{"id":74694,"date":"2026-07-02T03:18:07","date_gmt":"2026-07-02T07:18:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/?p=74694"},"modified":"2026-07-02T03:19:40","modified_gmt":"2026-07-02T07:19:40","slug":"guilty-pleasure-cars-and-the-allure-of-automotive-oddities-why-flawed-designs-win-lasting-devotion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/guilty-pleasure-cars-and-the-allure-of-automotive-oddities-why-flawed-designs-win-lasting-devotion\/","title":{"rendered":"Guilty Pleasure Cars and the Allure of Automotive Oddities: Why Flawed Designs Win Lasting Devotion"},"content":{"rendered":"

What Drives Our Affection for Automotive Outliers?<\/p>\n

The persistent allure of so-called \u201cguilty pleasure\u201d cars\u2014vehicles that defy conventional standards of beauty, performance, or market logic\u2014demands a more nuanced explanation than mere nostalgia or contrarian taste. These models, often maligned or misunderstood at launch, reveal the limits of mainstream automotive criteria and expose the complexity of consumer desire. The evidence suggests that our attachment to such vehicles is less about their objective merits and more about the ways they challenge, subvert, or reimagine the categories by which cars are judged. This interpretive angle reframes the question: what do these cars reveal about the shifting boundaries of taste, utility, and identity in automotive culture?<\/p>\n

How Do Design Anomalies Become Cult Classics?<\/p>\n

A recurring pattern emerges: vehicles initially dismissed for their unconventional aesthetics or proportions\u2014BMW iX, Renault Avantime, Nissan Cube\u2014often acquire a second life as cult objects. The mainstream narrative typically frames these designs as failures, yet a closer reading suggests that their very divergence from the norm is what endears them to a subset of enthusiasts. The Avantime, for instance, was derided for its ungainly MPV-coupe silhouette, but its rarity and conceptual audacity have since become its chief assets. This dynamic is not universal\u2014some anomalies fade into obscurity\u2014but the evidence indicates that design risk, when coupled with a coherent internal logic or narrative, can ultimately trump initial market rejection. The mainstream\u2019s inability to accommodate such vehicles may reflect a structural conservatism in automotive design discourse rather than any inherent flaw in the cars themselves.<\/p>\n

Why Do Underpowered or Flawed Cars Inspire Devotion?<\/p>\n

The affection for models like the Daihatsu Copen, Suzuki X-90, or Plymouth Prowler cannot be explained by performance metrics alone. These cars, frequently outclassed by rivals in speed or handling, nevertheless generate disproportionate loyalty. This phenomenon likely stems from the way such vehicles foreground the experiential and affective dimensions of driving\u2014lightness, tactility, or sheer oddity\u2014over raw numbers. The Copen\u2019s modest 68bhp, for example, is transformed by its featherweight construction into a source of playful engagement. Methodologically, it is important to note that such affective responses are not evenly distributed across demographics; younger enthusiasts and urban drivers, in particular, appear more willing to embrace these \u201cflawed\u201d vehicles as expressions of individuality or anti-mainstream sentiment.<\/p>\n

What Are the Structural Blind Spots in Mainstream Automotive Critique?<\/p>\n

Mainstream automotive criticism often privileges a narrow set of criteria: power, refinement, resale value, and brand prestige. This approach systematically underestimates the appeal of vehicles that operate outside these parameters. The Rover 800 Coupe and Lada Niva, for instance, are routinely dismissed for their build quality or lack of sophistication, yet their enduring appeal among certain enthusiasts points to a blind spot in the evaluative framework. The evidence suggests that emotional resonance, narrative distinctiveness, and even a car\u2019s perceived \u201cunderdog\u201d status can outweigh technical shortcomings for a significant minority. This is not to romanticize mediocrity, but rather to acknowledge that the market for cars is not monolithic and that critical frameworks must evolve to account for pluralistic tastes.<\/p>\n

Who Benefits\u2014and Who Loses\u2014When the Market Rejects the Unconventional?<\/p>\n

