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Useless Solutions From Automakers That Only Deceive Brazilians! Or Not? Why Are So Many Brazilians Paying Dearly for Questionable Solutions in the Automotive Market?
According to experts, automakers have been offering solutions in Brazil that do not always deliver what they promise, leading to heated debates. Click Petro and Gas (CPG) spoke with Vinícius Hozara, an automotive sector expert, 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 the offerings of items, such as finishes, “compact” SUVs, and hybrid engines, which, in practice, may not deliver the performance and benefits expected by consumers.
The Fallacy of “Premium” Finishes From Automakers
One of the points raised by Hozara involves Volkswagen, which, in models like Nivus and Virtus, presents finishes that are supposedly “Premium”.
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Instead of genuinely improving the quality of the interior materials, the automaker chose to cover strategic areas with synthetic leather, often interpreted as a high-quality finish.
For Hozara, this is nothing but a trick, as the “Premium” is limited to a small layer of leather, while the rest remains with the traditional rigid plastic.
“Appearance” SUVs: When the Compact Pretends to Be Robust
Another highlighted point is the SUV craze. In Brazil, many vehicles are called SUVs but lack the structure to withstand adverse conditions or trails, like classic SUVs.
Models like Jeep Renegade and Nissan Kicks have this robust appearance, but, according to Hozara, they are merely adaptations of urban cars on smaller platforms.
The strategy of automakers is to attract attention with adventurous designs, but the practical function of a true SUV remains merely a promise.
Hybrids That Only “Seem” to Be Hybrids
The electrification of cars is a global trend, but in Brazil, the so-called “hybrids” do not always provide real advantages to consumers.
Cars like Fiat Pulse and Fastback were launched with mild hybrid engines, but Hozara warns that the benefit is minimal.
These vehicles do not offer full electric traction or autonomy in electric mode; instead, the system only contributes a small portion of energy to the combustion engine, resulting in insignificant fuel savings.
The expert concludes that many consumers may believe they are acquiring a true hybrid, when in reality, that is not the case—another problem for automakers?
The Start-Stop System and the Invisible Cost to Your Wallet
Hozara also comments on the Start-Stop system, which shuts off the engine at stops to save fuel and reduce emissions.
Although this system has an ecological purpose, it can generate inconvenience, especially in traffic jams, where the air conditioning is temporarily turned off along with the engine.
In the long term, the expert states that Start-Stop ultimately results in additional expenses for owners, who need to replace the battery more frequently and at high costs.
Long Warranties From Automakers: What Is Not Said in the Manuals
Automakers announce extensive warranties, such as five or even eight years, but Hozara warns of the “tricks” hidden in the contract.
Many parts and systems of the vehicle are not covered by this extended warranty, and in many cases, consumers discover these limitations only when they need maintenance. According to Hozara, it is essential to read all the fine print of the contract to avoid surprises.
When the Flex Car Cannot Handle Ethanol
Finally, Hozara comments on flex vehicles, an innovation that allows consumers to choose between gasoline and ethanol. However, models like 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,” as 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.
Automakers, by offering items that seem advantageous, often lead consumers to pay more for benefits that do not materialize.
For Vinícius Hozara, it is essential for Brazilian buyers to be cautious and seek detailed information before making an investment in a new vehicle. After all, in the end, a well-informed purchase can be the first step to avoiding regrets.
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