Car to make you grin

[Northernboy]

It’s maybe a rehash of a question that I’ve asked before, but I find myself asking a similar question again.

I’m having a Husqvarna 701 Supermoto delivered tomorrow, which is a bike designed just for fun.

Being a bike, that still leaves it usable over a decent range of activities, so it’ll be fun on tracks, b-roads, and even OK for some touring, but the focus is just enjoyment.

Is there any car that comes to mind as similarly just made for fun?

I don’t mean a bike-like car, necessarily, so it doesn’t have to be an atom or Caterham, just something who’s aim is enjoyment.

[samoht]

One example is the Mazda MX-5. It's not a performance car (at least the 1.5), it's not practical, rather it was created by some real enthusiasts to bring back the fun of driving the kind of small, lightweight roadster which had almost died out by the late 80s. And like the bike you mention, it's good on track, good on a B-road, and useable for a bit of touring, if a bit small/noisy.

[Northernboy]

samoht said:

One example is the Mazda MX-5. It's not a performance car (at least the 1.5), it's not practical, rather it was created by some real enthusiasts to bring back the fun of driving the kind of small, lightweight roadster which had almost died out by the late 80s. And like the bike you mention, it's good on track, good on a B-road, and useable for a bit of touring, if a bit small/noisy.

That’s a good one. I might have to delve into what I assume is a very complex world of model variants and versions now to understand what’s what.

Or are they all good?

[coldel]

My brother has three bikes done everything on them from track stuff to off roading etc.

When he drove my VX220 he said it was the closest car to a bike experience he has had. With the roof off you are exposed, you really feel the road through the steering wheel with no impairments.

[HustleRussell]

Suzuki Jimny. No bigger inside than a small hatchback. Off-road credentials which will likely never be explored by the vast majority of buyers. Seems to just be a car which happens to have a sense of fun about it.

[Cylon2007]

samoht said:

One example is the Mazda MX-5. It's not a performance car (at least the 1.5), it's not practical, rather it was created by some real enthusiasts to bring back the fun of driving the kind of small, lightweight roadster which had almost died out by the late 80s. And like the bike you mention, it's good on track, good on a B-road, and useable for a bit of touring, if a bit small/noisy.

This, had mine 3 years now, Mk4 Recaro Sport, put smile on my face every time I drive it, even commuting to work. Good job as it's my only car .

[Northernboy]

HustleRussell said:

Suzuki Jimny. No bigger inside than a small hatchback. Off-road credentials which will likely never be explored by the vast majority of buyers. Seems to just be a car which happens to have a sense of fun about it.

We were out at a Land Rover dealer yesterday to see whether changing or RR Sport makes sense, and my wife loved the Ned Defender. It’s a bit expensive for a “fun” car, but I bet she’d like the Jimny, too.

[samoht]

Northernboy said:

That’s a good one. I might have to delve into what I assume is a very complex world of model variants and versions now to understand what’s what.

Or are they all good?

If you've got some time, I think this savagegeese series is quite good & in-depth about the fundamentals
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLr-mTF1DFa-...

I'm no expert, but I certainly enjoyed driving an NC folding-hardtop auto, which is perhaps the 'worst' MX-5, so I suspect all are good but some are better than others.

Other issues are which ones you fit into and the challenge of finding one that's not rusty, with the older models.

[HustleRussell]

Northernboy said:

HustleRussell said:

Suzuki Jimny. No bigger inside than a small hatchback. Off-road credentials which will likely never be explored by the vast majority of buyers. Seems to just be a car which happens to have a sense of fun about it.

We were out at a Land Rover dealer yesterday to see whether changing or RR Sport makes sense, and my wife loved the Ned Defender. It’s a bit expensive for a “fun” car, but I bet she’d like the Jimny, too.

A friend was threatening to buy a Nissan Qashquai or Juke with the small petrol engine and the CVT gearbox and I determinedly set about trying to make him buy a Vitara. I suspect I had an easier job than you would have convincing your wife to have a Suzuki instead of a Land Rover. I don't know what the new Defender is like inside but the Suzuki interiors are very trad japanesy.

[Northernboy]

HustleRussell said:

A friend was threatening to buy a Nissan Qashquai or Juke with the small petrol engine and the CVT gearbox and I determinedly set about trying to make him buy a Vitara. I suspect I had an easier job than you would have convincing your wife to have a Suzuki instead of a Land Rover. I don't know what the new Defender is like inside but the Suzuki interiors are very trad japanesy.

It’s “chunky”, with lots of exposed anodized bolt heads and the like.

I really quite liked it myself, but assume it’s not at all the right car for driving up and down the country.

[Mr Tidy]

i think it depends on how you define "fun"!

Husqvarna never made anything I would describe that way.

But then I did grow up in the era of RD Yamahas and Kawasaki triples!

Still a Range Rover of some description might suit you.

[Belle427]

Tvr Chimaera.
Can be made reliable with a bit of know how and make you smile every time you start them.
Plenty of space in the boot for trips away too.

[Northernboy]

Mr Tidy said:

i think it depends on how you define "fun"!

Husqvarna never made anything I would describe that way.

But then I did grow up in the era of RD Yamahas and Kawasaki triples!

Still a Range Rover of some description might suit you.

You’ll remember the TDR250 then. The 701 is a modern version of that.