Most Improved Car Maker since 2000

[Gizmo!]

I was thinking the other day, as you do, about how some car makers have made massive strides forward in the last ten years or so - not much more than one model cycle.

Hyundai for example.

2000 Elantra: pug-ugly and terrible.


2011 i40: possibly the best looking car in the class, and damn good by all accounts.


And the Veloster: odd doors, but what a stunner.


Or Kia:

2000 Sephia/Shuma: can scare children and indice nausea.


2010 Soul: Stupid name, but a funky little (actually, not so little) thing:


And the Sportage is a great looking motor too (even if it does look like a stormtrooper's helmet).




Which maker would you nominate as 'most improved'?

[Or888t]

Without doubt one of those two.
Korean's are coming up.

[Shaw Tarse]

I'd agree with Kia & Hyundai, Ford, on the other hand seem to be taking a step backwards?

[vrsmxtb]

From the Europeans, Skoda without a shadow of a doubt. Anyone stillclinging on to the old badge snobbery is a grade-A muppet.

[Classic Grad 98]

I thought Fiat upon reading the title but the Koreans really have stolen the decade...

[anonymous-user]

Kia and Hyundai yes, but also Proton and Suzuki? How about Land Rover?

[anonymous-user]

Classic Grad 98 said:

I thought Fiat upon reading the title but the Koreans really have stolen the decade...

A good call too.

[Luke167]

Got to be Kia, not that I'm biased or anything!! I took back a Rio 1.3L on an 02 plate a couple of months ago, £200! The cars of that era are awful and the standard now is up there with much bigger players!

[Gizmo!]

DR10 said:

Kia and Hyundai yes, but also Proton and Suzuki? How about Land Rover?

Land Rover's a good call too. From the faintly crummy Freelander, Disco 2 and P300(?) Range, to the current Evoque, Disco and RR/SS? Good work.

That makes me think of Jag too. Saw a new XJ L this morning: stunning car.

[Bisonhead]

Aston Martin or Jaguar?

Lamborghini

Mercedes

[arn22110]

Ready for the slaughter!

I have moved to Malaysia from Europe and have bought a Perdua Myvi (huge tax's here on cars). Very pleasantly surprised. BTW I do have some very good vehicles at home!

[Vocal Minority]

Jaguar is a great shout.

Gone for game underdogs to class leaders (arguably)

[DanDC5]

I'd agree with Hyundai & Kia, they need to release a few more models that they sell in the US over here. Some real lookers that we don't get. The Hyundai Genesis coupe for example, stunning looking car and either 2.0 litre turbo or 3.5 v6 and rear wheel drive. They're really messed up not bringing that car over here.

[Carfolio]

Hyundai & Audi, my calls. Audi held back a little by that awful goatee grille thing.

[Classic Grad 98]

Carfolio said:

Audi

Not sure about this one. They seem to have designed one car and basically stretched it/squashed it to make a range of different sizes.

[Gizmo!]

Classic Grad 98 said:

Not sure about this one. They seem to have designed one car and basically stretched it/squashed it to make a range of different sizes.

And what the hell is the point of an A5 with four doors?

[sidekickdmr]

Renault!

Compare a 1997 Renault megane or Clio to a new one!

They are now really well built good looking cars!

[Classic Grad 98]

Jaguar is a good shout but I think including Lamborghini and Aston Martin kind of goes against the 'spirit' of this thread- they are top end cars, you expect revolutionary design.
That's why the Koreans are such a good example IMO- gone from a whole range of chaff to a whole range of very persuasive models.

[Dave Hedgehog]

Classic Grad 98 said:

Not sure about this one. They seem to have designed one car and basically stretched it/squashed it to make a range of different sizes.

not that uncommon to have a common theme across the range, at one point every ford had the same nose

[Carfolio]

Classic Grad 98 said:

Not sure about this one. They seem to have designed one car and basically stretched it/squashed it to make a range of different sizes.

Think of the Audi range in 2000. A3, A4, A6, A8 and TT. Now the various fugly but profitable SUVs (Q3, Q5, Q7 - see loads about), A5, A1, R8 and a variety of new engines that weren't even thought about in 2000 like the V10 from the RS6, etc. Plus they challenge the established Euro luxury players on every level these days, whilst in 2000 they were way out from left field luxury choices.