What's your favourite type/genre of car and why?
Discussion
I've owned most "types" of vehicle over the last 25 years (hatchbacks both hot and not, estates, 4x4s, SUVs, sports cars, coupes, convertibles, MPVs etc) with the exception of a Grand Tourer or supercar and enjoyed most of them. Obviously different types of vehicle have their own strengths and weaknesses and in reality you would probably choose to own multiple types/genres of vehicle to fulfil different needs but on balance, which genre of vehicle is your favourite?
Idealogically, I would probably say Grand Tourer, as what's not to like about a rakish and luxurious 2-seat/2+2 RWD/AWD coupe/convertible, with reasonable practicality and with a powerful V8/V12 petrol engine. I can't really think of a Grand Tourer that I don't like (there are supercars that I dislike) but then I haven't owned one.
On that basis, it would have to be the humble hot hatch, as it's all things to all people and attainable to most. Fast enough to be entertaining, easy to live with, relatively cheap to run and fix, eyecatching enough to be interesting and practical enough for a small family. There has also been a wide variety of configurations from multiple manufacturers over the years: FWD, RWD, AWD, 3 cylinder, 4 cylinder, 5 cylinder, straight 6, V6, NA, supercharged, turbocharged that I could probably own hot hatches for the rest of my life and never get bored. I'm not sure if there has ever been a "bad" hot hatch but even the less good ones probably have some redeeming features, whether it be how they look, how they handle or how they go.
So on balance, what is your favourite type/genre of car and why?
Idealogically, I would probably say Grand Tourer, as what's not to like about a rakish and luxurious 2-seat/2+2 RWD/AWD coupe/convertible, with reasonable practicality and with a powerful V8/V12 petrol engine. I can't really think of a Grand Tourer that I don't like (there are supercars that I dislike) but then I haven't owned one.
On that basis, it would have to be the humble hot hatch, as it's all things to all people and attainable to most. Fast enough to be entertaining, easy to live with, relatively cheap to run and fix, eyecatching enough to be interesting and practical enough for a small family. There has also been a wide variety of configurations from multiple manufacturers over the years: FWD, RWD, AWD, 3 cylinder, 4 cylinder, 5 cylinder, straight 6, V6, NA, supercharged, turbocharged that I could probably own hot hatches for the rest of my life and never get bored. I'm not sure if there has ever been a "bad" hot hatch but even the less good ones probably have some redeeming features, whether it be how they look, how they handle or how they go.
So on balance, what is your favourite type/genre of car and why?
Front mid engined rear drive hardtop sports car (so near 50/50 weight balance).
Enough traction to be quick, but still able to slide without a heavy engine behind. My fave shape of car with the FR proportions. Adequate space for two people plus plenty of luggage in a fairly compact footprint.
examples:
Lotus Elite (original)
Mazda RX-7
Dodge Viper
Lexus LFA
Mercedes AMG SLS
Depends on your life stage and circumstances I think.
I'll definitely be with you on the Grand Tourer thing, once my dustbin lids are gone and I'm retired. So long as I don't have a dog.
But as an overall, do-everything-for-pretty-much-everyone car, the award has to go to a C-segment estate car like the Honda Civic Tourer. Not too big, not too small, practical, spacious, compact. I know this is an odd thing to say on PH but I'm not overly interested in power and performance, in a car that size then 150-200bhp is enough for me, and for the vast majority of folks out there I'd say. Sadly, this type of car is extremely out of fashion these days, replaced in manufacturer ranges by hideous crossovers and SUVs.
I'll definitely be with you on the Grand Tourer thing, once my dustbin lids are gone and I'm retired. So long as I don't have a dog.
But as an overall, do-everything-for-pretty-much-everyone car, the award has to go to a C-segment estate car like the Honda Civic Tourer. Not too big, not too small, practical, spacious, compact. I know this is an odd thing to say on PH but I'm not overly interested in power and performance, in a car that size then 150-200bhp is enough for me, and for the vast majority of folks out there I'd say. Sadly, this type of car is extremely out of fashion these days, replaced in manufacturer ranges by hideous crossovers and SUVs.
Skodillac said:
Depends on your life stage and circumstances I think.
I'll definitely be with you on the Grand Tourer thing, once my dustbin lids are gone and I'm retired. So long as I don't have a dog.
But as an overall, do-everything-for-pretty-much-everyone car, the award has to go to a C-segment estate car like the Honda Civic Tourer. Not too big, not too small, practical, spacious, compact. I know this is an odd thing to say on PH but I'm not overly interested in power and performance, in a car that size then 150-200bhp is enough for me, and for the vast majority of folks out there I'd say. Sadly, this type of car is extremely out of fashion these days, replaced in manufacturer ranges by hideous crossovers and SUVs.
