Sport utility vehicle sales surged to 2 million units in 2012, a 25.5 percent increase over the 1.59 million sales volume in 2011, despite a slim auto market growth, Guangzhou Daily reported Tuesday.

"The SUV market will maintain the growth momentum as more Chinese families now can afford a second car. And market fragmentation is likely to continue to be the trend," said auto professional Yang Zumao.

Top SUV performers last year include Shanghai Volkswagen Tiguan, Beijing-Hyundai ix35, Beijing-Hyundai TUCSOD, the Great Wall Haval H6 and GAC-Mitsubishi ASX.

"Generally, the rich prefer luxury SUVs. The working class favored those under 10,000 yuan. People with petty bourgeoisie tastes prefer medium-small sized ones," said auto professional Yin Hongdeng.