VAG options (dead)
Posted: Tue Aug 21, 2018 8:50 am
So, this started with Lexus when they launched the LS400. There was only ever one 'spec' and very few options. Then Mercedes started giving us Premium and Premium Plus specifications. Useful on the second had market because you'll know a subset of options that a car will or won't have based on the 'standard', 'Premium' or 'Premium Plus' spec. It's easier to get better value selling a second hand car too, as the guides will list P and PP separately rather than trying to justify in an ad that your C Class is worth a grand more because it's got the Nav and Pano roof.
Now it seems that VAG are moving to a point where you just pick a car, engine, colour and 'trim'. Looking at the Seat configurator it's already happened. Just for 'fun' I tried to configure an Ibiza. You can choose the engine, colour, and whether you want 'SE, FR or 'XCELLENCE' spec. No other choices at all. Apparently VAG and Skoda are moving to this same model too.
Great for the second hand car buyer, knowing exactly what he'll get when he buys a 2018 Ibiza FR. Terrible if you want, say, adaptive cruise and have to jump up to the top spec and pay a couple of £k more to get it (along with loads of other options you didn't want).
Apparently driven by WLTP and the need to test cars with individual options (as weight etc affects fuel economy), so the thousands of option combinations available bring a testing headache...
Wonder if it'll catch on with other manufacturers.
Now it seems that VAG are moving to a point where you just pick a car, engine, colour and 'trim'. Looking at the Seat configurator it's already happened. Just for 'fun' I tried to configure an Ibiza. You can choose the engine, colour, and whether you want 'SE, FR or 'XCELLENCE' spec. No other choices at all. Apparently VAG and Skoda are moving to this same model too.
Great for the second hand car buyer, knowing exactly what he'll get when he buys a 2018 Ibiza FR. Terrible if you want, say, adaptive cruise and have to jump up to the top spec and pay a couple of £k more to get it (along with loads of other options you didn't want).
Apparently driven by WLTP and the need to test cars with individual options (as weight etc affects fuel economy), so the thousands of option combinations available bring a testing headache...
Wonder if it'll catch on with other manufacturers.