Most Improved Car Brands

[13177]

I bought one of the earlier car with CVT Transmission (Mitsubishi Lancer) and the transmission totally failed one month after the 2-year warranty is over.

Back then Lancer CVT gear so lousy? Think during that period, Lancer also one of the popular car people buy.

Even then I was scratching my head on WTF was the appeal of the Sunny

 

Cefiro was another 'hot' one. Even remembered one of my senior in the office was so proud of it he told me "maybe one day u can oso afford to buy it"....lol

Think the appeal of the Sunny back then was the nice design of the car la. Guess during that period, dont remember many B&B car with nice design. The corolla then was not nice.

Edited August 23, 2019 by 13177

[andrewyewkc]

Back then Lancer CVT gear so lousy? Think during that period, Lancer also one of the popular car people buy.

 

The previous generation of Lancer with normal transmission was still very good and reliable and you could see many GLX with renewed COE then. After this lesson, I don't buy cars with "advanced technology," I prefer old and proven technology.

[inlinesix]

I had Sunny for 2 years.

 

Can't even hit 130km/h until changed EO to 0w-30.

[Ceecookie]

i can't decide which brand has improved the most

 

but i feel Mitsubishi and nissan have deteriorated the most 

 

Nissan: apart from qashqai, hardly see any new nissan on the road, sylphy and x trail can't compete in their own segment

 

mitsubishi: totally give up on sedan (left a tin can attrage) yet their suv aren't selling well

 

Agree with you.

 

During early 2000s and early 2010s, people would go for Nissan and Mitsubishi coz both having very great models back then (Sunny, Murano, Air Trek turbo, Galant, Lancer EX).

 

Everything started going downhill from 2015 onward for this 2 brands... Attrage speak much for their R&D coz most of the internals came from the shared part bins (engine from 2003 blueprint somemore).

 

If they dont improve, will end up devolving to 20 years old Proton and Perodua models.

[13177]

Agree with you.

 

During early 2000s and early 2010s, people would go for Nissan and Mitsubishi coz both having very great models back then (Sunny, Murano, Air Trek turbo, Galant, Lancer EX).

 

Everything started going downhill from 2015 onward for this 2 brands... Attrage speak much for their R&D coz most of the internals came from the shared part bins (engine from 2003 blueprint somemore).

 

If they dont improve, will end up devolving to 20 years old Proton and Perodua models.

True, all the while Toyota, Honda, Mitsubishi and Nissan cars are quite popular and good. But dont know why Nissan and Mitsubishi cars like you said suddenly went downhill, esp for mitsubishi. For Nissan still not so bad since their 2015 Qashqai quite popular.

[andrewyewkc]

True, all the while Toyota, Honda, Mitsubishi and Nissan cars are quite popular and good. But dont know why Nissan and Mitsubishi cars like you said suddenly went downhill, esp for mitsubishi. For Nissan still not so bad since their 2015 Qashqai quite popular.

Many years back, pre-Ghosn, there was news that Nissan was slashing its suppliers' prices by half, there were some doubts about the quality of Nissan cars.

 

Mitsubishi always had quality problems and many lawsuits, but maybe its joint venture with Proton affected its reputation and vice-versa.

https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Mitsubishi-Motors-defects-scandal-hits-Malaysia-s-Proton

[wangxiaodi]

True, all the while Toyota, Honda, Mitsubishi and Nissan cars are quite popular and good. But dont know why Nissan and Mitsubishi cars like you said suddenly went downhill, esp for mitsubishi. For Nissan still not so bad since their 2015 Qashqai quite popular.

But i don't know why Nissan since sunny, their car model became cui and really not appealing at all.

 

all either fat fat, square square, or the front grille there looks kinda wear. Even the latest Slphy the front looks really awkward......

 

It is as if they are a bunch of stubborn old man refusing or cannot see their design really fugly......

