Debating the feasibility of owning a convenient or luxury car<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Over the past few years, members of the public
\nhave debated what the correct definition is for \"ordinary\" cars
\nand \"exclusive\" cars.<\/p>\n
For many, it is not easy to differentiate the two, but it is
\neasy to feel and see the difference. The crystal clear
\ndistinction is that the latter category is usually owned by the
\n\"haves\" due to its dear price tag, which now exceeds Rp 1
\nbillion. With that amount of cash, one could purchase 10 ordinary
\ncars.<\/p>\n
The presence of both vehicle types on the streets here also
\nreveals that the country has two distinctive classes of
\nconsumers: the ultra rich and the middle class.<\/p>\n
Do not underestimate the number of people who are able to buy
\nluxury cars. Last year, at least 212 vehicles of 3,000 cc class
\nengines were sold.<\/p>\n
Buyers from the ordinary car category, which carries a price
\ntag of between Rp 80 million and just over Rp 100 million per
\nvehicle, are, of course, still the highest.<\/p>\n
In terms of numbers, individuals who have not yet been able to
\nown a car are higher in this country.<\/p>\n
Besides the price, what comprises an ordinary car?<\/p>\n
A Toyota Kijang equipped with a mobile TV, Global Positioning
\nSystem (GPS), the best quality leather seats and a high class
\nsound system could probably be classified as an exclusive
\nautomobile.<\/p>\n
That is why some automotive observers define exclusive cars as
\nvehicles with high-priced accessories that drive the car's price
\nupwards but are more comfortable to drive.<\/p>\n
The low price of an ordinary car is usually due to its engine
\npower, which is sometimes about 1,000 cc.<\/p>\n
Even Mercedes Benz, widely known for its high-quality
\nproducts, has launched an ordinary car called the Smart Car, in
\ncooperation with Swiss watch manufacturer Swatch. With an engine
\ncapacity of \"only\" 599 cc, three cylinders, six valves and a
\nturbochanger, the Smart Car can accelerate to 135 kilometers per
\nhour.<\/p>\n
In Indonesia, ordinary cars, whether they are locally
\nassembled or not, come in a wide range of models and colors. Some
\ncome in a miniature size and in funky colors. The Atoz from
\nHyundai, the Karimun from Suzuki, the Matiz from Daewoo and the
\nVisto from KIA are just a few of the models that have hit the
\nstreets here.<\/p>\n
On weekends, the streets are more colorful with the presence
\nof both funky ordinary cars and the glittering exclusive ones.<\/p>\n
The list is much longer overseas, which include vehicles like
\nthe Chatenet Media, the Fiat Seicento, the Ligier Nova, the
\nMicrocar Virgo and the Vauxhall Agila.<\/p>\n
In Europe, this kind of car has sold well for several clear
\nreasons: heavy traffic, narrow streets and limited parking. To
\nmeet the market demand in European countries, many manufacturers
\ndesigned a car with only two seats.<\/p>\n
Another important reason many Europeans prefer to drive an
\nordinary car, also called city car, is the quality of the roads,
\nwhich are mostly free of potholes.<\/p>\n
Inside the car, European vehicles are equipped with numerous
\ngadgets, such as air-conditioning, a CD player, air bag and an
\nantilock brake system, similar to those installed in exclusive
\ncars.<\/p>\n
The Japanese also buy city cars for the same reasons. So far,
\nthe most popular vehicle in this class is the Suzuki Karimun,
\nwhich is called the Suzuki Wagon R.<\/p>\n
Interestingly, the Japanese treat their Karimun like a beloved
\ntoy. They decorate it in many ways that would astound foreign
\nvisitors. As a result, there is a wide range of accessories for
\nthe Karimun available in Japan.<\/p>\n
In Indonesia, the story is different. Many think the Karimun
\nis only for women even though advertisements have repeatedly said
\nthat it has an ample interior.<\/p>\n
But many car manufacturers here firmly believe that these type
\nof cars will lead the market soon, but not because of heavy
\ntraffic and limited parking. It is simply because of the
\naffordable price as there are so many Indonesians who have yet to
\nown a car.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/debating-the-feasibility-of-owning-a-convenient-or-luxury-car-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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