....Sure, ALL of the latest car versions cost more than they used to - It's all relative. It doesn't make the Golf an upmarket car. Well designed and built, yes. But the Golf is not a brand with high status.
It's most certainly mid-market, and I think GTI and R models are percieved as being upmarket. I do think it has a high status, and that's not because I own one.
Plus, remember what we're seeing are the top spec interiors. Those on entry level cars are bound to look more functional. All-in-all they have no option but to move with the times.
....I absolutely agree that they must move with the times and will consciously do so within the design process, not just in technology but in styling and fashion trends - They want to sell as many cars as they can of course.
Agreed too about the Golf being a mid-market car and, to me, that includes the GTI and R which are simply higher spec variations (and great cars!). Status to me means a value based on social standing and, whether we like it or not, a reflection of the success of the car's owner. You have only to observe which car brands/models live on which types of house's drives. Cars, like houses, are status symbols to most people and a more upmarket brand (and hence higher status) than they currently have is what many (not myself) aspire to. Why do we call the Audi hatchbacks "posh Golfs"? A hatchback is never viewed as having high status socially. At best, in upper-class circles the Golf gets considered as a smart car to have as a second or third car or for the wife or children to run around in.
The Golf is truly a great car in my opinion but it's a middle-market, not upmarket, car aimed at the middle classes. Originally, in Mr Hitler's day, it was the people's car ("Volks Wagen" in German). What do we think when we see a Golf outside a run-down council house? - That the owner is wanting to state to his/her peer group that he/she is 'better' or more successful than they are. And if we see a Bentley outside a council house? - Someone trying to be someone they are not. An Aston Martin? - Now that's both upmarket and has got high class status and you won't see one outside a council house. The Jaguar is the aspiring middle-class man's version of the Aston.
So, in proximity with the Golf, starting with the higher status brand, it goes Audi (trying to compete with BMW), Golf, followed by Skoda and Seat (fighting with each other).
Btw, having higher status or being upper class, or owning the matching status symbuls, does not make you a better (or worse) human being. I say this particularly because I am a middle-class person who has been privileged to have an upper-class (Public School) education and background. I drive a Golf, not because it has middle-class status, but because it suits my everyday lifestyle.
Sorry! I appear to have got carried away writing! (not unusual).
