What Do Urban Chinese Youth Want From A Car?

Cool youth extraordinaire, Leon Ni, gives his take on what Chinese youth want in a car.

The other day I was asked, “what are the 5 most popular cars among your peers?” But it turns out that question is too tough to answer. We all like such different cars. However, I think a lot of us agree on necessary features.

Feature 1: MP3/iPod/AUX Interface

No music, No journey. Headphones are out of the question when driving, and a CD player just doesn’t cut it. So new models are starting to add a MP3/iPod/AUX interface.

Feature 2: Cupholders strategically placed infront of AC vents

This one might surprise you, but it really is important to us Chinese youth. Shanghai Summers get hot. Real hot. So there’s nothing better than sitting inside of a cold car and having a cold drink. Nowadays, most automakers have caught onto this, making my summers much more tolerable.

Feature 3: Sunroof

A Sunroof is a must. It’s can offer a good view, and when the weather ‘s right, provides a nice breeze. Plus it adds to a cars “cool factor.”

Feature 4: Multi-function steering wheel

A lot of cars are starting to boast this feature now. For an urban 80′s Chinese kid, it’s essential to have control of the entire car from his steering wheel: volume, radio, cruise control, GPS and Bluetooth cellphone system.

The car’s performance and speed comes into play once you look at mid-high prices. But for an urban kid trying to conveniently get around, these are some of the key features they’ll be looking at in mid-low price cars.