QUOTE(jayraptor @ May 26 2018, 10:47 PM)
1 of my member was so eager that you would point out either BMW or Volvo principal marketing head, it was let down for him.
When did you follow your friend to showroom? Heard v40 now cut price to Japanese D segment range? Before this, if not mistaken the V40 T5 was about BMW 118i price range at rm180k? V40 T4 should be more than rm10k cheaper.
Both the V40 and 118i are just too small especially the rear row. Unlike normal car, although they are as big as Japanese C segment, luxury cars are less roomy inside due to thick pillars, curvy and angular exterior shapes and design took away the space. I won't even look at these small cars when come to luxury range. For ladies maybe, doesn't worth spending so much, better fork out more and get 3 series or C class size at least.
Auto Bavaria focus more on cheap price so they took the 318i and phased out the 320i so that the 118i won't be the only one with 3 cylinders. If they retained the 320i, it could share parts with way more models and variants as the 2.0T engine is most common. Another failed marketing head that failed to take on Mercedes relying on cheapest entry level to fight. The rear row of current F30 3-series too cramp and lacked legroom, wait for g20 better. That's the main reason why I didn't go for the 3 series back then. The 3 cylinders and rear row turning me off.
Audi at the other hand, marketing failed and seems hopeless under their management. Mercedes interior too old fashion, reminds me of cars from 60's and quality looks cheap. Lexus cbu totally overpriced. Volvo too much focus on electronic and environment. Infiniti already dead, forget it.
First of all, I don't really care who's the head of marketing. This is their hiring decision and there must be some qualities within them in order to take up this role. Lower rank people may question their capabilities as they may not have full picture of the work they are doing. I won't go further to discuss into this topic.
Back to your question, I went to Volvo showroom on last Fri. Yea, their V40 T4 is about 154k before insurance. This is very close to the Japanese D segment. I kind of agree with you that I won't look into luxury hatchback. It's too small for my liking. I guess a Myvi is much better in terms of space. FYI, my colleague slash off V40 from her list because she can't justify a small car with 150k price tag. She said her current 14yo altis is far more better. Lol.
Then I told her to consider 318i if she want slightly better space and a proper boot. Understand that BMW may want to save cost of the 3 cylinder parts and thus cutting the offer of 3 series to only 2 variant. This strategy does work to certain extend. However, for people like me who is already eyeing on the entry level luxury car, it simply pushes me away. I want a decently power 2.0L engine than a small 1.5L 3 cylinder to power a 1500kg car. Not to forget people are still not open to the hybrid option for now. I trust Japanese hybrid (I'm referring to Toyota one since they are pioneer in this field) but I am still skeptical on how well a continental hybrid will be, how long can it last, will it serve the purpose or just purely jump into the Ev bandwagon. I'm hoping BMW gonna bring back the 2.0L engine in upcoming G20. I have lots of expectations on G20 and if it fulfill my expectations then I may consider to get 1.
C class on the other hand looks more classy and luxury to me. Interior I would say not bad, at least better looking than the current 3 series. That's personal preference. The new A class interior is definitely top notch and I like it very much. Merc never bothered to offer good discount and free services is always case by case basis. This shy me away too. I don't wish to folk out another 20 to 30k in 5 years to do the normal servicing. BMW handles this part quite well, Tbh. Audi like you said it's a failure in term of marketing. Their car is not bad but the after sales service simply sucks. My boss has to sell his Q5 due to engine oil and O ring issue. Since then, I never even considered this brand as my future option.
Lexus is a solid built car. No doubt on Japanese reliability. However the CBU price tag is something stopping people to get it, unless you are rich or uncle enough to get a luxury car with superb reliability. Infiniti not worth mentioned liao. No eye to see.
First time write so long. For the rest, sorry, you can skip this post. TLDR.