I see your point. My last car (in Canada) that I owned for 6 years was a top spec mk7 Golf Estate. 1.8 TSI automatic, around 170bhp. Fantastic car and more than quick enough day-to-day whilst being fairly economical. There are practical benefits to a larger estate car when you need one but then it's less nimble, harder to park, more expensive to run etc for the 90% of time when you don't need the extra space. I've also had an Impreza WRX Wagon in the past, which of course was faster and more fun but a fairly pokey load area for an estate and of course fuel economy isn't a Subaru Boxer strong point! I just moved back to the UK in January, so don't have the Golf any more. I'm currently driving a mk1 Renault Captur, which I actually quite like and being diesel is extremely economical but I'll concede that it doesn't drive as well as the Golf both in terms of performance and handling and is less practical. Having said that, does a C segment hot hatch not offer a bit more in terms of driving thrills and glamour with only a small penalty to pay in terms of practicality/running costs ie I'd be tempted to go with something like a Megane 4 RS next rather than another mid-spec estate car. I'll definitely be with you on the Grand Tourer thing, once my dustbin lids are gone and I'm retired. So long as I don't have a dog.
But as an overall, do-everything-for-pretty-much-everyone car, the award has to go to a C-segment estate car like the Honda Civic Tourer. Not too big, not too small, practical, spacious, compact. I know this is an odd thing to say on PH but I'm not overly interested in power and performance, in a car that size then 150-200bhp is enough for me, and for the vast majority of folks out there I'd say. Sadly, this type of car is extremely out of fashion these days, replaced in manufacturer ranges by hideous crossovers and SUVs.
Edited by Starsky80 on Wednesday 6th May 15:32
Sports cars for me. The old fashioned type - light, naturally aspirated, manual, RWD, with two seats and a roof which comes off. Doesn't need to be particularly fast as long as it's lively and involving.
I've been daily driving an Elise for the last 19 years which is pretty much perfect for me.
I've been daily driving an Elise for the last 19 years which is pretty much perfect for me.
Edited by kambites on Wednesday 6th May 17:17
I'm on my 4th coupé, all of them GT cars first and foremost. I really like the big engine, coupé layout as they tend to be great road cars that are capable and comfortable. Even better when the coupé can do the convertible thing too... A development I was not expecting!
What I am wondering is if I am missing out by not having more smaller cars. Large coupés are a bit a pain in small car parks for instance, especially with the larger doors. As others say, hot hatches feel like they are coming back on my radar...
What I am wondering is if I am missing out by not having more smaller cars. Large coupés are a bit a pain in small car parks for instance, especially with the larger doors. As others say, hot hatches feel like they are coming back on my radar...
Skodillac said:
Depends on your life stage and circumstances I think.
I'll definitely be with you on the Grand Tourer thing, once my dustbin lids are gone and I'm retired. So long as I don't have a dog.
But as an overall, do-everything-for-pretty-much-everyone car, the award has to go to a C-segment estate car like the Honda Civic Tourer. Not too big, not too small, practical, spacious, compact. I know this is an odd thing to say on PH but I'm not overly interested in power and performance, in a car that size then 150-200bhp is enough for me, and for the vast majority of folks out there I'd say. Sadly, this type of car is extremely out of fashion these days, replaced in manufacturer ranges by hideous crossovers and SUVs.
This all day long.I'll definitely be with you on the Grand Tourer thing, once my dustbin lids are gone and I'm retired. So long as I don't have a dog.
But as an overall, do-everything-for-pretty-much-everyone car, the award has to go to a C-segment estate car like the Honda Civic Tourer. Not too big, not too small, practical, spacious, compact. I know this is an odd thing to say on PH but I'm not overly interested in power and performance, in a car that size then 150-200bhp is enough for me, and for the vast majority of folks out there I'd say. Sadly, this type of car is extremely out of fashion these days, replaced in manufacturer ranges by hideous crossovers and SUVs.
In my 20's / early 30's it was sports cars and convertibles. Then it was estates for carting bikes, skis, golf clubs, kayaks etc and today in my early 50s I couldn't be without an estate.
But my favourite has to be a big GT. It's just not practical for daily use in the real world though so more than one car is needed.
2 Honda CRX’s in ‘87 and ‘90,followed by 4 TVR’s up to the year 2000,then two Nobles up to 2025 and now a Lotus Evora tells me it will always be lightweight, two seat manuals. You simply can’t beat the intimacy and directness.
Second would be an old barge,3 Rover 75’s from 2009 and a XJ from 2018,all had great NVH and comfort levels for the wafting they were built for … no constant bonging either.
Big wide,heavy,zillion hp,detached SUV’s and Estates do nothing for me,nor do Supercars.
Second would be an old barge,3 Rover 75’s from 2009 and a XJ from 2018,all had great NVH and comfort levels for the wafting they were built for … no constant bonging either.
Big wide,heavy,zillion hp,detached SUV’s and Estates do nothing for me,nor do Supercars.
)I've always preferred RWD cars with manual gearboxes and having discovered N/A straight 6 BMWs in 2014 I've had six since then. Enough power to be entertaining but also torquey, refined and surprisingly economical.
Body style depends on what I use it for. For a fun car my Z4M Coupe hits the spot, but for a daily something with more doors and seats works better like my 330i, although I often wish I had spent a bit more and got a 130i for the hatchback practicality and possibly a bit more chuckability!
Body style depends on what I use it for. For a fun car my Z4M Coupe hits the spot, but for a daily something with more doors and seats works better like my 330i, although I often wish I had spent a bit more and got a 130i for the hatchback practicality and possibly a bit more chuckability!
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff