Which cars are classy these days?
Discussion
Willy Nilly said:
There aren't many classy cars on sale, most are far too blingy. Probably the fundamental design is sound, but the UK market in particular wants bling on the outside and needless flim flam like programmable, wifi enabled, lambswool b
k strokers or whatever ste they but in expensive cars now.
Class and style isn't about big shiny wheels, lots of buttons, a massive engine, or a big watch and diamond encrusted cuff links, its about discrete style and quite confidence.
Most of the cars in this thread are like the loud mouth excecs that give it the big 'un, buying everyone expensive wine when they're out with their mates, but the reality is, they marriage is in tatters, the up to their eyes in debt and it's all a big front.
Yes - I think you might find we are roughly on the same wavelength if you were to look back at my previous posts in the thread. I've suggested some new cars that to my mind are more classy than the rest - without necessarily being the most classy thing you could drive given the choice of all cars, ever. (Picking old cars is pretty simple). k strokers or whatever ste they but in expensive cars now.Class and style isn't about big shiny wheels, lots of buttons, a massive engine, or a big watch and diamond encrusted cuff links, its about discrete style and quite confidence.
Most of the cars in this thread are like the loud mouth excecs that give it the big 'un, buying everyone expensive wine when they're out with their mates, but the reality is, they marriage is in tatters, the up to their eyes in debt and it's all a big front.
Raudus42 said:
The Rangie is more classless than classy.
And I think that sums up classy 
It is classy to not need to try / to not have to prove anything / to just buy a car because it does what you want it to do / to not need to pretend you are something you are not...
Classless = classy
It is why traditionally upper and lower classes have got on so well - they don't care what anyone thinks
it is only those who lack confidence as to who they are who feel a need to make statements through their cars...
therefore, by definition - the person defines the car, not the other way around
MaxSo said:
Agent XXX said:
yeah.
Slight overaction
There are some bloody horrible cars on here...............
Why don't you enlighten us all with your ideas about which new cars you consider to be "classy", or at least those which have the most "class"?Slight overaction
There are some bloody horrible cars on here...............
Modern supercars, whilst undoubtedly are engineering masterpieces, aren't classy as they're wayyyyy too much about 'the show', which in itself is unclassy. The last classy Ferrari in my eyes was either the 550 or the 612. Elegant, unf
kedaround with and stylish. Even the F12 which is simply astonishing has a lack of class. I don't think there has been a classy Lamborghini since the 3500 GT or even Muira. Porsche? Classy? In the same sentence just won't happen. Ever. For people to suggest run of the mill Mercs, Audis, BMWs or VWs as classy is monumentally missing the point. They're either dull as ditchwater to the eye or just chavved up versions of the dull stuff. Anything with massive fake pipes (yes Merc) is deeply unclassy.
I think the only think I've seen recently, and been in, that has a good basis of what is 'classy' for a modern car is the Tesla S. Strikingly good looking whilst similarly understated yet an absolute blast of a car.
Alfa sort of had it right in the 159
Maserati are so so nearly there (The Gran Tourismo Cabriolet is about as classy as a convertible can get)
There's just too much bling, blacked out windows/wheels combinations and fake bits of tat stuck on to make anything classy thesedays. And I'm only 40.
classless - a car which you have little idea how much the person is worth who is driving it - that is the idea that made the Golf such a 'classless' car
cars which follow this
Small hatchback VW Golf/A3
Medium Size Car BMW 5 series/Tesla/E Class
SUV Discovery or Rangerover
Sports Car : I cannot think of any - people who buy sports cars for the cars tend to be interested in them and spend what they can afford
but I think when you see someone driving a nice 993 911 you have no idea how rich they are - yes they are somewhat rich ofc to have that car but they could be a little well off of a billionaire
cars which follow this
Small hatchback VW Golf/A3
Medium Size Car BMW 5 series/Tesla/E Class
SUV Discovery or Rangerover
Sports Car : I cannot think of any - people who buy sports cars for the cars tend to be interested in them and spend what they can afford
but I think when you see someone driving a nice 993 911 you have no idea how rich they are - yes they are somewhat rich ofc to have that car but they could be a little well off of a billionaire
akirk said:
And I think that sums up classy
It is classy to not need to try / to not have to prove anything / to just buy a car because it does what you want it to do / to not need to pretend you are something you are not...
