Auto expert Dmitry Novikov explains why many new car models disappoint: cost-cutting, softer tuning and tech overload erode reliability and character. Read more.
Auto expert Dmitry Novikov, in a conversation with 32CARS.RU, explained why brand-new models so often leave owners disappointed. In his view, the main culprit is manufacturers’ drive to cut costs, which strips many cars of reliability, signature character, and even the feel of quality.
He pointed to the ninth-generation Honda Civic as a telling example: after the successful 2006–2011 model, its successor arrived with a cheaper cabin and unremarkable handling. A similar fate befell the Volkswagen Jetta VI, where savings meant abandoning an independent rear suspension and soft-touch materials. The Mitsubishi Eclipse, once a sporty coupe, was turned into a crossover and lost its identity in the process. Decisions like these may help the budget sheet, but they tend to sand down the very personality that attracts loyal buyers.
Novikov added that a shifting audience plays a role as well. Modern BMW 3 Series models have become softer and more comfortable, yet they no longer feel as driver-focused as the older E46 and E90. He also cited technological overload as a third factor: today’s turbo engines and complex electronics raise efficiency but often hurt longevity. According to J.D. Power, three-year-old cars now fail more often than they did a decade ago. Anyone who remembers the clarity of feedback in those earlier BMWs will immediately sense how priorities have changed.
His advice is to avoid rushing into a first-year model, since manufacturers frequently iron out early issues after initial feedback. In many cases, choosing the previous generation proves wiser: it tends to be more durable, easier to understand, and better balanced. New is not always better—especially in a market where progress often comes at the expense of a car’s soul.
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