel prices have definitely accelerated demand for fuel-efficient four-cylinder cars - a move that has benefited Corolla, which is the best-selling vehicle in Australia in 2008," Mr Buttner said.

"However, families and other SUV buyers are focused on requirements such as space, comfort, performance and reliability - as well as fuel efficiency," he said.

Mr Buttner said there was little evidence of down-sizing among Kluger buyers, with monthly sales having tripled since the new-generation range was launched in August last year.

"One-third of trade-ins come from existing owners," he said.

"However, the biggest group of trade-ins from other brands has been among locally produced large cars at 22 per cent.

"A further sizeable proportion of Kluger buyers has moved from smaller vehicles, perhaps reflecting their growing family and stage of life.

"They want the visibility, space, luggage room and performance without having to sacrifice fuel economy," Mr Buttner said.

SUV SALES BY MODEL 2008 (TO 30 JUNE)

Source: VFacts YTD June 30, 2008

Note: Percentage changes are compared with the same period in 2007

SUV SALES BY MARQUE 2008 (TO 30 JUNE)

Source: VFacts YTD June 30, 2008

Note: Percentage changes are compared with the same period in 2007