Discussion
SWoll said:
Reviewers are calling it a 'Premium' EV but in the minds of the buying public is Honda actually considered a premium manufacturer?
I can see them struggling to sell many, which is a crying shame as a far cooler and more interesting product than the Mini, 208, Zoe or Corsa EV's.
They're seen as a maker of 'quality' cars.I can see them struggling to sell many, which is a crying shame as a far cooler and more interesting product than the Mini, 208, Zoe or Corsa EV's.
jason61c said:
SWoll said:
Reviewers are calling it a 'Premium' EV but in the minds of the buying public is Honda actually considered a premium manufacturer?
I can see them struggling to sell many, which is a crying shame as a far cooler and more interesting product than the Mini, 208, Zoe or Corsa EV's.
They're seen as a maker of 'quality' cars.I can see them struggling to sell many, which is a crying shame as a far cooler and more interesting product than the Mini, 208, Zoe or Corsa EV's.
I don't think the E is overpriced in comparison to it's competition anyway TBH, just depends on whether people buy into the styling and limited range.
jason61c said:
They're seen as a maker of 'quality' cars.
Specifically what I like is that they make reliable cars. I dislike cars which break down, don't work or aren't made properly.The car is also perfect for local driving. Being not too long is good, but even better is the narrow width - the lack of normal wing mirrors reduce the width vs a regular car significantly. And the turning circle is extremely good.
Basically it seems ideal as a 2nd car for urban local driving, which is what it seems designed for.
jason61c said:
SWoll said:
Reviewers are calling it a 'Premium' EV but in the minds of the buying public is Honda actually considered a premium manufacturer?
I can see them struggling to sell many, which is a crying shame as a far cooler and more interesting product than the Mini, 208, Zoe or Corsa EV's.
They're seen as a maker of 'quality' cars.I can see them struggling to sell many, which is a crying shame as a far cooler and more interesting product than the Mini, 208, Zoe or Corsa EV's.
If they want to sell it in the USA, they'd probably do it under the Acura name. Maybe they should bring that to the UK.
I think the main problem is that when you start to compare it to the MINI, it falls short on the numbers game.
Don't get me wrong, I'd take it in a heartbeat over the MINI, but I doubt many would.
ZesPak said:
EddieSteadyGo said:
Are the numbers that different to the mini?
Nope, but the MINI edges it out on nearly all of them, even if it's by the smallest margin on some.Starting price is about 10% higher on the honda.
Boot space however is a big pro on the MINI.
For me I prefer the design of the Honda and the narrow width.
It is expensive though - the cost is £30k after the grant and it will likely only be worth £15k in 3 years time. So it is £5k depreciation a year for what will be a local run-about. Definitely not good value.
RobDickinson said:
Honda is a step up on Toyota in general perception but you're confusing premium with luxury
I think premium/luxury are essentially the same in the UK and I certainly wouldn't consider Honda in that bracket. The same appears to be the case in the USA hence the use of the Acura brand.Respected for their reliability but essentially considered a bit dull (apart from the Type-R models)
EddieSteadyGo said:
Just went back tp the dealership for another look. They happened to have a customer car due to be collected which had the leather seats option - weirdly, it only has leather front seats - the back seats are cloth, except for the headrest.
Has anyone here been brave enough to get one in yellow? Wife likes yellow but my sensible head says metallic blue is a safer choice.
I predict you will forget your sensible head and have one of these ordered by close of business tomorrow Has anyone here been brave enough to get one in yellow? Wife likes yellow but my sensible head says metallic blue is a safer choice.
SWoll said:
I think premium/luxury are essentially the same in the UK and I certainly wouldn't consider Honda in that bracket. The same appears to be the case in the USA hence the use of the Acura brand.
Respected for their reliability but essentially considered a bit dull (apart from the Type-R models)
It's funny because I wouldn't consider Tesla (or Jaguar for that matter) to be genuinely premium. They are just cars that perform a function, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.Respected for their reliability but essentially considered a bit dull (apart from the Type-R models)
EddieSteadyGo said:
SWoll said:
I think premium/luxury are essentially the same in the UK and I certainly wouldn't consider Honda in that bracket. The same appears to be the case in the USA hence the use of the Acura brand.
Respected for their reliability but essentially considered a bit dull (apart from the Type-R models)
It's funny because I wouldn't consider Tesla (or Jaguar for that matter) to be genuinely premium. They are just cars that perform a function, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.Respected for their reliability but essentially considered a bit dull (apart from the Type-R models)
We'll be discussing the difference between a 'sportscar' and a 'supercar' next.
SWoll said:
As I say, all very subjective and very much personal perception of what defines 'premium'.
Agree. TBH I am finding the 'premium' tag in cars boring. Are BMW for example really premium? Not to me. What is aspirational about even something like a McLaren (which anyone can buy now with a half decent job on a finance agreement and will be slower than a good Tesla in most real world driving conditions)?EddieSteadyGo said:
It's funny because I wouldn't consider Tesla (or Jaguar for that matter) to be genuinely premium. They are just cars that perform a function, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.
Having driven previous gen XF, A6, E-class and 5 series back-to-back I must say I can't see it like that.Obviously in terms of technology it was a bit behind, but by that measure, nothing is luxury compared to the Tesla.
ZesPak said:
Having driven previous gen XF, A6, E-class and 5 series back-to-back I must say I can't see it like that.
I'm not saying you can't tell the difference between cars. Some of the differences will be significant. And some cars are far better to drive than others.But is the 'brand' of car really important anymore in terms of what is says about the owner? And I think that is what the original comment about whether Honda was premium really related to. I think personally, no.
Test drove one yesterday. If you can live with the small boot and the range it's a fantastic car otherwise. Nothing else quite like it, the "mirrors" are easy to use and the interior feels like visiting the future. It's very comfortable too, very easy to get in and out. The turning circle is ridiculous and the autopilot is very unfussy and easy.
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