IT WAS curiosity that led Steven Theo to buy a Toyota RAV4 two years ago.

'I've owned five cars but never an SUV,' recalls the 35-year-old quality manager. 'The moon is rounder on the other side.'

This week, he got his feet back on the ground and traded in his RAV4 for a Peugeot 308 hatchback.

Not surprisingly, he cites 'much higher' running costs as one of the main reasons for giving up his 'lifestyle' ride. He says he was spending $100 a month more on fuel than his previous car, a Mazda2.

Mr Theo is by no means alone.

High fuel prices have begun to put the brakes on sales of cars with relatively poor fuel economy. Sports-utility vehicles fall into this group.

Read the full story in Saturday's edition of The Straits Times' Life!