Most Improved Car Brands

[Contented]

Honda city getting better... at least look.. haha

[wangxiaodi]

13 hours ago, Pocus said:

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.

How come no kia.... 

[RogerNg_185295]

6 minutes ago, wangxiaodi said:

How come no kia.... 

Maybe you can start on KIA?

[wangxiaodi]

It is true Hyundai especially these 3 years had been very aggressive to churn out many exciting models. 

Ioniq, elantra 2017, avante 2019, 130 series and suv and mpv. All looks quite refreshing. 

[wangxiaodi]

2 minutes ago, RogerNg_185295 said:

Maybe you can start on KIA?

Kia to me, actually their up is when they introduced the kia Cerato forte and koup in 2008 to 2009. These 2 models made me have the impression that they are leaping forward. But their K3 and latest Cerato series seems like a case of "leak gas" effort. Though they might be many Cerato 2018 fans here. Optima was one model that was nice too, and the stinger. How ever, looking at Hyundai, you will observe that they have slacked a fair bit in terms of catching the market's interest and presence. 

But even as I have personally liked kia Cerato forte 2008/09 model. But once you are inside, you somehow lose that little bit of wow and excitement about owning the car. The interior made me felt kinda small. K3 also didn't has the most "timeless" interior too. 

[Soya]

2 minutes ago, wangxiaodi said:

Kia to me, actually their up is when they introduced the kia Cerato forte and koup in 2008 to 2009. These 2 models made me have the impression that they are leaping forward. But their K3 and latest Cerato series seems like a case of "leak gas" effort. Though they might be many Cerato 2018 fans here. Optima was one model that was nice too, and the stinger. How ever, looking at Hyundai, you will observe that they have slacked a fair bit in terms of catching the market's interest and presence. 

But even as I have personally liked kia Cerato forte 2008/09 model. But once you are inside, you somehow lose that little bit of wow and excitement about owning the car. The interior made me felt kinda small. K3 also didn't has the most "timeless" interior too. 

Agree that the 2009 Cerato & Koup may have been revolutionary in looks for Kia. But underneath that nice body, it still drives like a old Kia of yesteryear.  I was a launch customer and didn't get to test drive when i booked. After getting the car, it was like....oh gawd

 

[Hotbod]

KIA Hyundai and Mazda improved the most for me, in recent years. In terms of exterior design, interior design, fit & finish of materials, driving dynamics when it comes to engine/trasmission.

Toyota and Nissan, at least in my opinion and in local market, seemed to have regressed. Limited offerings, boring engine and drivetrain options, designs that don't get you excited, same old hard plastics in the cabin. Mitsubishi and Suzuki doesn't seem to be doing very well in our market too. Honda is slightly better when compared to these but still give you cars with 2 air bags.. seriously.

Plus, with the insurgence of SEAT and Skoda, the line between KR / JAP cars versus entry level conti is even more greyed.

[Pocus]

1 hour ago, wangxiaodi said:

How come no kia.... 

I'm have no visibility on Kia over the past 10 years as I did no follow their progress closely.

Same for many other brands like Volvo, BMW, Jaguar, Perodua, etc.... so i won't pass judgement on them.

 

Perhaps you can share your insights on Kia?

[wangxiaodi]

1 hour ago, Soya said:

Agree that the 2009 Cerato & Koup may have been revolutionary in looks for Kia. But underneath that nice body, it still drives like a old Kia of yesteryear.  I was a launch customer and didn't get to test drive when i booked. After getting the car, it was like....oh gawd

 

True. I wanted to buy an used kia forte last few months. When in to test drive for the 1st time after admiring the beauty outside. Maybe same feeling as you, it was seriously not a very shiok feeling.. Like sitting inside a slightly improved Nissan sunny.. But nothing more.... 

Quite smallish on the inside and plasticy....

[wangxiaodi]

4 minutes ago, Pocus said:

I'm have no visibility on Kia over the past 10 years as I did no follow their progress closely.

Same for many other brands like Volvo, BMW, Jaguar, Perodua, etc.... so i won't pass judgement on them.

 

Perhaps you can share your insights on Kia?

