In a recent story ran abroad, Kia higher ups said that the firm is targeting Volkswagen as a benchmark.
In some respects I can understand that, but in others I can only say what a poor choice; let me explain.
We all know that Volkswagen makes reasonably priced vehicles "for the people," while making them relatively stylish and true to the brand. However, for whatever reason, it is always lacking in terms of reliability and dependability.
Example "A": A 2010 VW Golf press vehicle's DRIVER-side windshield wiper flew off when I turned it on -- as you would in any other car -- during a rainstorm. Have you ever driven leaning over your passenger?
Example "B": Having been the owner of a 2004 VW Touareg, I can confidently say that it was not the most reliable car in any sense of the word. It became downright abysmal at some points. Particularly when it went into "limp mode" approximately 15 miles from my dealership OR maybe when the catalytic converters needed replacing, twice. Have you driven stuck in third gear for 15 miles? It is not fun or safe.
Now, I know what you may be saying. "00R, you just had a couple of bad apples." This brings me to my last example...
Example "C": The 2010 J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study, which placed VW third from the bottom with 225 problems per 100 vehicles. Not flattering numbers. Meanwhile, Kia sat just below the middle of the pack.
There are only two possible ways that Kia would want to emulate VW:
1) Everytime I drive a VW, issue or not, I step out happy. Hell, sometimes when a wiper falls off I even laugh and find it exciting. Although, it is TREMENDOUSLY annoying when I have to go to its horrendous dealers for service.
2) VWs interiors are class leading. The materials and fit are generally at a much higher level than you would expect. Granted, another recent VW press car showed that quality control standards are lacking -- there was an intriguing, dime-sized bubble in the driver's door door skin.
So, should Kia follow in VW's footsteps? Or, should they just continue on its own trajectory and create its own path of success?
Look out Volkswagen – Kia is out to get you! In an exclusive interview with Auto Express, bosses confirmed that the replacement for the Korean giant’s Rio supermini will aim to match the VW Polo for quality, but with a greater injection of style.
The news came at the UK launch of the new Sportage crossover – the first complete Kia to be styled by design chief and former Audi man Peter Schreyer.
Head of product planning David Labrosse told us that while his firm is targeting VW’s quality benchmark, “we don’t want all of our cars to look the same”.
He added: “When we launched the Cee’d in 2006, it showed that Kia can build a car that can compete in Europe. With the Sportage, we are introducing style and premium quality to an affordable model...
[Source: AutoExpress]
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