I prefer the previous model
Discussion
ajprice said:
I've got a couple of Kia's, the Niro and Sportage
2021 Niro
2022 Niro
2020 Sportage
2021 Sportage
The whole front end of both new models has gone nuts, especially the Sportage. Kia's used to have a nice recognisable grille with the pinched bit in the middle, the new cars have got random lights/grille/DRLs all over the place. I'm beginning to think they've hired the Nissan Juke designers
That front on the sportage is shocking. 2021 Niro
2022 Niro
2020 Sportage
2021 Sportage
The whole front end of both new models has gone nuts, especially the Sportage. Kia's used to have a nice recognisable grille with the pinched bit in the middle, the new cars have got random lights/grille/DRLs all over the place. I'm beginning to think they've hired the Nissan Juke designers
It makes Dacia’s jogger look like a supermodel.
Lester H said:
Don't a significant minority always prefer the previous model? There are two more strands: The trend born in America to feel the need to freshen up or ' facelift' a current modlel usually with different front grill bumpers and lights. If the original were a good clean design of even a bought in one from a coachuilder, the modifications will make it inferior. Finally, shortly before a car is to be replaced, there will be a ' run out ' edition with lots of extras thrown in and these are often good value and even overlap with their successors.
I don't understand the need for "facelifts". Surely the manufacturers tried their hardest to make the best looking car they could in the first place. Do they make a change for changes sake thinking that people need to show they have the latest version? So many end up making them look worse. Jag F Type as mentioned by others is a prime example of messing with something that didn't need messing with. Use the money on something else. Another was the Clio 197 to 200 facelift.197 (all smooth and everything lines up, looks like it was designed cohesively from start to finish):
200 (because they kept the same wings but used different lights and bumper nothing seems to line up properly anymore):
chrisga said:
I don't understand the need for "facelifts". Surely the manufacturers tried their hardest to make the best looking car they could in the first place. Do they make a change for changes sake thinking that people need to show they have the latest version? So many end up making them look worse. Jag F Type as mentioned by others is a prime example of messing with something that didn't need messing with. Use the money on something else. Another was the Clio 197 to 200 facelift.
197 (all smooth and everything lines up, looks like it was designed cohesively from start to finish):
200 (because they kept the same wings but used different lights and bumper nothing seems to line up properly anymore):
Agree with you on the Clio but probably wouldn't let it put me off buying the newer car. It is still one of the last great NA hot hatches after all.197 (all smooth and everything lines up, looks like it was designed cohesively from start to finish):
200 (because they kept the same wings but used different lights and bumper nothing seems to line up properly anymore):
I think the reason for a facelift is that a model cycle is typically 6-8 years, so the manufacturer needs to give you a reason to upgrade, as they don't want you to wait 6-8 years for the next generation. Sometimes the facelift is a benefit. New tech, power upgrade, updated interior, new colour options, LED lighting etc and the German manufacturers tend to be quite subtle with this (I drive a mk7 Golf for instance but would struggle to differentiate it from a mk7.5 without age related plates to help me). Some facelifts are an improvement (mk1 Jaguar XF in my opinion) and some not so successful (Clio) but at least one can tell it's the "upgraded" model and others will perceive that it's a different car. It also brings the styling into line with newer models in the Renault range, making it look more contemporary?
Car manufacturers are also always trying to reduce costs. It's possible that the facelift Clio might be cheaper to manufacture, if less aesthetically pleasing or cheaper to repair after an accident.
Edited by white_goodman on Tuesday 25th October 19:19
Kuwahara said:
bigothunter said:
Is that observation endorsed by the comparative sales figures and profit margins? 'Stale' old designs don't sell...
Did you catch the IMO part….ajprice said:
white_goodman said:
Are we getting a bit hung up on styling though?
Yes, that's what the thread is about.LuS1fer said:
Yes, I know designers are hamstrung by regulations and bonnet heights but what cars do you think looked better before?
All views are a matter of opinion. Please respect the views of others and their failing eyesight
I've got a couple of Kia's, the Niro and SportageAll views are a matter of opinion. Please respect the views of others and their failing eyesight
2021 Niro
2022 Niro
2020 Sportage
2021 Sportage
The whole front end of both new models has gone nuts, especially the Sportage. Kia's used to have a nice recognisable grille with the pinched bit in the middle, the new cars have got random lights/grille/DRLs all over the place. I'm beginning to think they've hired the Nissan Juke designers
It raises an interesting question though. Car manufacturers are always trying to push design forward to keep their cars looking modern and attract new customers, whilst keeping their existing fan base happy. A niche manufacturer can maintain a similar design or a very slow evolution (Morgan/Caterham) but a mass market manufacturer doesn't have that luxury.
The German car manufacturers and some others (Land Rover with the Discovery and Range Rover for example) tend to alternate between an evolutionary and a revolutionary approach.
Think mk1 to mk2 Golf (evolution)
Mk2 to mk3 Golf (revolution)
Mk3 to mk4 Golf (evolution)
Mk4 to mk5 Golf (revolution)
Mk5 to mk6 (evolution)
Mk6 to mk7 (revolution)
Mk7 to mk8 (evolution)
Likewise
E21 to E30 3-Series (evolution)
E30 to E36 (revolution)
E36 to E46 (evolution)
E46 to E90 (revolution)
E90 to F30 (revolution)
F30 to G20 (evolution)
Often the revolutionary change (mk3 Golf/E36 3-Series/P38 Range Rover) are not that well received at the time but evolve into designs that people love (mk4 Golf/E46 3-Series/L322 Range Rover), so that revolution, although often unpopular at the time is necessary. Without it, we would have been trapped in the angular design of the 70s/80s and an evolved mk2 Golf/E30 3-Series design would have looked awfully dated compared to modern "jelly mould" designs such as the Sierra, mk3 Cavalier, mk1 Primera etc.
The "Bangle" BMWs kind of stand out, as they were perhaps a bit too "out there" and weren't really evolved, as the next 3, 5 and 7-Series was a more conservative reset. I actually think the "Bangle" 3, 5 and Z4 have aged quite well though, the 6 and 7-Series less so. Perhaps that gives us some hope that there may one day be handsome BMWs again?
Conversely, a manufacturer like Ford takes a very different approach to design evolution. There is evidence of evolution with the Fiesta and Mustang but the Focus and Ka generations all look completely different to each other. Without the badge and knowledge of the design features of other contemporary Fords, you wouldn't necessarily know it was a Focus!
The Golf, 3-Series, Discovery and Range Rover are instantly recognisable as those models though, whether you like the styling of the current model or not.
Edited by white_goodman on Tuesday 25th October 19:49
Edited by white_goodman on Tuesday 25th October 19:50
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