 

Basically all these 3 jap brands, toyota, nissan and honda suffer from this syndrome of churning out awkward design and not able to get out of that stubborn mould...

 

Mazda, hyundai, kia and even subaru are leaping infront in this aspect, but the above 3 just cannot break out of their "comfort" shelves ...

 

[13177]

But i don't know why Nissan since sunny, their car model became cui and really not appealing at all.

 

all either fat fat, square square, or the front grille there looks kinda wear. Even the latest Slphy the front looks really awkward......

 

It is as if they are a bunch of stubborn old man refusing or cannot see their design really fugly......

 

Basically all these 3 jap brands, toyota, nissan and honda suffer from this syndrome of churning out awkward design and not able to get out of that stubborn mould...

 

Mazda, hyundai, kia and even subaru are leaping infront in this aspect, but the above 3 just cannot break out of their "comfort" shelves ...

 

Eversince Nissan stops selling their Sunny, all their models indeed cannot make it, esp for sedan. Even small hatch also dont have the appeals like their March back in the 90s. So far like only Qashqai still can make it.

[andrewyewkc]

https://www.autonews.com/automakers-suppliers/transmission-troubles-add-nissans-woes

 

Nissan's CVT also had problem.

[Soya]

But i don't know why Nissan since sunny, their car model became cui and really not appealing at all.

 

all either fat fat, square square, or the front grille there looks kinda wear. Even the latest Slphy the front looks really awkward......

 

It is as if they are a bunch of stubborn old man refusing or cannot see their design really fugly......

 

Basically all these 3 jap brands, toyota, nissan and honda suffer from this syndrome of churning out awkward design and not able to get out of that stubborn mould...

 

Mazda, hyundai, kia and even subaru are leaping infront in this aspect, but the above 3 just cannot break out of their "comfort" shelves ...

 

Don't forget that the jap B&B market is also being swallowed up by entry level badges nowadays

 

In the 2000s when Sunny was king, a badge was more of an exclusive thing unlike now

[inlinesix]

True, all the while Toyota, Honda, Mitsubishi and Nissan cars are quite popular and good. But dont know why Nissan and Mitsubishi cars like you said suddenly went downhill, esp for mitsubishi. For Nissan still not so bad since their 2015 Qashqai quite popular.

I think Mitsubishi was hit by financial downturn.

 

As i told sz_ford previously, Mitsubishi has a sad presence in Singapore due to our COE/Tax regime.

 

In Malaysia/Thailand, Mitsubishi has Triton, Pajero Sports & Outlander.

[Fat_slayer]

Kia for me is the most improved over the past decade.

The design and engine technology evident in the Stinger is impressive.

I think their acquisition for the top talents from Europe is paying off at least in the area of image and perception.

 

For me, I rather be driving Kia than Toyota / Nissan / Mitsubishi.

 

 

[13177]

Kia for me is the most improved over the past decade.

The design and engine technology evident in the Stinger is impressive.

I think their acquisition for the top talents from Europe is paying off at least in the area of image and perception.

 

For me, I rather be driving Kia than Toyota / Nissan / Mitsubishi.

Indeed true, from early 2000 Kia until now, can really see the great improvement in their cars. Think even better than Hyundai?!

[wangxiaodi]

Indeed true, from early 2000 Kia until now, can really see the great improvement in their cars. Think even better than Hyundai?!

Hyundai is also catching fast these last 6 to 8 years I guess. They are churning out more variety of models than kia. While kia is still mainly the Cerato.. Hyundai has a lot more these few years..

[andrewyewkc]

Hyundai is also catching fast these last 6 to 8 years I guess. They are churning out more variety of models than kia. While kia is still mainly the Cerato.. Hyundai has a lot more these few years..

 

It is good that some people still prefer cars like Attrage or Jazz to these Korean cars, otherwise Hyundai and Kia will price their cars as high as Japanese cars.

[Kia7200]

Now Toyota just collaborate will other car markers n put their badge on it.

