Ford Territory, Nissan Pulsar and Suzuki Jimny Replacements: The Disappointments of the Century
In the world of automotive design and manufacturing, companies are constantly striving to improve their product offerings. However, not all attempts to progress are met with acclaim. For instance, the successors of popular automotive models such as the Ford Territory, Nissan Pulsar, and Suzuki Jimny have garnered quite a few criticism, leaving enthusiasts and critics in disappointment.
Ford Territory: Replaced But Not Superseded
Exploring Ford’s lineup, one can’t overlook the disappointment brought by Ford Everest and Ford Endura, the successors to the beloved Ford Territory. The Territory enjoyed substantial success in its time and offered an undeniable blend of practicality, robust performance, and premium feel and accommodation.
The successors, however, fell short of expectations. The Ford Endura’s lacking towing capacity and absence of seven-seat versions left the fans wanting. Similarly, Ford Everest, positioned as an off-roader, navigated away from in-city performance and urban-appealing features that Territory was known for.
The Ford Territory Vacuum
The discontinuation of Ford Territory triggered a void in the Ford lineup that neither Ford Everest nor the Ford Endura was able to fulfill. The revival of the Territory model in 2018 as a China-specific model did little to abate the longing of Australian fans for a true Territory successor.
Lost Pulsar: Nissan’s Misstep
Nissan Pulsar, another acclaimed model, suffered a somewhat similar fate. Its successor, the Nissan Sylphy, failed to recreate the essence that made Pulsar a favorite among small-car buyers.
The new Sylphy, while enjoying some success in international markets, didn’t ring a bell with the Nissan Pulsar enthusiasts. Its congested interior, comparatively less fuel efficiency and lack of a performance variant like the N15 Pulsar SSS made it quite a disappointment.
Sylphy: Was it too early?
The Nissan Pulsar was preferred for its sporty and robust look, which was lost in the Sylphy. The move towards a more contemporary sleek design seemed premature, making Sylphy’s reception in markets less than flattering.
Suzuki Jimny: A Challenging Successor
The Suzuki Jimny, known for its off-roading capabilities, durability, and compact design, faced its own challenges with the transition. The new Jimny model left some enthusiasts unsatisfied due to changed dimensions and design features.
The mini-4×4 was replaced by a slightly larger Jimny Sierra. The Sierra, while maintaining the 4×4 capabilities, moved from the classic boxy design towards a more modern, sleek design which was not welcomed by all Jimny enthusiasts.
Jimny Sierra: Straying from Roots
Although the practicality improvements and the equipped modern tech were appreciated in the Jimny Sierra, the departure from the original Jimny’s distinct aesthetics and the changes in size rendered it short of earning the adoration of its predecessor.
Concluding Thoughts
In the world of automotives, it’s not uncommon for successors to miss the mark. However, Ford, Nissan, and Suzuki’s disappointments serve as a reminder that understanding and maintaining the essence of their predecessors while implementing improvements is an art. One that these manufacturers may need to revise their grasp on.
What lies in the future for these models is unknown. It is expected and hoped that further improvements will iteratively serve to uphold the legacy of their predecessors. Only time will tell. But until then, fans can only reminisce about the Ford Territory, Nissan Pulsar, and Suzuki Jimny – the beloved models that once graced our roads.