Cheers for the opinions guys.
My thought was that compared to, for example, a DA40-180 Fixed pitch, the 172 is similarly priced, and has a slower cruise, higher fuel burn (as far as I can tell) and has a similar useful load.
So why would anyone still buy the Cessna over a DA40??
If it was made from something other than coke cans, as captjns said, (ie composites) and used a powerflow exhaust, maybe a new airfoil and addition of constant speed prop....do you think that would appeal to pilots? Or would that cause costs that are unnacceptable (and do you think this is too close to the current 182??)
Thanks again