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Useless solutions from car manufacturers that only deceive Brazilians! Or not? Why are so many Brazilians paying dearly for questionable solutions in the automotive market?
According to experts, car manufacturers in Brazil have been offering solutions that do not always deliver what they promise, and this is generating heated debates. Click Petróleo e Gás (CPG) spoke to Vinícius Hozara, an automotive sector specialist, to better understand what is happening and identify the supposed “traps” involving some of the best-selling cars in the country.
The starting point is in the offerings of items, such as finishes, “compact” SUVs and hybrid engines, which, in practice, may not deliver the performance and the benefits expected by consumers.
The fallacy of automakers’ “Premium” finishes
One of the points raised by Hozara involves Volkswagen, which, in models such as Nivus and Virtus, presents finishes that are supposedly “Premium”.
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Instead of actually improving the quality of the interior materials, the automaker opted to cover strategic areas with synthetic leather, often interpreted as a higher-quality finish.
For Hozara, this is nothing more than a gimmick, as the “Premium” is limited to a small layer of leather, while the rest remains the traditional hard plastic.
“Appearance-based” SUVs: When compactness is passed off as robustness
Another point highlighted is the SUV craze. In Brazil, many vehicles are called SUVs, but they do not have the structure to withstand adverse conditions or trails, like classic SUVs.
Models like the Jeep Renegade and Nissan Kicks have this robust appearance, but, according to Hozara, they are just adaptations of city cars on smaller platforms.
The automakers' strategy is to attract attention with adventurous design, but the practical function of a true SUV remains just a promise.
Hybrids that only “look” like hybrids
The electrification of cars is a global trend, but in Brazil so-called “hybrids” do not always bring real advantages to the consumer.
Cars like Fiat Pulse and Fastback were launched with mild hybrid engines, also known as mild hybrid, but Hozara warns that the benefit is minimal.
These vehicles do not offer full electric drive, nor range in electric mode; instead, the system only contributes a small portion of energy to the combustion engine, which results in negligible fuel savings.
The expert concludes that many consumers may believe they are purchasing a true hybrid, when in reality this is not the case, yet another problem for automakers?
The Start-Stop system and the invisible cost to your pocket
Hozara also comments on the Start-Stop system, which turns off the engine when stopped to save fuel and reduce emissions.
This system, although it has an ecological purpose, can cause inconvenience, especially in traffic jams, where the air conditioning is temporarily switched off along with the engine.
In the long term, the expert states that Start-Stop ends up resulting in additional expenses for owners, who need to change the battery more frequently and at high costs.
Long Manufacturer Warranties: What the Manuals Don't Say
Automakers advertise extensive warranties, such as five or even eight years, but Hozara warns of hidden “catchphrases” in the contract.
Many vehicle parts and systems are not covered by this extended warranty, and in many cases, consumers only discover these limitations when they need maintenance. According to Hozara, it is essential to read all the fine print in the contract to avoid surprises.
When the flex car can't handle ethanol
Finally, Hozara comments on flex-fuel vehicles, an innovation that allows consumers to choose between gasoline and ethanol. However, models such as the Toyota Corolla and cars from the Volkswagen TSI line have presented problems when using ethanol, which is more susceptible to adulteration.
For him, this situation ends up becoming a “deception”, since the promise of a flexible fuel vehicle does not always hold up in practice.
The automotive market in Brazil is full of nuances and strategies that can, in some cases, confuse the consumer.
Car manufacturers, by offering items that seem advantageous, often induce consumers to pay more for benefits that do not materialize.
For Vinícius Hozara, it is essential that the Brazilian buyer be cautious and search for detailed information before investing in a new vehicle. After all, in the end, a well-informed purchase can be the first step to avoiding regrets.
