|
Odd why the current model is only being replaced after just 4 years on sale - most cars these days (especially the better ones) have a sales life of around 5-7 years, and often Japanese models even longer, as evidenced by the previous versions of the model being sold new for 7 years each.
I was under the impression that the latest version was by far the best, supposedly 'justifying' the very high price tag. Recent reliability issues with Honda's diesels and turbo-petrols will not help sales, nor will the new Jazz/Fit being so much more than the competition to buy - the medium and higher spec (not the engine, especially when the actually quite decent 1.5VTEC was introduced then dropped after 5 minutes) cars are costing the same or often more than cars with equal spec that are far more fun to drive and still have adequate space for most buyers in that segment.
Many cars that compete on space/versatility are often far cheaper and that are gradually closing the gap on reliability too. I'm unsure what Honda are playing at over the last 5 years or so, it's almost as though they are just 'managing decline', as evidenced by them closing their plant in Swindon (which was nothing to do with you-know-what).
Having also such a large gap in their range as regards vehicle size between the Jazz and the (extremely large) Civic with only a very expensive HR-V there and no 'ordinary type car' - what gives? They have less models on sale than much smaller firms like Mazda and just matching Subaru. 15-20 years ago, they were hot, now they are selling very cars in the UK.
|
