Unsung heroes?

[TameRacingDriver]

Which cars do you think don't get enough recognition on here? This being PH, there are obviously firm favourites out there such as the MX5, Clio 172 etc, but what cars are much better to drive / own than you might expect?

I mean, is the likes of the MGTF that bad? It always plays second fiddle to the MX5 and MR2? (not literally a question, just an example, though if anyone has one).

That's just one example, there are undoubtedly countless others...

[Rochellc01]

For the MGTF its the image I think, it just looks like it should be driven by post menopausal women in their early fifties.

Sorry any MGTF owners, but you know what I mean.

[renrut]

Fiat Cinquecento/Seicento sporting - comically low power but fun so simple only an original Mini could look down on.

[TameRacingDriver]

Rochellc01 said:

For the MGTF its the image I think, it just looks like it should be driven by post menopausal women in their early fifties.

Sorry any MGTF owners, but you know what I mean.

Hmm. The only MGF owner I know happens to fit that stereotype

[Baz Tench]

205XS. Always lives in the shadow of the brilliant GTi, but it was brilliant in itself.

[TameRacingDriver]

Some good suggestions there.

I've just thought of a few.

Nissan Micra 160 SR

Toyota Yaris T-Sport

Peugeot 207 GTI (OK its no 205, but it does share an excellent engine with the MCS)

Toyota Celica T-Sport (Gen 7 190 VVTLI)

[jimbob82]

Rover 800 vitesse COUPE. Awesome to drive with a long pair of legs. They handle well when you want them to. Electrics let them down but for Power AND comfort they're awesome.

[irocfan]

funny thing is I'm posting to same car on 2 opposite ends of the PH scale threadwise....

for VFM, marmite looks I give you.....



fantastically underrated car

[TameRacingDriver]

My mate had a supercharged one of those, he seemed to like it in its own quirky way.

[excel monkey]

TameRacingDriver said:

Nissan Micra 160 SR

Disappointing that it only has 110bhp, and "160" is just an obtuse way of saying "1.6". Evo liked it though.

[big_boz]

renrut said:

Fiat Cinquecento/Seicento sporting - comically low power but fun so simple only an original Mini could look down on.

Agree with this. Not many ways of having as much fun with only 55BHP and all your clothes on......

[roboxm3]

Baz Tench said:

205XS. Always lives in the shadow of the brilliant GTi, but it was brilliant in itself.

My first car and remembered with great fondness - revvy little 1360 engine, weighed nothing and would easily see off the most common of first car choice, the Nova 1.3SR...

[TameRacingDriver]

roboxm3 said:

My first car and remembered with great fondness - revvy little 1360 engine, weighed nothing and would easily see off the most common of first car choice, the Nova 1.3SR...

Thats a good call. I like those. Would prefer an AX GT though!

[Geekman]

TameRacingDriver said:

Nissan Micra 160 SR

My mum had one of those and it was really really st, so in this case I think it deserves to be unsung. Shame really as it could have been a decent car.

[TameRacingDriver]

What was st about it?

[Baryonyx]

TameRacingDriver said:

I mean, is the likes of the MGTF that bad? It always plays second fiddle to the MX5 and MR2? (not literally a question, just an example, though if anyone has one).

Having owned an MR2 and an MX5, and drive my father in law's MG TF, the MR2 comes out head and shoulders above the rest, IMO. The MG TF isn't really up to the task of matching either as driver's car though. It's a nice little cruiser, and all he does is gently drive it around with the roof down and a dog on the passenger seat, so he doesn't really need something that an enthusiast would love. As a first mid-engined car though, why not? I prefer the MG-F though. The missus wants a new car, I wonder if she would have one of those?

[Geekman]

TameRacingDriver said:

What was st about it?

No "feel" at all through the steering (reminded me of my old astra), awful ride quality, terrible seats/interior and not particularly reliable or economical either. It also felt a lot more bloated and heavy than it actually was and couldn't make up for it in performance.

That said, I seem to remember the previous-gen model was sold in Japan with a 1.3 turbo which I suspect would have been a lot more fun.

[TameRacingDriver]

The K11 Micra SR / Sport was actually a reasonable steer, so the Turbo one must be very daft!

Slightly OT @ BaryonX but what would you rather have, a good late Mk3 MR2 or a Turbo Mk1/2 MX5 ?

[TameRacingDriver]

I like the Celica, but the gearchange was rubbish I agree. The engine sounds great but it's a challenge alright to keep it on cam. Fun though.

[timbo999]

big_boz said:

Agree with this. Not many ways of having as much fun with only 55BHP and all your clothes on......

Have to agree...