Why is the Golf more expensive than the Lavida?
3 Answers
The reasons why the Golf is more expensive than the Lavida are as follows: 1. Positioning: The Volkswagen Golf is positioned half a level higher than the Lavida, as the Golf is built on Volkswagen's latest MQB platform, meaning it shares the same platform as the Audi A3, Sagitar, and Passat. The Volkswagen Lavida, on the other hand, is designed on the older MOB platform. Therefore, the Golf excels in both manufacturing craftsmanship and material quality, and it comes with significantly more comfort features than the Lavida. 2. Driving experience: The Golf places greater emphasis on handling and driving dynamics, featuring superior chassis tuning with excellent stability and damping performance. In contrast, the Volkswagen Lavida focuses more on passenger space and comfort, with overall design requirements that are not as high as those of the Golf. Thus, it is easy to understand why the Golf commands a higher price.
I've driven the Golf and Lavida several times, and I think the Golf is more expensive mainly because it's positioned as a higher-end model, offering a more exhilarating driving experience. As a classic compact car, the Golf has a history spanning several decades in Europe, with a sporty design, firm chassis tuning, stable cornering, and quick power response, making it particularly suitable for young enthusiasts like me who enjoy driving passion. Moreover, it uses premium materials, such as a more advanced suspension system and brake discs compared to the Lavida, along with trendy features like LED headlights and automatic parking. The manufacturing might also involve imported components, naturally driving up costs. In contrast, the Lavida is positioned as more affordable, tailored for Chinese families, offering practical space but a bland driving experience, with many features simplified to save costs and fuel. The Golf holds its value well, with slower depreciation in the used car market, making it more cost-effective in the long run. Volkswagen's strategy is clear: the Golf targets those who pursue quality, hence the higher pricing to attract the right customers, while the Lavida follows a budget-friendly approach to boost sales.
I've been driving for over a decade and now have a family, so I've compared these two models when choosing a car. The Lavida is indeed affordable and practical, with spacious interiors suitable for daily commuting, but the Golf is more expensive for good reasons. For instance, in terms of handling, the Golf has a sturdier chassis, smoother cornering, and more precise engine tuning, offering a noticeably superior driving experience. Safety-wise, the Golf boasts higher body strength, standard multi-airbags, and active braking, while the Lavida is more basic. The materials and craftsmanship also differ—the Golf likely includes more European-made components and superior design, such as soft-touch interior materials and better noise reduction, significantly enhancing comfort. The Lavida is a China-specific model, localized production cuts costs but lacks innovation. Market positioning varies greatly; the Golf targets people my age who seek some driving pleasure, hence the higher pricing to maintain its premium image. Spending a bit more on the Golf ensures long-term reliability and durability.
