Most Improved Luxury Cars For 2008

Every four to seven years, car manufacturers generally make extreme makeovers to their models, introducing new ones and completely revamping the old favorites.

However, every second year or so, car manufacturers get feedback from Hong Kong car dealers as well as focus groups to determine what they should do to improve the next year's models. Everybody can ask, but it takes extra talent to listen and enact consumer solutions, so here we look at the companies that have done it best.

Perhaps the most innovative response to a consumer request has come from Mercedes - makers of the new Mercedes SL found from consumers that they wanted a longer top-down driving season. While the weather is not within their power, and nor is the perception of temperature by drivers, they still managed to find a solution.

Mercedes SL vehicles now come with a vent in the headrest to blow warm air onto the necks of the driver and passenger, making having the top down infinitely more comfortable. This Mercedes vehicle also has improved styling for this year, with a center chrome strip, bulges on the hood, and power domes.

The Infiniti FX 35/50 was first introduced in 2003 and hasn't had a makeover until now. Consumers wanted all the basics of the Infiniti improved - Hong Kong luxury car dealers reported that consumers wanted better performance, better luxury, and also better fuel efficiency. Infiniti rose to the challenge well, though - there has been a 70 horsepower improvement in the 5 liter V8 model, up to 390 from 320, and despite this power increase the model now gets 3 extra miles per gallon, up to 20 when driving on the highway.

In terms of luxury, while it does not compare to Mercedes vehicles, the Infiniti now has quilted leather seats and 200% more wood in the interior - hand-stained maple.

Some consumer requests were quite easy to fulfil - a common ask for the Audi A4 was that it have more cup holders. This has been implemented on the 2008 model (there is a total of four more large cup holders), as well as the trickier suggestions of more aggressive styling and a roomier interior. There are larger intakes and a shorter overhang in the front of this Audi model. Inside, there is 1.4 more inches or rear knee room, as well as more head, leg and shoulder room all round.

One of the most mechanically involved improvement for 2008 was to the Nissan Maxima. Consumers reported to premium car dealers in Hong Kong that they wanted the performance of a manual transmission for the Maxima - instead of merely making a manual alternative, Nissan have created DS mode, which allows drivers the advantages of a manual, without the effort of using a clutch or gearshift.

A sport cockpit feel was another request, and Nissan have reduced the interior volume, as well as improving the exterior by creating curvier roof lines and a wider track.

At the lower end of the premium car market in Hong Kong is the Acura TSX, which was introduced in 2003 and just upgraded. Improved road noise was a common ask by drivers, as well as better fuel economy and interior room.

All these wants have been catered to, with an extra passenger volume space of 3.5 feet, a quieter ride, and an improvement of 1 mpg in fuel efficiency.