I think the success of motors like the Nissan Qashqai prove that punters out there like these sorts of cars. Mums like them because they sit high and feel their family is safe in all that metal. Dads like them because they are chunky and have a better image than an estate.
Manufacturers like Mercedes, Porsche, Audi, Land Rover, Jeep, Volvo, Volkswagen, Hummer, Lexus, Mitsubishi, Toyota, Citroen, Kia, Mazda, etc. all do the same, please show them with the same contempt, because regardless of actual off-road ability, people will always buy these for on-road only use.
In fact why not slap a ban on "pointless people" buying "pointless cars" - what would happen? Land Rover and Porsche would go bust.
Why stop at 4x4s? Slap a ban on pointless Ferraris, Lamborginis, Paganis, etc.
And ban father christmas while you're at it, he's pointless too and just for stupid people sucked in by commerciality.
Bah humbug.