Classless = classy
It is why traditionally upper and lower classes have got on so well - they don't care what anyone thinks
it is only those who lack confidence as to who they are who feel a need to make statements through their cars...
therefore, by definition - the person defines the car, not the other way around
Yes, this is essentially how I see it. Those with true class live below their means. The rest live above their means. It's why many classy people are still living in modest homes and driving older cars. The flashy cars and the large homes are driven and populated by the less classy people living above their means. This speaks to a wholly different mindset on the part of these two groups. The classy would rather preserve and expand their wealth through investments, while the less classy has a need to accumulate “things” that somehow increase their status with their friends, or mostly just strangers. So who is driving the new white, full matrix LED Audi? And who is driving a slightly tatty Volvo?It is classy to not need to try / to not have to prove anything / to just buy a car because it does what you want it to do / to not need to pretend you are something you are not...
Classless = classy
It is why traditionally upper and lower classes have got on so well - they don't care what anyone thinks
it is only those who lack confidence as to who they are who feel a need to make statements through their cars...
therefore, by definition - the person defines the car, not the other way around
Here also is my far too lengthy post from a few pages back:
Each person's definition of "classy" is obviously quite subjective, but to me it is primarily about behaviour. So if you translate this to cars, you are mainly thinking about your preconceptions about what kind of behaviour you would expect from the driver of a particular car.
In people, most may agree that classiness is a trait exuded by those that are, inter alia:
- Genuine
- Considerate
- Polite, and bestowed with good manners
- Someone of integrity
- Restrained
- Calm
- Graceful
(Hint: these have nothing to with money: they are all free).
Although less important, from a visual standpoint, people who may typically thought to be classy also tend to avoid trends or fads, tend not to be showy, and tend to favour simple, elegant aesthetics over fashion or "luxury" / "premium" looks.
Given the above, when thinking about cars, I'd postulate it is mainly about how likely, in perceived wisdom, is the driver of that car to be someone who exhibits these traits. We've seen various posters here comment on suggested cars by judging what type of person they are most often perceived to be driven by. I'd suggest this is possibly why many cars from the German brands are no longer considered to be classy. Rightly or wrongly, the behaviour of the drivers of many of these cars (not all) is often perceived (by many, not all) to exhibit traits which are antithetical to those of classiness. That is, they are often perceived to be:
- Inconsiderate or selfish
- Impolite, with bad manners
- Lacking calmness; easily angered
- Lacking in restraint
- Showy
Further, and in relation to aesthetics, many modern cars may also be seen to be ‘unclassy’ if they are:
- Disingenuous (unnecessary sports styling, false diffusers, false exhausts)
- Ungraceful (tacky LED DRLs, poorly proportioned, unnecessarily large)
- ‘Trendy’ (animated indicators, bedazzled headlights, fancy LED DRLs, needlessly large wheels, needlessly low profile tyres, false sport styling, large grills, aggressive ‘presence’)
- Overtly luxurious/premium.
Given all of the above, this is possibly why some of the most frequently mentioned "classy" cars are Land Rover Defenders, certain Volvos and various classic cars. It’s why I’d also agree that something like a Skoda Yeti can be a classy car. Or a VW up!. In relation to Volvo; however, I’d say the previous generation V70 was more classy than the current V90, which has perhaps erred a little bit too much in the direction of the ‘unclassy’ aesthetic traits. This is probably at least partly why the V90 is also likely to be much more popular, driven by a wider range of people, and therefore probably less easily able to be distinguished as conforming to the traits of classiness outlined above.
Ultimately, it is less about what the car looks like and more about the associations seeing it invoke in each person. This is largely about stereotypes, generalisations and about personal experience. There are always going to be exceptions. If suddenly, overnight, all of the ‘German brands’ started wafting about with impeccable road manners then people’s perception of the drivers of those cars would start to change. Eventually, over time, the existing associations would be diluted and more people may consider some of these cars to be classy once again, because they would start to be associated with classy behaviour. The styling traits of the cars (aggressive, LEDs, large wheels etc) may then no longer continue to be associated with ‘unclassy’ behaviour. This is unlikely; however, as the styling of the cars arguably a)influences behaviour and/or b) appeals to people with certain pre-existing behavioural traits. (This is a generalisation of a stereotype. Please don’t get upset if you drive one of these cars and consider yourself to exhibit classy driving traits).
Society is arguably becoming less ‘classy’. Many would agree that people seem to be getting more angry, rude and impatient. This is probably why it is more difficult to pick new cars as being classy, as they are associated with the standard of behaviour that is occurring now. Older cars, particularly classic cars, may be associated with past, higher, standards of behaviour. It’s rare that you see classic cars being driven on the road, but when you do they are (almost) never driven in anything approaching an unclassy manner (again, this is a generalisation; there will be exceptions. If you once saw someone in a classic car tailgating a pensioner then there is no need to mention it).