Already did in page 4..after wr your comments. 

[Si4dr]

1 hour ago, Hotbod said:

KIA Hyundai and Mazda improved the most for me, in recent years. In terms of exterior design, interior design, fit & finish of materials, driving dynamics when it comes to engine/trasmission.

Toyota and Nissan, at least in my opinion and in local market, seemed to have regressed. Limited offerings, boring engine and drivetrain options, designs that don't get you excited, same old hard plastics in the cabin. Mitsubishi and Suzuki doesn't seem to be doing very well in our market too. Honda is slightly better when compared to these but still give you cars with 2 air bags.. seriously.

Plus, with the insurgence of SEAT and Skoda, the line between KR / JAP cars versus entry level conti is even more greyed.

 AD cut cost by bring in 2 air bags modal(especially Thai made) so not Toyota,Honda etc to blame......

[Hotbod]

34 minutes ago, Si4dr said:

 AD cut cost by bring in 2 air bags modal(especially Thai made) so not Toyota,Honda etc to blame......

Not every AD does this. Some entry level model got 6 airbags.

If the AD cut on leather seats, lights all these I can understand. But airbags? Will not go near the brand.

[Hotbod]

2 hours ago, Soya said:

Agree that the 2009 Cerato & Koup may have been revolutionary in looks for Kia. But underneath that nice body, it still drives like a old Kia of yesteryear.  I was a launch customer and didn't get to test drive when i booked. After getting the car, it was like....oh gawd

 

Bobian. B&B model is like that. Super stylish? Weak Engine. Good performance? Gotta forgo other things. Can't tick all the boxes one.

Look at the new Mazda 3, super chio design, plush interior, but engine sian 1/2 so uninspiring.

So it depends on what the customer value lor.

 

[inlinesix]

2 hours ago, Hotbod said:

KIA Hyundai and Mazda improved the most for me, in recent years. In terms of exterior design, interior design, fit & finish of materials, driving dynamics when it comes to engine/trasmission.

Toyota and Nissan, at least in my opinion and in local market, seemed to have regressed. Limited offerings, boring engine and drivetrain options, designs that don't get you excited, same old hard plastics in the cabin. Mitsubishi and Suzuki doesn't seem to be doing very well in our market too. Honda is slightly better when compared to these but still give you cars with 2 air bags.. seriously.

Plus, with the insurgence of SEAT and Skoda, the line between KR / JAP cars versus entry level conti is even more greyed.

For Toyota globally, the focus is hybrid drivetrain as well as engine size from 2L & up.

Engine below 2L is still primarily from ZR & NR family which is what we are getting in Altis, Vios & Yaris.

Who on this island buy G12 2L Altis which is likely to be using Dynamic Force 2L.

==================================================

Due to financial trouble, Mitsubishi is primarily SUV maker.  In Malaysia/Thailand, Mitsubishi focus on Triton, Pajero Sports & Outlander.

None of this will sell well here.  That's why their offering is pathetic here.

 

[wangxiaodi]

2 hours ago, Davidtch said:

For Toyota globally, the focus is hybrid drivetrain as well as engine size from 2L & up.

Engine below 2L is still primarily from ZR & NR family which is what we are getting in Altis, Vios & Yaris.

Who on this island buy G12 2L Altis which is likely to be using Dynamic Force 2L.

==================================================

Due to financial trouble, Mitsubishi is primarily SUV maker.  In Malaysia/Thailand, Mitsubishi focus on Triton, Pajero Sports & Outlander.

None of this will sell well here.  That's why their offering is pathetic here.

 

Why cant they come out with another series of Lancer? 

[inlinesix]

2 minutes ago, wangxiaodi said:

Why cant they come out with another series of Lancer? 

I don’t know 

But Lancer might become an SUV in future similar to Eclipse.

[Hotbod]

19 minutes ago, wangxiaodi said:

Why cant they come out with another series of Lancer? 

 

Make that Galant & give it a turbo 😍

[wangxiaodi]

15 minutes ago, Hotbod said:

 

Make that Galant & give it a turbo 😍

Drove the galant before in the 2000s....lol