QUOTE(Kampung2005 @ Sep 24 2011, 06:55 PM)
Yeah. Ford models in the US are usually totally different from those in Europe, Americans loved big cars, Europeans a bit more economical ones.Have to say I'm really surprised by the pricing of the Fiesta. Tried to spec one in Germany that is similar to the sedan (no sedan in Germany, but you can't get the Fiesta with only 2 airbags there), and the Malaysian one ended up being CHEAPER than the one in Germany. Where's the tax on imported cars gone? And there is no DSG for the Fiesta in Germany.
The difference is the lack of a very entry level Fiesta (5 airbags, ESP, 3 doors, 60 hp, manual, aircon), RM 51200 in Germany. So maybe a bit less here? I think that could have a chance of competing with the MyVi. A bit more, but also a better car (at least if it is as good as the new Opel Corsa which I drove once... totally different from the MyVi. Good manual gearbox, not like that long stick the MyVi has IIRC). It's a pitty that euro imports are all fully equipped... no wonder they are too expensive. Would be nice to see entry level ones, so everyone can afford.
@bktay: Renault are also very popular for being safe, I think it was the first brand to only have 5 star EuroNCAP ratings or something like that. Especially they make small affordable cars that are very safe. Japanese cars can also be very safe, but for some reason they don't sell those in M'sia... the German MyVi (Daihatsu Sirion) has a minimum of 4 airbags IIRC.
Btw. loved driving the Ford Galaxy on the Autobahn. Nice comfy suspension, even the 1.6 liter Diesel (115 hp?) is reasonably powerful (did about 160 km/h average, 180-190 when I floored it, used about 8 liter per 100 km on the trip)). Interior feels good, looks good, nice satnav/multimedia system, it is huge with insane amounts of legroom, 7 seats that can fold away... they should bring it to M'sia too! Basic spec (registered for a day, driven 5 km, so technically not new) can be had for RM 90000, probably more expensive here though (they must be losing money at that price).
Edit: Yeah, Western Europeans usually don't like small saloons (the Dacia Logan is somewhat popular though, but probably mostly due to the very very low price. Imagine a Proton Saga, but designed by Renault so rather safe). Not sure why, perhaps cause they don't look that good? Not so easy to park? Middle class like Mondeo, Merc C class, 3 series BMW etc. saloons are quite popular, though station wagons might be even more popular (still attractive, but lots of space, very practical).
This post has been edited by kadajawi: Nov 15 2011, 03:28 AM