21:32 03-11-2025
Not every update is progress. We examine failed car refreshes like Civic and Jetta, cost cutting behind them, tech tradeoffs, and expert tips on what to buy.
The launch of a new model is usually treated like a celebration: carmakers promise upgrades, and fans expect progress. Yet reality often tells a different story — the refresh can shed the very character, reliability, or polish that made its predecessor beloved. Sometimes the newcomer isn’t a step forward at all, but a step back. That’s exactly the kind of misfires the journalists of 32CARS.RU discussed with auto expert Dmitry Novikov.
The ninth-generation Honda Civic (2012) became one of the clearest examples. After the well-regarded 2006–2011 run, the new version let fans down: the cabin felt cheaper, the handling turned sluggish, and the design came off faceless. Sales fell, and Honda hurried a facelift within a year to patch the missteps.
A similar story played out with the sixth-generation Volkswagen Jetta (2010). The fifth Jetta was praised for its premium interior and independent rear suspension, but the new model cut costs with a simple torsion beam and hard plastics. It grew roomier, yet the familiar sense of “German quality” many appreciated faded.
Another case is the Mitsubishi Eclipse. In the 1990s it was a light, sporty coupe, but with each new generation the model grew heavier and more subdued. The final turning point came with the Eclipse Cross crossover in 2017: the storied name ended up on a vehicle that had little in common with the original.
The main reason is cost cutting. Automakers are forced to lower production costs, saving on materials and complicating the hardware. As a result, soft-touch plastics give way to hard surfaces, and robust naturally aspirated engines are replaced by turbo units that are more sensitive to fuel quality.
The second reason is a shift in target audience. For instance, today’s BMW 3 Series is softer and more comfortable than the E46 and E90 generations. In terms of convenience, that’s progress, but for drivers who prize involvement it feels like a step back.
The third reason is new technology. Downsizing and electronics make cars more efficient, but often less dependable. J.D. Power data indicate that three-year-old cars today have more issues than a decade ago. That’s why owners of older Corollas often consider their cars more reliable than newer models packed with electronics.
And there’s a subjective factor — inflated expectations. The Toyota GT86, for example, disappointed part of its audience: as a supposed successor to the legendary AE86, some expected a powerhouse and instead got a modest 200 hp.
Novikov advised not to rush into a first model year. New cars are often tweaked after owners’ feedback, and sometimes it’s wiser to choose the previous generation — proven and more balanced.
That’s why many opted for the fourth-generation Toyota RAV4, believing the version introduced in 2019 became harsher and less comfortable.
A model update doesn’t automatically mean improvement. At times manufacturers lose the delicate balance between cost, technology, and a car’s character. New styling and fresh electronics don’t guarantee driving pleasure or reliability. Before buying the latest thing, it’s worth studying owner feedback and comparing it with the previous version. In the car world, as in life, new isn’t always better — sometimes the older one really was made with more soul.
Caros Addington, Editor
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