×
Flash Sale
15% OFF Bridgestone tyres
choose our fully fitted service
2,200+ local fitting partners
Tyres  /  Tyre NewsPerformance Tyres  / Radical rebrands

Radical rebrands: Which new car logos do you prefer?

Jaguar's old and new logo

As Jaguar’s bold new look continues to split opinion, we look back at the best (and worst) automotive rebrands. New or old? Cast your votes now.

Nobody saw it coming. One of the car industry’s most traditional brands has torn up the rulebook and started afresh from page one. But, whether you like Jaguar’s clean and minimalist new branding or not, it isn’t the first marque to undergo an image overhaul. 

From badge updates to complete name changes, here are some of the most radical automotive rebrands. Were they a much-needed masterstroke, or did they throw the baby out with the bathwater? You decide.

Eclipsing Datsun: Nissan’s name change (1984)

Old vs new Nissan badge
Image credit: Shutterstock / Shutterstock

Need new performance tyres?

Enter your registration and postcode and we’ll show you the best tyres for your car

and

Or enter tyre size

One of the more comprehensive (and famous) brand evolutions: up until 1984 Nissans were sold as Datsuns in most of the Western world. Then, in a move to elevate the nameplate and cut ties with a value-led reputation, Nissan went the whole hog and updated its logo, slogan, and badge to reflect its new, more premium aspirations. 

And it seemed to work: Nissan’s lineup now regularly features in the UK best-sellers list. Although, strangely, the Datsun badge has since made a comeback in some emerging markets. But that’s a story for another day.

Less is more: Kia’s new logo (2021)

Old vs new Kia badge
Image credit: Shutterstock / Kia

Much like Nissan, Kia’s corporate refresh looked to project an upmarket feel whilst also marking the brand’s transition to electric cars. Ditching the backing logo and changing the font gave a minimalist look, though some did criticise the new format for being harder to read.

Rampant Lion gets a trim: Peugeot’s new badge (2021)

Old vs new Peugeot badge
Image credit: Shutterstock /  Stellantis

Designed to celebrate the firm’s storied 210-year history, Peugeot’s new logo harks back to its 1960s emblem. Focusing exclusively on the powerful lion’s head, the contrasting crest was well received by press and public alike — as were the handsome cars which wore it.

Back to basics: BMW’s transparent roundel (2020)

Old vs new BMW Badge
Image credit: Shutterstock / Shutterstock

Launched just weeks after the global COVID-19 pandemic took hold, BMW’s new logo (understandably) got a little lost in the news cycle. However, for those of you who missed it, the Bavarian marque’s updated roundel drops any 3D effects or chromed elements to “radiate openness and clarity”, according to Senior Vice President, Jens Thiemer. Was it a success? You decide.

Goodbye Growler: Jaguar enters a new era (2024)

Old vs new Jaguar
Image credit: Shutterstock / Jaguar

Since the arrival of the XF saloon back in 2008, Jaguar has tried time and time again to appeal to a younger clientele — without alienating Jag loyalists in the process. And, while those efforts returned mixed results, the British firm has now decided that a seismic shift is in order. 

In a move that’s shocked many, Jaguar has ditched the beloved growling big cat emblem for a simple, mirrored J design atop a gold medallion. And that’s not all: the Jaguar script has been softened, while a new warmer colour palette and unusual, sci-fi-esque costumes featured heavily in the premiere advert.  

It certainly takes guts to meddle with an iconic design, but will the bold rebrand pay off? Only time will tell.

Hero image credit: Shutterstock / Jaguar

Want exclusive motoring news?

Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest EV, Performance, SUV & 4x4 content

Join our mailing listSign up
Back to performance tyres

Join the conversation

We love to hear from our customers. Connect with us today and let’s start a conversation.

Enter tyre size
×
How to find your tyre size
Postcode
Back
PayPal
Representative Example: Purchase rate: 23.9% p.a. (variable). Representative: 23.9% APR (variable). Assumed Credit Limit: £1,200

PayPal Credit and PayPal Pay in 3 are trading names of PayPal UK Ltd, Whittaker House, Whittaker Avenue, Richmond-Upon-Thames, Surrey, United Kingdom, TW9 1EH. Terms and conditions apply. Credit subject to status and approval, 18+ UK residents only. PayPal Credit and PayPal Pay in 3 are a form of credit, so carefully consider whether the purchase is affordable and how you will make the repayments. PayPal Pay in 3 is not regulated by the FCA. See product terms for more details and FAQs. Learn more about PayPal Credit.  Learn more about PayPal Pay in 3.