The commercial failure of many of these models\u2014Subaru SVX, Pontiac Aztek, or Toyota Rav4 Convertible\u2014raises the question of who is served by the market\u2019s intolerance for the unconventional. On one hand, manufacturers absorb financial losses and, in some cases, reputational damage. On the other, a secondary market of enthusiasts and collectors emerges, often driving up the value and cultural cachet of these vehicles long after their production ends. The mainstream consumer, meanwhile, is left with a narrower field of choices, reinforcing a cycle of risk aversion among automakers. This dynamic is not inevitable; under specific conditions\u2014such as the rise of online communities or shifting regulatory environments\u2014previously marginalized models can be rehabilitated or even revived, as seen with the Hummer brand\u2019s pivot to electric vehicles.<\/p>\n

Are \u201cGuilty Pleasure\u201d Cars a Rejection of Homogenization?<\/p>\n

The proliferation of crossovers and platform-sharing has led to a perceptible homogenization of automotive design and experience. Against this backdrop, the appeal of cars like the Autozam AZ-1 or Mercedes-Benz G63 6×6 becomes clearer: they offer a tangible alternative to the interchangeable anonymity of the mainstream fleet. This interpretation remains contested; some argue that such vehicles are mere novelties or marketing exercises. Yet the persistence of their appeal, and the willingness of a subset of buyers to pay a premium for them, suggests that they serve as a form of resistance to the flattening of automotive culture. The practical significance is not merely aesthetic: these cars foster diversity of form and function, keeping alive the possibility of surprise and delight in an increasingly rationalized market.<\/p>\n

What Should the Informed Reader Conclude?<\/p>\n

For the analytically minded reader, the lesson is not to valorize every outlier or failed experiment. Rather, it is to approach automotive taste\u2014and by extension, consumer culture\u2014with a more critical and pluralistic sensibility. The evidence suggests that the criteria by which cars are judged are neither fixed nor universally shared. The informed reader should therefore resist the temptation to conflate market success with intrinsic merit, and remain open to the possibility that today\u2019s oddity may be tomorrow\u2019s icon. In a landscape increasingly defined by conformity and risk aversion, the continued existence\u2014and appreciation\u2014of \u201cguilty pleasure\u201d cars is both a challenge and a corrective to the tyranny of the average.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\"Not<\/a><\/p>\n

We’d rather not tell anyone about this lot… but we can’t resist<\/p>\n

\n

Not all cars that are released are considered attractive or of a high standard.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

And that might well be true of some of the cars in this feature. But for all them there\u2019s just something we can\u2019t help but like<\/strong>. Let\u2019s take a look:<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

BMW iX<\/h2>\n

\"BMW\n<\/p>\n

Upon its release, people laughed at the iX because of its long rabbit-toothed \u2018kidney grille\u2019 design, bizarre trapezoid front body panels and the fact that it didn\u2019t quite fit the image of \u201cThe Ultimate Driving Machine\u201d. Be that as it may, the iX is very comfortable and packed with tech such as an electrochromic sunroof <\/strong>and a powerful Bowers & Wilkins 4D audio system.\u00a0<\/p>\n

In the stock xDrive40 guise with 322bhp, it might not feel lightning quick off the line but when the iX is rolling, the instant throttle response is great fun. And honestly, we think smaller grilles on this car just wouldn\u2019t look right when sat beside those aggressive headlights.<\/p>\n

\n

Renault Avantime<\/h2>\n

\"Renault\n<\/p>\n

The Renault Avantime\u2019s obscure design features and body shape gave it an \u2018ugly\u2019 character according to many. However, there\u2019s not been another MPV-coupe<\/strong> like the Avantime since its release in 2001 and it\u2019s this uniqueness that we can\u2019t help but love. It almost looks like it should be wearing a Renaultsport badge with a fruity 3.0-litre V6 and wing-mounted grilles.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The side is its best angle with the large windows retracted and silver roof sections that just top off the sporty look. It\u2019s clear that Renault put heaps of planning into the Avantime and instead of following other MPVs they took a risk and gave us a concept car for the road.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n

