Which car is your opinion is flashier/classier?

iwb100

NBLondon said:

iwb100 said:

Yeah but the buying public like the look of SUV’s. They didn’t like MPV’s for obvious reasons. 

I don't.   I find most crossovers ugly and small pseudo SUVs to be pretentious.  But that's just my taste.

What are these "obvious reasons" that people didn't like MPVs and when did they start?  Because if people don't like MPVs  -how come the idea didn't die a death with the Renault Espace?

iwb100 said:

It’s not some dastardly conspiracy, most non car enthusiasts like an SUV body shape. They don’t have any interest in pretending it’s an off roader they just like how it looks and the practicality it offers them. 

Are you basing this on anything other than your personal preference?  The marketing departments of car makers seem to think the "hey - you can off-road in it like these cool people" approach works.

iwb100 said:

It’s also much less a jump to an suv than from a supermini to an estate at least mentally.

That's an interesting thought...  Do you mean the jump from a supermini to a crossover that's the same length but higher-riding and squarer is less intimidating than the jump to a longer large hatchback?  Could well be for some folks.

iwb100 said:

They are no good for the drive experience. But most people simply do not care about that and comfort wise they are unmatched, which those non car enthusiasts do care about. 

Absolutely - for those who are not interested in handling or performance then space and comfort or possibly gadgets will be a  big factor.   But I'm not convinced you can say "comfort-wise they are unmatched"  - that suggests a higher-riding short crossover is more comfortable than a medium size saloon on a longer wheelbase?

The original point is that SUVs are popular. You seem to not want to accept that because you don’t like them and want to ascribe their popularity to some sort of manufacturer forced choice.

Which isn’t the case. People like how they look and how they offer them space. I get you don’t. I get many car enthusiasts don’t or environmentalists. They aren’t fun to drive. But the car buying populous drives manufacturers market choices.

MattMattMattUK

diystarter7 said:

Mercedes GLE, 250d AMG line
or
BMW M Sport any diesel engine

Both are equally tacky... er sorry, I mean, classier?

Laxton_Himself

As per the Inverse Rule, if you're trying to look cool, you're not cool... S**ts about to hit the fan financially, I'd suggest that should be your priority, not a £25k couch on wheels

Herzlos

NBLondon said:

What are these "obvious reasons" that people didn't like MPVs and when did they start?  Because if people don't like MPVs  -how come the idea didn't die a death with the Renault Espace?

Because for people who don't bother about looking cool and need the space, the MPV is unrivalled. So it's popular with people with 3+ kids (because you can get 3 car seats in the middle row, and some have 7/8/9 seats), handymen and couriers (because with the seats down it's a more comfortable van).

SUV's also serve a purpose too even if they are no good off-road (which is fine, because to most people off-road is parking in a field or woodland car park for some activity), them being higher up aids visibility, is easier to get into and more comfortable for people with mobility problems, and fits that 'active, cool outdoorsy' lifestyle everyone wants to show off without getting muddy. The wallowy ride is great when it comes to our terrible roads as well.

So I can see why SUVs are popular. Easily 1 in 3 houses here have one. I don't think they are particularly impressive though, but it all depends on who you are trying to impress.

NBLondon

iwb100 said:

The original point is that SUVs are popular. You seem to not want to accept that because you don’t like them and want to ascribe their popularity to some sort of manufacturer forced choice.

Not denying that - I'm asking for/exploring reasons why and getting "people buy them because they like the look" as a blanket assertion. Which doesn't address the possibility that there are people who buy them as a pragmatic choice because what they actually want/like is rarer in their price bracket.

iwb100

NBLondon said:

iwb100 said:

The original point is that SUVs are popular. You seem to not want to accept that because you don’t like them and want to ascribe their popularity to some sort of manufacturer forced choice.

Not denying that - I'm asking for/exploring reasons why and getting "people buy them because they like the look" as a blanket assertion. Which doesn't address the possibility that there are people who buy them as a pragmatic choice because what they actually want/like is rarer in their price bracket.

