Quote:
Originally Posted by AlokSriva As always GTO, your write-ups are a treat. |
Thanks
Quote:
However, I have my reservations against Fortuner. Think of it, in its segment, Fortuner has nothing additional to offer vis a vis the competition (Captiva - ACC, all 4-discs, AT at the same price point; Endy - 4 airbags and AT again, not to mention other bells and whistles).
|
The Fortuner may not be revolutionary in tech or features, but its the only 20 lakh SUV to hit the "sweet spot". Unlike its competitors, there isn't a single deal breaker with the car. The Endeavour has horrible ride quality, the Captiva its turbolag and (previous) CBU pricing (which was corrected after the Fortuner's launch) and average road behaviour, the Pajero is too old, dated and anaemic (in light of the powerful diesels), the Vitara only a petrol and the CRV stratospherically priced.
Very honestly, the only SUV that can take the fight to the Fortuner is the extremely competitive X-Trail (WRT urban targetting). We've tested it and come away mighty impressed. My cousin drives one and he is supremely satisfied. Nissan is currently an inexistent brand; that with the CBU pricing is a deal breaker.
And further on the point of features, Toyota (and Honda) have never offered a long list of features. They instead offer a car that is all-rounded, built with the topmost quality and is better engineered than direct competition. I believe in their products and would rather have my money go into the substance (i.e. the engineering) rather than bells & whistles. I'm just a huge fan of Japanese cars (from experience).
Quote:
Yes, Fortuner sure has been a game changer, only so far as setting the sales charts on fire is concerned. If you ask me, IMHO, not a VFM proposition.
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by StarrySky Fortuner has been a runaway success, but I am not sure if it fits GTO's own definition of a game-changer. |
It did
change the game at the end, didn't it? Everyone reworked their prices within + / - 2 weeks of the Fortuner's launch. Toyota launched a product that the market wanted, at a price they were willing to pay.
Quote:
Originally Posted by imp! Throw in the fact that the Superb and Passat now come with 6 speed manuals, and I feel we are going to see several more Superb/Passat purchases per month. |
While these may increase the fleet sales, remember, the luxury car buyer much prefers ATs over Manual trannies. This has been amply demonstrated by the sales of all German cars (including the Laura!).
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vinu Good stuff GTO. I think the real game changer here is the Beemer. The long term after effects on the luxury car market will be wide ranging if they persist with this strategy of effectively tapping the lower end of the luxury car market. |
Bingo! Such pricing will affect the 50 lakh luxury market too. I'm just glad to see the 3 series & C Class back to where they really belong (that is the 23 lakh segment, not 33).
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gill22g These cars also denote the trend people buying more and more high end cars in INDIA. |
The Indian car market has, indeed, defied global trends in the last 2 years. The luxury segment is poised to grow even quicker.
Quote:
Originally Posted by naveenvenkatesh You can add the C class Corporate Edition also to the list. Mercedes is feeling the heat already! 298 3 series cars, compared to 90 C-Class! |
As Alok posted, the executive edition C Class was a reaction to the 3 series. It isn't a game changer...merely a respondent.
Quote:
Originally Posted by himanshugoswami This is OT, but this thread made me think of the other side of the coin- the biggest scr.ew up in the 20L range- the Honda CRV!! |
Add the Accord V6 & Camry to that list too. They are now more expensive than the Corporate ed 3 series!
Quote:
Originally Posted by mkh The fact that Skoda Superb has topped the sales charts even with a bad dealer and support feedback from many owners, speaks volumes of the product offering. |
I lose count of the number of times I've thought to myself "If this is what the Superb manages with such shoddy backing, where would the car be if Skoda offered class-topping customer satisfaction, after-sales experience and reliability?". Oh, I know.....would have probably bought the 3.6 AWD by now! Now that's a car you want to hustle.
Quote:
Originally Posted by channelv But new age Toyota is not as good as the die hard, sturdy, reliable vehicles they used to make. |
In what way? A BHPian (look up the Fortuner TD thread) has covered over a lakh kms in his UAE Fortuner and hasn't even replaced a damn screw! Recent recalls & their handling aside, I can assure you that the Altis, Camry, Innova and Fortuner have the capability to outlast their owners. On a recent trip to Kerala, my rented steed was a 1.5 lakh kms Innova. Excepting for the odometer, you wouldn't have a clue. Seriously.