Manufacturers design high point
Discussion
velocemitch said:
I like the new 208, its a very good execution of design under the latest restrictions (one of the very best in fact), but I'm sorry I don't think as a design exercise it can hold a candle to the 205, 306 or 405 for that matter. Just look at the image, why is there a second fold between the bumper and the rear lights, its there for one reason only, to take your eye off the physical distance between the two features. It wouldn't need to be there if the car wasn't so tall and the glass area so narrow. These are the compromises which ruin modern car design so frequently, but in earlier times were never an issue as the designers were not so hamstrung by regulations and to a certain extent current fashion. Designers have to add features to the pure shapes which in the end just make the cars look fussy and contrived.
Agreed - the -05 and -06 Peugeots have a lovely purity of form and purpose that, even if they're not exactly pretty, they look 'right'. That they were solidly-made and good-driving cars underneath helps their case as a design too. I think the more blended look of the -06s just about gives them the aesthetic edge over the -05s, although the 206, coming later in the series, wasn't quite so happy. It's a shame they never did a 606.The less said about the 806 the better...
craig_m67 said:
errr.. you do realise they’re two different models? (SudSprint / GTV)?
(or am I due a Norwegian blue parrot)
I have a thing for the Sprint, I had two (and two suds, etal)
The sprint looks much better in the flesh, it’s also an amazing steer, possibly the best
One of my favourite Alfa’s
Sorry, I posted wrong pic...here's my sprint... I preferred the alfetta for fun, lovely 2 litre twin cam, huge fun. Felt like a much more expensive Italian gt car!!(or am I due a Norwegian blue parrot)
I have a thing for the Sprint, I had two (and two suds, etal)
The sprint looks much better in the flesh, it’s also an amazing steer, possibly the best
One of my favourite Alfa’s
Edited by biggbn on Monday 16th November 19:17
I appreciate it was a good car, but I personally i never liked the design of the mk1 focus, inside or out.
I can't think of any good looking BMW, in fact German cars in general seen to be a little on the safe side when it comes to design.
French and Italian cars tend to have a little more flair.
And why has no one mentioned the e type. Surely that's jaguars high point.
I can't think of any good looking BMW, in fact German cars in general seen to be a little on the safe side when it comes to design.
French and Italian cars tend to have a little more flair.
And why has no one mentioned the e type. Surely that's jaguars high point.
ensignia said:
^^ I may be slightly biased having owned four e39's (including one that looked exactly like that!) but I couldn't agree more, I think the 3 series has gone down hill looks wise since the e46 too.
I think Ford also got this spot on;
And they didn't do a bad job of the mk3 Mondeo either;
Have to echo the above with Peugeot in the x05 and x06 series. What the hell happened to them the past 20 years is anyone's guess. Looks like they are slowly returning to form however.
For me 90's was the Japanese golden age. Although Toyota's line up right now is getting close when the GR-Four comes out.
For me 90's was the Japanese golden age. Although Toyota's line up right now is getting close when the GR-Four comes out.
StuntmanMike said:
NGRhodes said:
Ford - MK1 Focus.
This, way more than an Escort Mk1 which were nothing special at all.I'll go with the Elan Sprint as the high design point of Lotus. Brilliant as the Elise is and Esprit was I don't think anyone has topped the Elan yet:
It's strange how so many of these cars are from the 20th Century rather than the 21st.
Does that say more about the PH demographic or post 2000 design?
So many Peugeots like the 504 Coupe, 205, 306, etc. looked great but then they mostly used Pininfarina which is kind of cheating - left to their own devices they came up with the minging 309!
I also loved the MK3 Capri and the MK1 Focus in hatchback form, but the saloon was a horror. The MK3 Mondeo is for me the worst Mondeo so far!
Loved those three red 90s Toyotas too.
Why doesn't anyone seem able to come up with designs like that any more?
Does that say more about the PH demographic or post 2000 design?
So many Peugeots like the 504 Coupe, 205, 306, etc. looked great but then they mostly used Pininfarina which is kind of cheating - left to their own devices they came up with the minging 309!
I also loved the MK3 Capri and the MK1 Focus in hatchback form, but the saloon was a horror. The MK3 Mondeo is for me the worst Mondeo so far!
Loved those three red 90s Toyotas too.
Why doesn't anyone seem able to come up with designs like that any more?
A crossover of technology and legislation/ demographics.
Back when Mazda had a 1.8 v6 MX3, an MX5, MX6 and RX7 in the range, people were looking for novelty, beauty, performance because petrol was cheap(er!), electronic aids were crap and safe cars were boring.
Now petrol costs a fortune, people won't put their kids in anything with less than 5NCAP stars, young people can't get insured for anything, but everyone wants to look rich whilst sitting in an air conditioned traffic jam and can get credit easily, so we all drive tanks.
Back when Mazda had a 1.8 v6 MX3, an MX5, MX6 and RX7 in the range, people were looking for novelty, beauty, performance because petrol was cheap(er!), electronic aids were crap and safe cars were boring.
Now petrol costs a fortune, people won't put their kids in anything with less than 5NCAP stars, young people can't get insured for anything, but everyone wants to look rich whilst sitting in an air conditioned traffic jam and can get credit easily, so we all drive tanks.
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