HDI wrote:Small to medium cars have become fashion accessories, intended for the younger end of the market.
Whatever they promise is largely undelivered, it's all a fantasy that some buyers find irresistible, which is of course intentional. Car manufacturers have very persuasive ad and marketing departments with huge budgets, very good at overcoming any potential resistance to their latest 'new' concept.
The majority of so called 'hot hatches', strangely an 80's concept, are lardy gadgets that would be blown away by a humble 205 GTI 1.9 or Mk1 Golf GTi.
How I wish I could buy a new, utility, small car for £5k that would provide economy and genuine practicality without all the nonsense that we are told is indispensable, but in fact are just more things to go wrong.
What I want in fact is a modern 2CV for that £5k. Would rather have 100mpg with the genuine ability to carry 4 adults, or an awkward load, comfort and utility than lane warning sensors, ipod dock, auto this, assisted that etc. Oh, and the viability to repair it myself if I choose to.
I agree, too many cars are form over function now, this is very evident by the range of 'Sport Tourers' in place of the much loved large estate cars, very disappointing.
Yes, simplicity if often a nice thing, however I think a lot of people (me included) would miss the luxuries and benefits of a modern car. There are many reasons why cars are more complicated now than they used to be, environmental, safety, ease of use etc.
A couple of people have asked me to find a car for them recently, they both said they would like a car with manual everything and nothing unnecessary to go wrong. So I came up with some ideas and they then started piling on spec which they would like, air conditioning, electric windows and remote locking was a must, one said they want leather and cruise ... not really my idea of a back to basics car! I think most people would feel the same, if not, we would all be running around in cars from the 80s and early 90s in basic trim levels.
One thing I do like about the C1 is its simplicity, you really can't get much more simple, they use a well proven and hardy engine which is fun and economical and I have not heard of a failure yet. No multi=plexing, everything is well built but easy to replace and cheap to do so. It has to be the cheapest car to buy, own and run at the moment, they are superb if that is what you want. Obviously they lack luggage space but for people its not bad at all, im 6ft 2 and easily fit in the back of it - I dont in the new C3!
The Mini does indeed use PSA joint engines, however it is not engine troubles which seem to be the most common thing, poor build and electrical gremlins seem the most popular.