Of new cars though, my suggestions would be:
- VW up!
- BMW i3
- Skoda Superb Estate SE
- Skoda Yeti
Over the years I've slowly realised that if you think a particular new car looks classy, just look at it's 10 year old predecessor / urpredecessor, and see how classy that looks. So for me that rules out every Jag, most modern Audi's (except A5 & RS6) & BMW's (except 5 series). Any modern 'cutting edge' Lexus or Infinity looks clapped out after 10 years, likewise Volvo's age incredibly badly. My 2p, which also isn't as classy as it once was!
MaxSo said:
Yes, this is essentially how I see it. Those with true class live below their means. The rest live above their means. It's why many classy people are still living in modest homes and driving older cars. The flashy cars and the large homes are driven and populated by the less classy people living above their means. This speaks to a wholly different mindset on the part of these two groups. The classy would rather preserve and expand their wealth through investments, while the less classy has a need to accumulate “things” that somehow increase their status with their friends, or mostly just strangers. So who is driving the new white, full matrix LED Audi? And who is driving a slightly tatty Volvo?
Here also is my far too lengthy post from a few pages back:
Each person's definition of "classy" is obviously quite subjective, but to me it is primarily about behaviour. So if you translate this to cars, you are mainly thinking about your preconceptions about what kind of behaviour you would expect from the driver of a particular car.
In people, most may agree that classiness is a trait exuded by those that are, inter alia:
- Genuine
- Considerate
- Polite, and bestowed with good manners
- Someone of integrity
- Restrained
- Calm
- Graceful
(Hint: these have nothing to with money: they are all free).
Although less important, from a visual standpoint, people who may typically thought to be classy also tend to avoid trends or fads, tend not to be showy, and tend to favour simple, elegant aesthetics over fashion or "luxury" / "premium" looks.
Given the above, when thinking about cars, I'd postulate it is mainly about how likely, in perceived wisdom, is the driver of that car to be someone who exhibits these traits. We've seen various posters here comment on suggested cars by judging what type of person they are most often perceived to be driven by. I'd suggest this is possibly why many cars from the German brands are no longer considered to be classy. Rightly or wrongly, the behaviour of the drivers of many of these cars (not all) is often perceived (by many, not all) to exhibit traits which are antithetical to those of classiness. That is, they are often perceived to be:
- Inconsiderate or selfish
- Impolite, with bad manners
- Lacking calmness; easily angered
- Lacking in restraint
- Showy
Further, and in relation to aesthetics, many modern cars may also be seen to be ‘unclassy’ if they are:
- Disingenuous (unnecessary sports styling, false diffusers, false exhausts)
- Ungraceful (tacky LED DRLs, poorly proportioned, unnecessarily large)
- ‘Trendy’ (animated indicators, bedazzled headlights, fancy LED DRLs, needlessly large wheels, needlessly low profile tyres, false sport styling, large grills, aggressive ‘presence’)
- Overtly luxurious/premium.
Given all of the above, this is possibly why some of the most frequently mentioned "classy" cars are Land Rover Defenders, certain Volvos and various classic cars. It’s why I’d also agree that something like a Skoda Yeti can be a classy car. Or a VW up!. In relation to Volvo; however, I’d say the previous generation V70 was more classy than the current V90, which has perhaps erred a little bit too much in the direction of the ‘unclassy’ aesthetic traits. This is probably at least partly why the V90 is also likely to be much more popular, driven by a wider range of people, and therefore probably less easily able to be distinguished as conforming to the traits of classiness outlined above.
Ultimately, it is less about what the car looks like and more about the associations seeing it invoke in each person. This is largely about stereotypes, generalisations and about personal experience. There are always going to be exceptions. If suddenly, overnight, all of the ‘German brands’ started wafting about with impeccable road manners then people’s perception of the drivers of those cars would start to change. Eventually, over time, the existing associations would be diluted and more people may consider some of these cars to be classy once again, because they would start to be associated with classy behaviour. The styling traits of the cars (aggressive, LEDs, large wheels etc) may then no longer continue to be associated with ‘unclassy’ behaviour. This is unlikely; however, as the styling of the cars arguably a)influences behaviour and/or b) appeals to people with certain pre-existing behavioural traits. (This is a generalisation of a stereotype. Please don’t get upset if you drive one of these cars and consider yourself to exhibit classy driving traits).