 

Slowly sub out liao. I find for petrol cars , Toyota is the worst

[Holdenutessv]

On 8/23/2019 at 4:35 PM, andrewyewkc said:

https://www.autonews.com/automakers-suppliers/transmission-troubles-add-nissans-woes

 

Nissan's CVT also had problem.

Jatco CVTs are one of the worst in the business. 

[Pocus]

I offer my own opinion on some of the car brands and how they have improved or regressed.

My critera is based on:

• Their performance in the past 10 years
• Singapore market performance only

 
CONSISTENT BRANDS

Toyota - No longer the mainstay in SG market as its car losing the edge due to pricing and design. Many of it's pie are eaten by it's competitors. Even the days of toyota Taxis are over. The only thing keep Toyota in it's status quo position is it's reputation of reliablility since the 90s and a lineup of whole lot of premium and hybrid cars for the PHV business.

Subaru - Subaru have some hits and misses. Their WRX in the late 2000s are one of the best valued sports cars in the market. There was once the WRX is cheaper than a Colt Version R. However with the high COE and introduction of CEVS, the WRX is no longer competitive. From a Sub 70k car it's new model once hit 180k! Luckily in recent years, Motorimage managed to get get good prices for their popular lineups of XV and Foresters. With the emergence of SUVs and crossovers. Subaru looks to gain back from of it's fame in the late 2000s.

Mazda - Always know to make Beautiful trend setting cars but weak inefficient engines. Mazda hasn't really been catching on, until the new Kodo lineup in the early 2010s. The styling and trend setting as usually but the new skyactive engine improve FC alot while not compromising much on power. The Mazda3 is a looker and the CX5 captured the hearts of buyers again. The popularity of the car is further push by the PHV industry. Towards the end of it's life the Mazda 3 managed to sell at cheap price but many buyers shunt it due to it's PHV status. But with the new Kodo model in 2019, that is set to change. Time will tell if the current Mazda line up can attract.

Mercedes - Most Merc before 2008 are reserved for the alas group of uncles and aunties which is Merc's demography of buyers. But Merc knew they need to do something so they will not miss this group of younger generations growing up with buying power. They did radical changes towards their new models and design philoshphy. The 2008 C class is design to look young and to attract young executives to much success. They further introduce the models with lower displacement to make it more affordable. Seeing the success of the C class, they repeat the same with the A Class. This trendy hatchback is a Golf killer and for the first time, priced it right to be reachable than some Japanese models. Seeing the potential in its A class, Merc introduce different variants of the A class to match the trendy yuppy style to attract buyers. This has made Merc to be as consistent as ever since 10 years ago.

Nissan - They have always been consistent in terms of their lineup, their cars are not too radical nor are they too boring. They have no real technology edge over other brands. They are either too young looking for the uncles or too uncle for the youngsters. But they managed to stay relevant. They managed to jump in the crossover bandwagon with the Qasqhai, the 7 seater SUV with X-trail and the short-lived small turbo cars like the Note and Pulsat. For that, I'd say they are pretty consistent to date. But Nissan must innovate quickly lest they fall into regress mode.

 

GROWING BRANDS

Honda - Honda's got the stuff since the 90s and never loses it's steam. It's Civics are still favourites and it just keep getting better! Not to mention it never fails to nail every segment of the car market. Compact Hatches? they got the Jazz. Emerging Crossover trends? the Vezel covered that. Hybrid? A whole range of regular cars with hybrid setup to choose from. MPV? Go Oddessy! Sports cars? Type R is always there. SUVs? CRV reporting. Honda is on a roll and looking good!!

