What defines a premium car?

[Captain Slow]

Hi chaps/chapesses/like-minded Roverholics,

I'd like your opinions on something. I'm a shortlisted finalist in the Sir William Lyons Award 2013, and the topic of debate is the future of premium vehicles. As owners and enthusiasts of what when new was considered a premium car, I'd like to hear what your views are as to what defines a premium car both past and present, and where the future of the premium sector might be.

I'll link to my initial article and the analysis piece I was asked to write, and I hope it stimulates a bit of debate!


What Defines a Premium Vehicle in 2013?

Premium Cars: An Analysis

Over to you - look forward to hearing your ideas! Feel free to join the debate here, on Facebook or on Twitter using the hashtag #PremCar2013

[dollysprint]

I haven't read your article yet as dinner is soon to be dished, but initial thoughts are that the question was once much easier to answer than it is now. And the reason I say that, and I'll use Audi as an example, is because manufacturers now span such a huge range. From £15000 nice but not premium to £80000 stunning supercars, but not an executive barge, more sports minded. So the middle of the Audi range to find premium fodder. tea time.

Dave

[SJG]

I would say the most expensive model of a particular manufacturers range.

[vito]

"what defines a premium car"

Snob value, what the neighbours think...............

[Richard Moss]

"what defines a premium car"

Snob value, what the neighbours think...............

That.^^^^ I was about to say that it is almost nothing to do with the car and almost everything to do with the market perception of the badge.

So, if Skoda made an XJ6 or DB9 it would still be "only a Skoda" whereas when Audi make car that are basically slightly tarted up Skoda Octavias, people see them as "classy". This explains to me why the Honda NSX never got the recognition that it deserves - it i one of the finest supercars ever built, easily outclassing the stuff that Lotus produce as well as most Ferraris.

[vito]

And what others think about a car/brand, and when you care about what people think about your car/brand can determine a certain type of persons definition of a premium car/brand and influence that certain type of persons purchase decision - perception and snob value I would say is a major part of badge engineering and brand recognition, of course all of which aims to be premium by the nature of the beast