Key Highlights
- Sunroofs have become highly desirable in modern cars, even in affordable models like compact hatchbacks and SUVs
- The term “sunroof” is often used generically, but there are actually different types of glass roof panels available in cars
- The article aims to explain the distinctions between various types of glass roof panels, including the difference between a sunroof and a moonroof
Out of all comfort and convenience features, a sunroof has become the most sought-after thing in a modern-era car. At one point in time, only high-end luxury cars had the novelty of a sunroof. Due to the increasing love for sunroofs among affordable car buyers, even compact hatchbacks and SUVs now come with this feature. Also Read | MG Comet EV Vs Tata Tiago EV Vs Citroen eC3 Budget Electric Car Comparison: Which Is The Best?
While the presence of a glass panel on the roof is generalized as a sunroof, there’s more element to the story. There are multiple types of sunroofs available in cars nowadays, and people often mistake a moonroof for a sunroof. Here, we have described the differences between different types of glass roof panels in cars sold in the modern era:
Sunroof
Contrary to what most people believe and even what carmakers promote nowadays, a sunroof is essentially an opaque panel. This panel is present on the roof of the vehicle, which matches the color of the vehicle and can be either tilted open or taken off wholly.
Moonroof
It is the actual sunroof that matches the perception of most people. It is also a type of sunroof, but it is a glass panel present on the roof of a vehicle. This glass panel can tilt open or slide between the roof panel and the headliner of the vehicle. For added protection and aesthetics, a moonroof also comes with an additional sliding panel. Almost all modern cars now come with a single-pane or a panoramic moonroof. An example of a car with a moonroof is the new 2022 Brezza.
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Panoramic roof
While some carmakers are yet to offer a single-pane sunroof in their popular models, a few have edged ahead by offering panoramic sunroofs. As the name suggests, a panoramic sunroof gives a panoramic view of the skies above. It is possible by a larger glass panel covering more than half of the roof panel. An example of an SUV with a panoramic sunroof is the Tata Harrier.
This glass panel generally has two halves. While the glass panel above the front row can slide and open, the other half glass panel above the rear rows has a fixed design. However, in some cars, there is a single large glass panel as a panoramic unit, which partially slides or opens up. A panoramic unit is more effective in making the cabin feel airier and brighter when compared to a single-pane sunroof.
In recent times, SUVs like Hyundai Creta, MG Hector, and Mahindra XUV700 have popularized the concept of panoramic sunroofs. Single-pane sunroofs have made their way in most sub-compact SUVs and even hatchbacks like the Hyundai i20 and Honda Jazz.
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