Decades back, cars like Mercedes or BMW were leagues apart compared to cheap brands like Skoda or Hyundai etc.
But I think in recent years the gap has narrowed or even some so called budget brands offer more bangs for bucks.
If I am blindfolded, I probably can't even say whether I am riding on a premium car or a budget one (as long as comparing line for like cars).
I think when people say a premium car is more comfortable it is often psychological rather than factual (of course it's my personal opinion).
So how the so called premium brands justify their premium price?
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They're still years ahead.
The modern accessible car for most people is a very good motorcar but wait another 15 years...
The rear seat entertainment systems, heated rear seats, bluetooth connectivity etc... they've all been enjoyed by the plutocrats since 1066...(slight exaggeration but you get the drift).
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I agree - the gap is nowhere near what it was 10 - 15 years ago.
I think some brands have upped their game somewhat over the past couple of years and that has also helped to close the gap
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My supposedly "budget" KIA Ceed has all round leccy windows, remote locking, automatic dual climate control, bluetooth, USB and ipod inputs, umpteen mode on board computer, cruise control, power sockets front and rear, Hight adjustable seats, and a load of other bits and pieces. My first car, a 1960's mini had four seats and an engine with BMC build quality. Things have certainly moved on, to the point where I don't see the advantage of paying premium prices to have a less well equipped "badge"
Last edited by: Old Navy on Sat 1 Oct 11 at 21:55
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I think the car you talk about has moved out of the budget bracket. Look at the KIA website and compare a 1.6 petrol with a Ford or Vauxhall.
Apart from anything else where is the user friendly configurator for KIA ?
If I missed it my apologies but it looks like a "this is what we ship, take it or leave it" approach to selling cars.
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>> Apart from anything else where is the user friendly configurator for KIA ?
>> If I missed it my apologies but it looks like a "this is what we
>> ship, take it or leave it" approach to selling cars.
>>
I can manage with 3 different body shells, 5 trim levels, 4 engines, and 3 transmissions. :-)
Last edited by: Old Navy on Sat 1 Oct 11 at 22:23
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Crikey ! How big is your garage ?
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>> Crikey ! How big is your garage ?
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I forgot the traction control and ESC, you really need it with an engine powering each wheel. :-)
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I thought we were talking cars, not Arks and Lancer estates :-)
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>> I thought we were talking cars, not Arks and Lancer estates :-)
Both timeless classics.
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What? Cars and Arks ? :-)
Last edited by: gmac on Sat 1 Oct 11 at 22:39
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>> >> I thought we were talking cars, not Arks and Lancer estates :-)
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The Ceed also has the ultimate bit of kit, unbreakable cup holders. I know Z, it copied the Lancer. It also has rear suspension that is remarkably similar to the Focus, Diesel engine, BMW / MINI 1.6, Instruments Toyota Corolla, and probably lots of others.
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>> If I missed it my apologies but it looks like a "this is what we
>> ship, take it or leave it" approach to selling cars.
>>
That was very much the Japanese approach - wasn't long ago that if you wanted optional a/c on a Honda Civic it was fitted at the dealer. And the colour choice was narrow too.
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>>> I don't see the advantage of paying premium prices to have a less well equipped "badge"
True, in cash terms.
But premium brands can cost only a little extra if at all, or even cheaper.
For example my poverty spec BMW was significantly cheaper to lease than the equivalent Insignia or Mondeo.
Saying that, I don't have blue tooth! tight fisted so and sos, if must only cost a few quid to fit.
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Some brands have upped their game as the up-market brands they are trying to copy have gone downmarket to chase more sales, and risk losing their 'exclusivity' (Audi A1 anyone?)
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>>(Audi A1 anyone?)
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How long until it appears with a VW or SEAT badge?
Last edited by: Old Navy on Sat 1 Oct 11 at 22:25
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>> >>(Audi A1 anyone?)
>> How long until it appears with a VW or SEAT badge?
Already has - it's based on the VW Polo.
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Lets put this into perspective, in 1998 my dad paid £5000 privately for an N reg Fiat Punto 1.1 SX with FSH and 10k on the clock. It had luxuries like electric windows, central locking four speakers etc but no airbags to speak off.
In 2010 I paid £6400 for a brand new Panda, with electric windows, central locking, CD player, height adjustable steering wheel, ESC, ABS, Airbags and a few other gizmos.
My dads Fiesta is pretty much identical spec, although his has quick clearer windscreen but he also has just one airbag, no ABS and that had a list price of £12,000 in 1996. My Panda pretty much has more features, is quicker (in terms of 0-60) yet cost half of the price of the Fiesta did in 1996.
In Circa 1995 you could get a C class for similar money for a Mondeo but a cassette player would set you back £800, if you wanted electric windows that was another £2k sp the Mondeo was far far better value despite lists being similar.
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>> >> >>(Audi A1 anyone?)
>> >> How long until it appears with a VW or SEAT badge?
>>
>> Already has - it's based on the VW Polo.
which is appropriate, given the first Polo was in fact developed by Audi as the Audi 50.
www.polodriver.com/heritage/audi-50/
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Narrowing gap between luxury and budget brand cars - ....
