Modern car design is one of those things that you either love or hate. There’s no denying that modern cars often look more alike than ever before.
Gone are the days of bold shapes, pop-up headlights, and quirky styling cues that made cars individual and instantly recognisable.
Instead, smooth lines, slim headlights, and boxy rear ends seem to be the norm. But, has car design lost its creativity, or has it simply just evolved with time?
In this blog, we’ll explore the key reasons why modern car design is often labelled ‘boring’ and what the future looks like. We discuss:
We’ve all been there. Parked in a busy car park, gone and done our business and then completely forgot where we parked.
If you did this thirty years ago, it won’t have been much of a challenge to locate your vehicle. Nowadays, it’s a bit like trying to find a needle in a haystack.
Okay, I might be exaggerating slightly, but there’s no denying that in recent years car designers have lost a bit of their panache. Gone are the days of manufacturers experimenting with their vehicles, they now all need to fit the norm (unfortunately).
The modern trend of bold front grilles, slim LED headlights, boxy and upright bodies, and refined rear ends have got designers by the scruff of the neck. But why is this?
- Efficiency - Manufacturers are constantly chasing for better fuel efficiency and lower emissions. Sleek and smooth designs are crucial for drag, which is why so many cars share a similar silhouette.
- Safety regulations - Tougher safety laws restrict what manufacturers can create. They must consider softer front-end designs, higher bonnets, and streamlined bumpers.
- Consumer preferences - SUVs dominate the market and their boxy yet practical shape is a fan favourite.
We also need to take into account the state of the industry. Compared to 30 years ago, manufacturers have much less room for error in terms of their finances. If they introduce a car that’s a flop, it’s going to seriously hurt their bottom line. In terms of design, they’re taking less chances.
Ownership needs to be considered. Take Stellantis for example, the owner of 14 iconic automotive brands. All of these brands are united under the Stellantis umbrella and will share information with each other, which makes manufacturing and design similar.
So, why have manufacturers become more risk-averse with design?
- Rising development costs - Manufacturers can’t afford to gamble on radical designs that may fail.
- The shift to global platforms - Many manufacturers now use shared vehicle bases, such as Volkswagen Groups MQB platform, which limits design flexibility.
- Financial pressure to appeal to wider audiences - Quirky designs might be great to a niche group, but not the masses.
The public opinion at the moment is definitely that modern cars are boring. But is this true, or are we looking back on the past with fond memories? Let’s take a look:
- Minimalism is the new trend - Modern design favours clean lines, flush door handles, and sleek lighting. While this might seem less dramatic then previous designs, there’s beauty in simplicity, think of the Polestar 2!
- Tech takes centre stage - Today's designers need to think of how they can use technology in their dashboards. This has seen traditional elements replaced by screens, which are less characterful.
- EVs are changing the game - The electrification of the industry is well underway, which has opened the industry to new design possibilities. With no need for large engines or exhausts, designers have freedom to create innovative designs.
It’s completely subjective if you think modern cars are boring. Some people will like their minimalist and tech-oriented design, while others won’t. The only thing that matters is what the designers like!
Let’s take a look at how the Volkswagen Golf has evolved:
Despite the criticism, there’s plenty of eye-catching designs out there. Here’s some of my favourites:
- Hyundai Ioniq 5 - Retro-futuristic design with sharp lines and pixel-inspired lights. Every time I see one of these on the roads it puts a smile on my face.
- Peugeot 408 - Peugeot has upped their game in terms of design and the latest iteration of the 408 is fantastic. Blurring the line between an SUV and a saloon, it has an aggressive front end and sloping rear end.
- GWM Ora 03 - The Ora 03, or as it used to be called, ‘the funky cat’, is one of the most unique-looking cars around. With its round headlights and compact design, the Ora 03 puts a serious argument forward that modern car design isn’t boring.
- Renault 5 - The 5 blends old design and new, and does so in a brilliant way. With a minimalist front end and bold rear end, it makes a great impression on the road.
- Alfa Romeo Giulia - Alfa are renowned for producing sleek and sophisticated cars, and as the Giulia shows, this hasn’t changed. A sporty saloon car, the Giulia comes with Alfa’s iconic ‘V’ shaped grille, sleek headlines, and beautiful creases on the body.
While some may yearn for the days of eccentric designs and bold styling, modern cars have the edge regarding practicality, comfort, and safety than ever before.
A lot of modern cars are more aerodynamic, improving range and efficiency, especially for EVs. There’s also much more interior space and flexibility, with modern cars able to adapt to the drivers needs.
Yes, the designs might seem less daring, but this is often the result of improving performance, reducing emissions, and meeting consumer demands.
So, is modern car design boring? Perhaps, but only if you’re looking in the wrong places. There’s options out there for everyone.
If you’re after your next vehicle, why not consider leasing? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts is one of the UK’s largest leasing brokers, offering a range of leasing deals to suit your every need.
For more information, check out our comprehensive leasing guides or drop us a call on 0345 811 9595.
