Generally presented in their most high-end finishes, the new models are then revealed in their basic versions when they are marketed. See what recently released models look like.
More and more, manufacturers are eliminating their entry-level products, deemed unprofitable and not very popular with customers. Thus, it is not uncommon to see the prices of new entry-level vehicles jump, which also receive many safety equipment. But what do the entry-level of the new products presented recently look like?
Sometimes surprising choices
Often, manufacturers present their novelties in the most high-end configurations. The novelties therefore subsequently reveal their “basic” versions, arriving on the manufacturers’ configurators. Thus, the Toyota Aygo X, Opel Astra or even Dacia Jogger recently showed their access variants, equipped with simplified bumpers, hubcaps on steel wheels or rear windows with crank in some cases.
Indeed, not all models are equal. If the electric Renault Mégane E-Tech has, for example, 18-inch alloy wheels from the entry level and a central 9-inch touch screen, it charges a price of €35,200 (excluding bonuses). A refinement that the restyled Ford Fiesta does not have in its Cool & Connect version or the Toyota Aygo X Active. The first is still entitled to an 8-inch central screen, but the rear windows are crank, “old”. On the Aygo X, no radio system, despite a rather steep price of €15,990. The location of the multimedia system on the dashboard is replaced by a large two-storey CD-style storage space. The rear windows are compass, offering only a small opening.
A not so restyled entry-level for the Citroën C5 Aircross
As for the restyled Citroën C5 Aircross, it offers quite a quirk: the entry-level finishes have the dashboard of the model before restyling, with vertical vents framing an 8-inch multimedia system. Nothing to do with the dashboard of the restyled model, with horizontal air vents placed under the 10-inch touch screen of the Citroën C4. In fact, to limit costs, Citroën has cleverly reworked the existing air ducts to transform them into horizontal ventilation, but the undersides are therefore identical to the old dashboard. Thus, to make some savings on the entry level, the dashboard is taken from the model before restyling.
Photos : DR.
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