Volvo 240<\/h2>\n

\"Volvo\n<\/p>\n

It was dull to some as its looks weren\u2019t as sleek as other cars from its era but it\u2019s exactly that elegant and charming retro look that we\u2019re particularly fond of: it had a square front grille, large headlights, complete with nifty headlight wipers, and side strips that ran up the entire length of the car.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Inside, things were pretty basic but you had a selection of satisfying rocker switches while retro headrests topped off the look. The \u2018Flying Brick\u2019 Turbo variant with 153bhp can still be considered peppy even for today\u2019s measurements.<\/p>\n

\n

Daihatsu Copen<\/h2>\n

\"Daihatsu\n<\/p>\n

Many people didn\u2019t like the Copen\u2019s cute styling while its body shape was often compared to a Croc sandal. Its body styling was almost like a shrunken Audi TT and, from some angles, a Porsche 911. Whilst we can\u2019t completely disagree, the Copen offered a brilliant open-top experience with its smart folding electric roof and zingy 68bhp<\/strong> turbocharged 0.6-litre engine.\u00a0<\/p>\n

On the road it came alive, weighing in at just 850kg<\/strong>. This meant the Copen could be thrown into bends at alarming speeds and give fantastic road feedback.<\/p>\n

\n

Alfa Romeo Brera<\/h2>\n

\"Alfa\n<\/p>\n

When released, the Brera didn\u2019t quite know if it was a luxury GT cruiser or a sports car and its base front-wheel drive layout was enough to direct its target audience to the Nissan 350Z opposition. The Brera was thirsty and heavy at 1445kg<\/strong> (3185lbs), and its disappointing chassis meant that handling was numb.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Despite that, we can\u2019t help but appreciate the Brera\u2019s striking looks<\/strong> – from the quad exhausts that poke out from the rear bumper to the front headlights and pointy grille; it looks like a bird of prey.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n

Matra Rancho<\/h2>\n

\"Matra\n<\/p>\n

In the late 1970s, the off-roader market was expanding; to get on board, Matra sold its new Rancho as a \u2018multi-purpose leisure vehicle\u2019. Its offroad ability matched that of a hatchback as all Ranchos were front-wheel drive, had no high-low range \u2018box and underneath the bonnet was a 1.4-litre engine good for just 80bhp<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

As underwhelming as its performance was, its obscure looks were captivating: black bumpers, large front fog lights, high-sided body shape and retro styling, and that is exactly why we like it. It might have been the Skoda Yeti of its day rather than a bonafide off-roader, but it\u2019s earned a special place on our list for these reasons alone \u2013 and a real trailblazer too. We also give it bonus points for having promotional photography like this\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

Vauxhall Astra Coupe<\/h2>\n

\"Vauxhall\n<\/p>\n

The Astra Coupe attempted to step into the shoes of the Calibra but never quite fully managed it. Its body was sleek but not as striking as the Calibra\u2019s and the engines on offer were underpowered which led to disappointing performance. The rarer turbo variant was quick but came with torque steer.\u00a0<\/p>\n

They might have never got it completely right, but the Astra Coupe still looks refined, and responsive performance urged Porsche Boxster drivers to think twice at a set of lights.<\/p>\n

\n

Rover 800 Coupe<\/h2>\n

\"Rover\n<\/p>\n

The Rover 800 was sold under the Sterling brand in the US. It was haunted by various gremlins, one being the headlights going dim whenever the air conditioning was turned on, cementing American prejudices about British build quality. A relaunch attempt saw some faults being ironed out but unfortunately before the Coupe could launch, Sterling withdrew from the US, and it remained in Britain where it duly failed to compete against the Germans.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

This aside, we think the Rover 800 Coupe still oozes elegance with its long bonnet, side strips that ran the entire length of the car and lush leather interior with black piping, complete with lashings of wood that were impressively finished for the era.<\/p>\n