But it’s chicken and egg isn’t it. You argue that some are forced into buying them as there are fewer other options for large cars yet the reason there are fewer other options is because people like SUVs.

The buying public think they look good for large cars are easier to get in and out of and tend to have the most accessible boot spaces. They are as above also very comfortable rides compared to most other cars since they are basically designed to smooth everything out and aren’t designed to nip round country roads at high speed. You get a good view and some people seem to feel less vulnerable in them. 

They ideally suit the family car and the luxury end of the car market for those reasons. And people like them for this reason. I’m not saying I agree with all those reasons just that is more or less what the market thinks.

I do think that as large cars go SUVs look good compared to most other options. I mean they look good visually. That’s a matter of taste but each to their own. 

NBLondon

iwb100 said:

But it’s chicken and egg isn’t it. 

Yes - I said that on Page 5....

iwb100 said:

You argue that some are forced into buying them as there are fewer other options for large cars yet the reason there are fewer other options is because people like SUVs.

I'm wondering - not arguing.  And it could be a snowball effect.   SUVs become fashionable and sales increase; manufacturers start to offer crossovers which pick up some sales so numbers of these increase and more traditional styles decrease.  People who want a traditional style can't find one that they like/can afford so they buy an SUV/crossover as a pragmatic solution.  That adds to the sales figures but not necessarily the "I like these" figures.

I buy coffee in Starbucks from time to time.  It doesn't mean I prefer/like Starbucks; it might be because I want a latte and it's 5 miles to Caffe Nero which I do like/prefer.  It only means I prefer Starbucks to "no coffee at all".

iwb100

NBLondon said:

iwb100 said:

But it’s chicken and egg isn’t it. 

Yes - I said that on Page 5....

iwb100 said:

You argue that some are forced into buying them as there are fewer other options for large cars yet the reason there are fewer other options is because people like SUVs.

I'm wondering - not arguing.  And it could be a snowball effect.   SUVs become fashionable and sales increase; manufacturers start to offer crossovers which pick up some sales so numbers of these increase and more traditional styles decrease.  People who want a traditional style can't find one that they like/can afford so they buy an SUV/crossover as a pragmatic solution.  That adds to the sales figures but not necessarily the "I like these" figures.

I buy coffee in Starbucks from time to time.  It doesn't mean I prefer/like Starbucks; it might be because I want a latte and it's 5 miles to Caffe Nero which I do like/prefer.  It only means I prefer Starbucks to "no coffee at all".

But the market driver is consumer preference. Otherwise there are still plenty of estates available. They just don’t sell as well. Because consumers prefer the suv. I get some people end up in an suv because the trim levels on estates are cut and therefore they are seemingly shunted towards one. But the reason for this is still market preference. 

It’s a bit ironic that as EVs are going to dominate our roads in the next decade that manufacturers are having to build a load of EVs in SUV shapes, the least sensible option for these vehicles because the market is so fixed on that being the family car. I’m sure manufacturers would rather not. They’d far prefer to advertise longer ranges in more sensible models. But they also know who is going to buy their cars. 

Sea_Shell

Hi @diystarter7

I was reminded of this thread when today I saw a car that really turned my head and made me go WOW.   It was a mint condition MK1 Escort!!    

Anyway, I just wondered if you'd since come to any decisions as to what you'll replace your C class with.   Is the Ford you recently referred to a second car, or your partners?   

I see the current cost of fuel is a concern to you too, so probably isn't the right time to be considering a big SUV, like a GLE etc.   But with your Dad having one, at least you get a chance to "test drive" one to see what you think...and see if people pay you more attention whilst you're out and about in it.  

Funny, as I thought when you originally posted, you were a youngish bloke out to impress your mates, or potential partner, but on reading your more recent posts it seems I was wrong and you must be more like 50-60 as you have grown up adult home-owing children.    

Most of us are past caring what other people think of what we drive by that age!! 

Maybe your elderly Dad will want to downsize his car and he'll let you have it at a discount.   (apologies if I've got your ages completely wrong)