By THATCAR.co.za
As you head out to vote, please vote wisely. It’s a very responsible thing to do. Very mature, good for democracy, and all that jazz.
Then, when you’re done, come back here and vote for what you think is the most underrated car.
What do I mean by underrated?
Well, let’s first talk about what makes a car great, at least in our books. I’ve broken it down into two main factors:
1. Looks
A great car has to have looks that make you do one of three things:
- Look at it once and think, “What the F%&^?”
- Look at it twice and think, “Hmmm…”
- Or look at it and say, “Damn, I want one!”
Let me give you an example. Remember the BMW 6 Series designed by Chris Bangle, the E63? When I first saw that car, I thought, “What the kcuf?”
And right now, I want one. With all my hair still attached. Especially the V10 M6 version.
2. Usability, attainability and smile-inducing performance
Okay, I sound like one of those motoring journalists who wear glasses just to read and don’t bother lifting their heads when speaking to you. You know those guys?
Right, let me simplify it.
I’m talking about a car that an ordinary person can actually go out and buy, use every day, and every now and then, when the stars align, perhaps on a Sunday morning drive from Hartbeespoort to the Cradle of Humankind, can have a little fun and feel like Schumacher.
(Good God, I hope I spelt that correctly.)
Think of something like a BMW 335i sedan. You look like a boring fuddy-duddy in it, but every now and then, you become a fuddy-duddy with a massive smile on your face.
Yes, Porsches are brilliant machines. In my view, they’re the best automotive manufacturer. Go argue with your friends.
But attainable? Not quite.
So, I’ve picked five cars that I think tick these boxes. Your job is simple: choose ONE.
In no particular order.
- JAGUAR XE 3.0 SUPERCHARGED
The British interpretation of what a sports sedan should be
Well, okay, not entirely British, considering they’re owned by the Indians, but you get what I mean.
Looks? You cannot deny that this is a handsome car. It has presence, it’s beautifully proportioned, and it certainly doesn’t look like something that should be overlooked.
Usability and attainability? Especially now, you can pick up an absolute bargain on the second-hand market. I recently saw one advertised for R208,000 with just 36,000 km on the clock.
Performance? We’re talking 0–100 km/h in around five seconds, 250 kW of power and a top speed of 250 km/h.
And if you’ve ever driven a Jaaag, you’ll know those things drive beautifully.
I have a friend who was involved in an accident with one. The insurance company wanted to write it off. He refused and insisted they repair it.
Why?
Because these are genuinely great cars.
And that’s precisely why I think the Jaguar XE is GREATLY UNDERRATED.
2. FIAT 500 1.2
Wait, wait, wait!
Stop with your nonsense. Before you go off with your sinus-filled noses saying things like, “They’re unreliable” or “They break down”, I want to ask you something:
Have you ever owned one? Have you ever actually experienced one?
If the answer is no, then perhaps, just perhaps, the reason you’re so boring is that you don’t have an opinion of your own.
Look, until recently, I was just like you. Okay, minus the sinusitis-sounding voice, but I never really thought much of these little cars.
Then I drove one.
And can I tell you something? I WANT ONE!
Let’s start with the looks. Well, it’s cute. No matter how you look at it, it’s just a little bundle of character.
And if you’re a guy and you get it in the diesel or Abarth flavour, I think that’s pretty cool.
But I’m talking about the humble 1.2. It’s got that cheeky, preppy personality, and heck, it’s fun to drive!
The steering wheel has so much feel, and you can pick one up for around R100,000.
Now, numbers on a performance sheet will never tell you the whole story when it comes to these little cars.
But of all the small city cars out there, I’d take the Fiat Cinquecento all day, every day.
And the interior? Just too, too cool!
3. VOLVO C30 T5 AUTOMATIC R-DESIGN
Again, hang on a minute!
Please, hold on with those snorty comments about Volvos.
These cars have been out of production for a while, but I’m pretty sure that whenever you see one, you look at it twice.
And just as you’re about to appreciate it, your nonsensical, highly critical nature interrupts what should have been a pure moment of automotive admiration.
These cars are absolutely beautiful. No two ways about it.
Think about it. If you’re my age, you can pitch up at an event or at a friend’s place in one of these and not look like you’re having an automotive midlife crisis.
And you can still head down to Hartbeespoort, put a smile on your face and feel like a teenager again.
Best of all, you can pick one up for less than half the price of a brand-new Suzuki Swift.
I recently saw one with 90,000 km on the clock for just R110,000.
Honestly, what’s not to like?
4. PEUGEOT LANDTREK 2.2D 4X4
Guys, wait! Come back!
I haven’t completely gone communist at a Republican rally. Hear me out.
I recently drove the new Landtrek, and I’m sold. Honestly, I’m sold.
Okay, it’s a bakkie, but let’s be honest: in South Africa, we use bakkies as family cars.
Perhaps it’s because of the potholes? Or maybe size really does matter? I don’t know. We seem to enjoy towering above everyone else for some reason.
Short-man syndrome, perhaps?
(Remember, we’re considered one of the shortest nations, albeit with the Afrikaans-speaking population having that Dutch gene that makes them absolutely ginormous. But then again, why do they also love bakkies?)
Anyway, I digress.
The Peugeot Landtrek 2.2D is as good-looking as any other bakkie in its class. Get it in that green, and you’re onto something.
And it’s attainable. Brand new, you’re looking at around R750,000, fully equipped with just about every extra you’d expect from a modern double cab.
Now, please stop!
You don’t use your double-cab bakkie to carry cows and things. You use it to carry cricket bats, groceries and the occasional family member.
And this Peugeot does that job perfectly well.
Did I mention I managed to get 6.9 L/100 km?
You can watch our review here:
We dig this car!
5. JAGUAR XKR CONVERTIBLE
“Excuse me?”
“What do you mean? When was the last time I took my mental medication?”
Guys, I’m not crazy. I truly am not!
For the price of a Suzuki Swift, you can get yourself a 2009 Jaguar XKR 4.2 Supercharged Convertible with around 90,000 km on the clock.
I mean, seriously, who’s the crazy one here?
Just look at it!
Now, on your lunch break, go and find one. Start the engine. If you have time, take it for a drive.
Then come back and tell me I’m crazy.
Actually, no, wait…
What? You bought it?
That’s what I thought!
IN CLOSING
Now, you’re going to be an adult and vote wisely.
And yes, go and vote for your local candidate too. That’s important.
But when it comes to cars, I have my own little plan.
Hmmm…
I’d have the XE for the missus, the Landtrek for me, the Fiat 500 for the daughter, the XKR for me again (obviously), and the Volvo for my son.
Although I’d probably borrow it every other day.
Hope that helps!
Now, it’s your turn.
Leave a comment and tell us which one you’d choose.
Remember, you can only choose ONE. I have a feeling the XKR might just win this one!
Maybe I should have named this article THE MOST UNDERRATED CARS: 5 YOU PROBABLY WOULDN’T BUY (BUT SHOULD!)
VOTE BELOW!
