Why Was the Fista Discontinued?
4 Answers
The reason for the discontinuation of the Fista is poor sales performance; it simply didn't sell well. The main reasons for the Fista's poor sales and subsequent discontinuation are as follows: Unsatisfactory Driving Experience: The Fista's body structure uses only 47% high-strength steel, which is even lower than that of entry-level budget sedans, making its structural strength feel inadequate. Additionally, the car tends to feel unstable at high speeds, compounded by significant tire and wind noise, greatly affecting the driving experience. Safety Concerns: The Fista's performance in the C-IASI (China Insurance Automotive Safety Index) crash tests raised concerns. It received a 'M' (Marginal) rating in several categories, including the frontal 25% offset collision, side impact, roof strength, and seat/headrest (whiplash test). Notably, in the 25% offset collision, the A-pillar bent nearly 90 degrees, posing a severe safety threat to the driver.
I heard the main reason for the discontinuation of the Fista is that its sales couldn't keep up with the times. The Chinese market has changed rapidly in recent years, with many people preferring SUVs or electric vehicles. As a compact sedan, the Fista couldn't sell well, so Hyundai shifted its production line to other popular models. Another factor is policy adjustments—the increasingly strict China VI emission standards made upgrading older models too costly, leading to thin profit margins. I remember the Fista was quite popular when it first launched, known for its good handling. However, competition is fierce, with domestic brands like Geely and BYD offering better prices, and the trend toward electrification is strong. Consumers have more choices, and as a result, the Fista gradually became marginalized. Hyundai is surely prioritizing the development of electric vehicle series like the IONIQ. I think this decision was a tough but necessary business choice.
From a technical perspective, the discontinuation of the Fiesta is attributed to challenges brought by upgraded emission regulations. After the implementation of China's National VI standard, engines require higher emission control, increasing production and modification costs, while fuel efficiency requirements have also become stricter. Hyundai may have assessed that continuing production of such traditional models is not cost-effective, especially as new energy vehicle technology matures. The wave of electric vehicles has raised production thresholds. Although the Fiesta performs well, its market returns are low, and resources must be tilted toward more sustainable projects. I believe this serves as a reminder that automakers must innovate to adapt to policies, and the natural phase-out of older models is an industry norm.
The discontinuation of the Fista seems closely tied to Hyundai's transformation strategy. The company wants to focus all its efforts on promising products like SUVs and electric models, as sales data shows a shift in consumer preferences. The competition in the Chinese market is intense, with domestic brands offering better value for money, leaving the Fista at a disadvantage. Policies like the China VI emissions standards also played a role, but the core issue is profitability—discontinuing unprofitable models is a wise move.
