You are here: Forums Automotive News & Views What is "wrong" with these new subcompacts?

What is "wrong" with these new subcompacts?

8700 messages,  Last post on Dec 08, 2009 at 7:41 PM

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What is this discussion about? Nissan Versa, Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit, smart fortwo, MINI Cooper

#8390 of 8700 Re: cheap and cheerful [ateixeira] by nippononly Apr 29, 2009 (3:17 pm)
Replying to: ateixeira (Apr 29, 2009 10:53 am) Well there's no doubt in my mind that all VWs under $25K including Polo will be built in Mexico (or points south) from now on. If they ever manage to get the new plant built in the U.S., I am sure it will build Passats and one of the crossovers.   I hope the Polo DOES make it here.
#8391 of 8700 VW Golf and Polo by igozoomzoom Apr 29, 2009 (3:22 pm)
The argument that the Polo and Golf are too close in price (and size) doesn't seem logical to me. There were quite a few folks who said the same thing about the Honda Fit being to similar to the Civic. Yet the Fit has been a runaway hit and Civic sales have remained very healthy, too.   A lot of people tend to look at the Jetta as being more upscale than the Golf/Rabbit. In reality, they're the same basic car. The Jetta is offered in more trim levels with more features than the Rabbit/Golf, but the Polo would allow the Golf to move upmarket. The Rabbit 3-door was a loss-leader for VW, priced $2000 lower than the 5-door.   There's room (and demand) for a Golf comparable to the Jetta SE and/or SEL. The Mazda3 5-door is proof that there's a market for premium compacts well in to the $24k+ range. A $15k Polo and $18k-up Golf would co-exist quite well, IMO. Replies to this message: ateixeira (Apr 30, 2009 8:24 am)
#8392 of 8700 How long would you wait? by steve_ HOST Apr 29, 2009 (5:00 pm)
Tata Nano So Popular It Could Take Years for Customers To Get Cars (Straightline)
#8393 of 8700 I don't see... by iluvmysephia1 Apr 29, 2009 (8:42 pm)
nothin' wrong with that Tata Nano subcompact. Or is it a kei-car? Sub-subcompact? Tiny little car being maufactured by an Indian carmaker and selling for around $4,995, give or take a whisker or a hair. Replies to this message: plekto (Apr 29, 2009 9:52 pm) nippononly (Apr 30, 2009 6:13 am) fintail (Apr 30, 2009 6:17 am) and 1 more...
#8394 of 8700 Re: I don't see... [iluvmysephia1] by plekto Apr 29, 2009 (9:52 pm)
Replying to: iluvmysephia1 (Apr 29, 2009 8:42 pm) Actually, it's about $2500 USD. Think basic motorcycle cheap. Replies to this message: nippononly (Apr 30, 2009 6:13 am) fintail (Apr 30, 2009 6:17 am) ateixeira (Apr 30, 2009 8:26 am)
#8395 of 8700 Re: I don't see... [plekto] by nippononly Apr 30, 2009 (6:13 am)
Replying to: plekto (Apr 29, 2009 9:52 pm) Yes, but the Nano Europa that will be smog- and safety-compliant (and have a larger engine) for Europe and the U.S. is projected to cost around $4995. As such, I think they will sell a million of them here as long as they have 3/36 and 5/60 warranties like all the other automakers.   And iluv: I think this one is as big as what we consider to be subcompact. Replies to this message: fintail (Apr 30, 2009 6:17 am) ateixeira (Apr 30, 2009 8:26 am)
#8396 of 8700 Re: I don't see... [nippononly] by fintail Apr 30, 2009 (6:17 am)
Replying to: nippononly (Apr 30, 2009 6:13 am) The globalized transportation pod nightmares are made of.   It would be better with a low-speed low-range electric system. Replies to this message: ateixeira (Apr 30, 2009 8:26 am)
#8397 of 8700 Re: VW Golf and Polo [igozoomzoom] by ateixeira Apr 30, 2009 (8:24 am)
Replying to: igozoomzoom (Apr 29, 2009 3:22 pm) Allow me to clarify my earlier point - the current Polo is made in Europe (I think?), and what I said was VW could not sell it here any cheaper than the $15995 they want for the Rabbit now.   Moving production to Mexico and moving the Golf upscale would change that scenario. I think both of those things would have to happen first.
#8398 of 8700 Re: I don't see... [fintail] by ateixeira Apr 30, 2009 (8:26 am)
Replying to: fintail (Apr 30, 2009 6:17 am) At the price it competes with 2 wheeled scooters, not EVs.   I doubt it would succeed here, but there will be more demand than supply when you account for 2 billions plus people in India and China alone - half the world's population basically.   Who cares about a shrinking and way-too-competitive US market?
#8399 of 8700 ateixeira by nippononly Apr 30, 2009 (8:33 am)
I believe that Tata will bring the Nano Europa to the U.S. as well, to maximize the profits they can draw from investing in the upgrades for the European market. And I know it's a super-basic car, but you know what? I think there will always be a market for a $5000 brand new car with a standard-length new-car warranty. In fact, I think it could be a hit. It will be the Yugo of the 2010s! Only it should have much better reliability than that piece of junk did. Tata is a pretty experienced carmaker after all.   Now, will Tata care if it makes it in the U.S.? As you say, probably not, they have bigger fish to fry. In fact, we may see it withdrawn in short order if sales don't take off right away.   As for the VW comments, both of your prerogatives for Polo sales in the U.S. have already been announced by VW: that it will move the Golf up some for the next round, and that the Polo will be sourced from Mexico.   I don't think they are going to offer a 2-door stripper trim of the Golf any more. It's interesting that they will cut that trim, as I think sales were pretty good, but I suppose people shopping that price range will consider a nicely equipped Polo instead in future. If the 2-door Golf started at a price $500 below that of the 4-door, I think both would sell plenty well, and allow some room for Polo to come in at a price $1000-3000 lower. Replies to this message: ateixeira (Apr 30, 2009 8:58 am)

You are here: Forums Automotive News & Views What is "wrong" with these new subcompacts?