Society is arguably becoming less ‘classy’. Many would agree that people seem to be getting more angry, rude and impatient. This is probably why it is more difficult to pick new cars as being classy, as they are associated with the standard of behaviour that is occurring now. Older cars, particularly classic cars, may be associated with past, higher, standards of behaviour. It’s rare that you see classic cars being driven on the road, but when you do they are (almost) never driven in anything approaching an unclassy manner (again, this is a generalisation; there will be exceptions. If you once saw someone in a classic car tailgating a pensioner then there is no need to mention it).
Of new cars though, my suggestions would be:
- VW up!
- BMW i3
- Skoda Superb Estate SE
- Skoda Yeti
Skoda Superb? I have never seen a Skoda Superb that wasn't a Taxi. Here also is my far too lengthy post from a few pages back:
Each person's definition of "classy" is obviously quite subjective, but to me it is primarily about behaviour. So if you translate this to cars, you are mainly thinking about your preconceptions about what kind of behaviour you would expect from the driver of a particular car.
In people, most may agree that classiness is a trait exuded by those that are, inter alia:
- Genuine
- Considerate
- Polite, and bestowed with good manners
- Someone of integrity
- Restrained
- Calm
- Graceful
(Hint: these have nothing to with money: they are all free).
Although less important, from a visual standpoint, people who may typically thought to be classy also tend to avoid trends or fads, tend not to be showy, and tend to favour simple, elegant aesthetics over fashion or "luxury" / "premium" looks.
Given the above, when thinking about cars, I'd postulate it is mainly about how likely, in perceived wisdom, is the driver of that car to be someone who exhibits these traits. We've seen various posters here comment on suggested cars by judging what type of person they are most often perceived to be driven by. I'd suggest this is possibly why many cars from the German brands are no longer considered to be classy. Rightly or wrongly, the behaviour of the drivers of many of these cars (not all) is often perceived (by many, not all) to exhibit traits which are antithetical to those of classiness. That is, they are often perceived to be:
- Inconsiderate or selfish
- Impolite, with bad manners
- Lacking calmness; easily angered
- Lacking in restraint
- Showy
Further, and in relation to aesthetics, many modern cars may also be seen to be ‘unclassy’ if they are:
- Disingenuous (unnecessary sports styling, false diffusers, false exhausts)
- Ungraceful (tacky LED DRLs, poorly proportioned, unnecessarily large)
- ‘Trendy’ (animated indicators, bedazzled headlights, fancy LED DRLs, needlessly large wheels, needlessly low profile tyres, false sport styling, large grills, aggressive ‘presence’)
- Overtly luxurious/premium.
Given all of the above, this is possibly why some of the most frequently mentioned "classy" cars are Land Rover Defenders, certain Volvos and various classic cars. It’s why I’d also agree that something like a Skoda Yeti can be a classy car. Or a VW up!. In relation to Volvo; however, I’d say the previous generation V70 was more classy than the current V90, which has perhaps erred a little bit too much in the direction of the ‘unclassy’ aesthetic traits. This is probably at least partly why the V90 is also likely to be much more popular, driven by a wider range of people, and therefore probably less easily able to be distinguished as conforming to the traits of classiness outlined above.
Ultimately, it is less about what the car looks like and more about the associations seeing it invoke in each person. This is largely about stereotypes, generalisations and about personal experience. There are always going to be exceptions. If suddenly, overnight, all of the ‘German brands’ started wafting about with impeccable road manners then people’s perception of the drivers of those cars would start to change. Eventually, over time, the existing associations would be diluted and more people may consider some of these cars to be classy once again, because they would start to be associated with classy behaviour. The styling traits of the cars (aggressive, LEDs, large wheels etc) may then no longer continue to be associated with ‘unclassy’ behaviour. This is unlikely; however, as the styling of the cars arguably a)influences behaviour and/or b) appeals to people with certain pre-existing behavioural traits. (This is a generalisation of a stereotype. Please don’t get upset if you drive one of these cars and consider yourself to exhibit classy driving traits).
Society is arguably becoming less ‘classy’. Many would agree that people seem to be getting more angry, rude and impatient. This is probably why it is more difficult to pick new cars as being classy, as they are associated with the standard of behaviour that is occurring now. Older cars, particularly classic cars, may be associated with past, higher, standards of behaviour. It’s rare that you see classic cars being driven on the road, but when you do they are (almost) never driven in anything approaching an unclassy manner (again, this is a generalisation; there will be exceptions. If you once saw someone in a classic car tailgating a pensioner then there is no need to mention it).
Of new cars though, my suggestions would be:
- VW up!
- BMW i3
- Skoda Superb Estate SE
- Skoda Yeti
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