Re: Retrostyled modern cars that got it right Thanks for this thread. Interesting topic.
And of course highly debatable about what one considers “got it right”.
What would be interesting is to compare numbers produced, or probably even better market share on the original versus the retro styled version. If anything market succes would be an indication if the public at large felt the respective manufacturer got it right.
There is not doubt in my mind that every retrostyled car is much better car than the original, based on criteria like safety, emissions, comfort, speed, acceleration and so on. All the boring stuff. They are all much bigger, if not to say bloated, and heavier. Which tends to have an impact on how visually pleasing they are, or not. Especially sitting next to the original. Not so sure on price, because that really needs to be seen in context and period. To some extend related to my earlier point as to how big a market succes it was. Are these retrostyled cars still targeting the same audience? I don’t think so, at least not all.
But what is much more difficult to capture and describe is the kind of emotion the original versus its newer version creates.
Then the “got if right” factor is likely to be a lot less for some of these cars.
When I look at all these cars here, when it comes to the emotional factor I would say the new Renault Alpine is miles ahead of anything else. I have driven both versions. Well admittedly, the original only as a passenger as there is no way I could get my 1,93 folded into the drivers seat and my legs underneath the steering/dash. The retro style is still a relatively small car, not too much power, very little modern convenience and no driver assist stuff. Whereas the original Alpine was an absolute hoot to drive, made a huge mark in Rallying at the time, the new version is just that; a better version of the original. But it still adhere to the original principle of simplicity and road performance. It is like driving the original, in a more plush cabin and even better, more enjoyable, unassisted driving! This is a car that you will be driving going sideways more often than going straight! That is what the original was made for and the retro styled new version still does it too, even a bit better!
The Mazda MX5, in my book, comes a close second to the Alpine, for identical reasons.
I have also driven just about every version of the Mini, from an original series 1 to the latest version. Can't compare the two I find.
I guarantee, anybody that steps into an original Mini will enjoy it, big smile on your face. You don’t need to be a petrol head for that. And it was like that when the original was introduced. The current Mini is just a nice car, but does not evoke any special emotion. Just another transportation pod.
In my opinion, the absolute worst retrostyle cars is the VW Beetle. Although I don’t have the market figures for the new Beetle, we can all agree that the new Beetle was not anywhere close to the original ones, in terms of popularity and numbers sold.
My very first car was a VW Beetle, I bought from the money I earned doing a paper round and working in a toy/hobby shop. Even by the standards in those days (we are talking 1978) it was a spectacular bad car in terms of road holding, fuel efficiency, safety, comfort and fuel efficiency. Ever tried to demist the front window, in a car with a rear engine, air cooled? It can't be done.
But nobody cared because it had bags of character as they say.
The new VW Beetle is based on the VW platform and powertrains. So actually a pretty darn good car, but as a package it does not evoke any special emotion for most people.
My daughter liked it. So I bought one for a few hundred dollars from a student who could not get it running anymore. Towed it home to our house in Kansas City and fixed it (broken cranksensor). My daughter drove it for a few weeks when she came to visit us. Then I sold it on. Neither she, nor I, have any special memories.
I must admit I have high hopes for the Bronco. So far everything I have seen on paper looks good! fingers crossed.
Jeroen
Last edited by Jeroen : 21st January 2021 at 19:18.
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