Hyundai - In the late 2000s, Hyundai makes supar poser cars. Suped up Getz and Tuscani roamed the roads in Hyundai's name, often look down upon and laughed. Their lineup like the Avante and Matrix is known to be ugly and a shoddy copy of popular brands. Look how much they are grown. And they have grown a whole lot! Hyundai has grown 10 folds with a large lineup of reliable cars for everyone, at competitive prices. That is why the Elantra dethroned the Altis and took over the taxi ranges. And being sick of posing, Hyundai got serious with Performance. From the competent Veloster Turbo and finally went hardcore with the i30N. To think we laugh at them 10 years agom now they are unstoppable! 

Volkswagen - VW deserves some credit here. Pre 2006 no one gives a shit about VW. Except of the GTI, their lineup of Mk5 Golfs and Passats are boring AF and expensive. Suddenly all that change with their new TSI engines. Low cc high torque mini turbos. Suddenly They cars are exciting to drive and very much the talk in town. 1.4 twincharger TSI is king. The release of the sport Scirocco further cement the thought that VW is the future. But the techology did not stood the test of time. The infamous DQ200 gearbox issues and the overwhelmed customer support in VCS, marred the fame of VW. Word spread and as more DSG failure is reported, suddenly the showrooms are cold again. Recently, VW begins to understand its failures and learn to manage it. The DQ200 designs have improved and interest are returning. But it is still marred by the COE price and improving competitors. Will VW enjoy simliar success/failure again? One thing is for sure, more people know VW compared to the Mk4/5 Golfs era.

EMERGING BRANDS
Skoda - 1 year ago no one has heard of this brand. Those who did have bittersweet memories of it's tough built and lousy dealer support. With Skoda taking over the dealership by itself (with VSC) Skoda has emerged to a desirable brand for those wanting a VW on a budget. The whole range of Skoda cars, with it's competitive price, effectively push down the sales of VW cars as people can still enjoy TSI engines at lower price. The outgoing models like the Rapid and Octavia are fugly to some but the newer models like the Kodiaq managed to win the hearts of many. WIthin a year, Skoda sold more cars than it did for 5 years and sold more that VW in the first 6 months of 2019. This highlight the potential of this brand.

REGRESSING BRANDS
Ford - Ford in 2008 have exciting lineup. Their Focus, Mondeo an Fiesta managed to capture some buyers even though they are rare sight. But in recent years, their numbers are dwelling and they didn't seem to put the effort to increase their sales. The Mondeo 2.0 Ecoboost and the Kuga are perfect platforms but fall short in the perks their offer. Some the model are either discontinued or dropped. The last nail that hit the coffin is the VES which totally killed them. RIP Ford.

Mitsubishi - Mit cars are popular with Lancer GLX/EX a common sight. Even the other models like the Colt and Grandis are pretty common. But this is more due to the signs of trouble within Japan. Cos if you go Japan, no one drives a Lancer or any Mit cars. You only find their Kei cars with are rebadged of Suzukis/Nissans. The lack of new models to follow kill Mit here. They dropped their Exo X, close their Ralliart store, move out of Leng Kee (to be dishonorably taken over by Kia) and downside their presence. Only to be left with the Attrage to fund them from the PHV business. With the ridiculous package deal offered by C&C, Mitsubishi cars are doomed to oblivion.

 

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Suzuki - Suzuki enjoy unexpected success with their Swift lineup in a time where COE is low and compact hatch are still relevant. Their Swift sport was dubbed the poor man's hot hatch and very popular. But with the COE going north it is illogical to buy small cars at such high prices, Suzuki fade in to the dark in Singapore Scene. Recently their emergence with the new Swift with a competent engine and their Vitara which offer as an alternative to the overpopulated and boring Vezel. With the new Jimny and upcoming Swift Sport, we hope Suzuki will continue to be one of the emerging brands.

Citroen - Citroen is always the niche brand and not very popular due to it's French origins. Like they say the french are good artists but not good engineers. But it had some success with the emergence of diesel vehicles. The Grand Picasso is one of the popular contenders for the shrinking MPV segment and the most popular model for a year or two. Alas the diesel tax structure has change and diesel car are not viable for sale. There goes the short glory of Citroen.