\n

Volvo 480<\/h2>\n

\"Volvo\n<\/p>\n

There\u2019s nothing cooler than a hatchback with pop-up headlights<\/strong> that recede into a wedged nose, just like the Porsche 944. Flip the 480 on its roof and try not to see the resemblance to a Volvo 240, with its fog lights and front grille. It looks like barrels of fun and that\u2019s why we love it. It was a looker but people laughed at its poor performance until Volvo fitted a turbo to the 1.7-litre powerplant which then took the top speed to over 120mph.\u00a0<\/p>\n

We reckon it\u2019s aged pretty well and we\u2019d very much like one.<\/p>\n

\n

Honda Insight<\/h2>\n

\"Honda\n<\/p>\n

What Honda now offers in a hybrid form all started with the Insight \u2013 a car powered by a petrol engine coupled to an electric motor. The two-seater Insight offered up to 83mpg with help from its low rolling-resistance tyres. Its attractive futuristic teardrop-like design is offbeat with the rear tyres tucked away under sculpted covers, which wasn\u2019t to everyone\u2019s taste, although this is exactly why we like it \u2013 alongside the nifty space age glass boot lid.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The body panels, wheels and main structure were all made from aluminium which resulted in a weight of just 835kg.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

BMW X5<\/h2>\n

\"BMW\n<\/p>\n

The standard 3.0-litre diesel engine in the X5 didn\u2019t offer stellar performance and the X5 suffered from various electrical faults which forced people to think twice, and the looks weren\u2019t everyone\u2019s cup of tea.<\/p>\n

On the converse,<\/strong> here was the first SUVs that was genuinely good to drive on the road \u2013 it is a BMW after all \u2013 but respectable off it as well. And you could even get it with a 4.8-litre V8 good for 360bhp; BMW\u2019s first ever SUV properly hit the spot.<\/p>\n

\n

Mercedes-Benz A210 Evolution<\/h2>\n

\"Mercedes-Benz\n<\/p>\n

Back in 2002, the A-Class never had a fast guise, so Mercedes rose to the challenge and gave us the A210 Evolution. Underneath was a 2.1-litre 140bhp <\/strong>sub-8sec to 60mph car \u2013 characteristics that differentiated it from the A-Class that was perceived as a grandmother’s shopping cart. The A-Class’ looks certainly weren\u2019t popular, but we applaud Mercedes for lowering it down, dressing it up in an understated AMG suit, shoehorning a 2.1-litre underneath and giving us an underdog.<\/p>\n

\n

Nissan Cube<\/h2>\n

\"Nissan\n<\/p>\n

The Cube, when launched, turned heads because of its boxy, compact and tall nature and was a Japan-only car until 2010 when they were officially imported to the UK. It was seen as a home away from home and a mobile living room which meant that handling and speed were off the cards. Its interior was spacious with a high roof and plenty of visibility while the cabin was offered with soft sofa-like seats. Because it dared to be different it was pulled in 2011 from the UK market due to poor sales figures.<\/p>\n

\n

Alfa Romeo SZ<\/h2>\n

\"Alfa\n<\/p>\n

The SZ\u2019s unconventionally designed body sat on a steel backbone chassis that was derived from the Group A 75 touring car while 207bhp<\/strong> came from a tuned variant of the \u2018Busso\u2019 V6. This meant sports car-acceptable performance with a 7sec<\/strong> 0-62mph time and a 152mph top speed although it cost nearly \u00a315,000 more than a then-new BMW E30 M3.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Only 1036 SZs were built due to concentration shifting to the RZ roadster, the production of which stopped after just 278 units<\/strong> due to financial complications. The SZ might not have been the fastest and to some, its carved shape subjective but its other-worldly design means its place is secured on our guilty pleasure list.<\/p>\n

\n

Suzuki X-90<\/h2>\n

\"Suzuki\n<\/p>\n

Suzuki took all the underpinnings from the Vitara and stuffed them into a compact bulbous convertible coupe body with the X-90 and in time it was labelled as Barbie\u2019s jeep. All X-90s were reasonably specced as standard with power windows and door locks, power steering, a T-Top targa roof and tinted glass although front-wheel drive was standard while four-wheel drive was optional.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Its 1100kg<\/strong> (2425lbs) weight meant that it could tackle gnarly surfaces but unfortunately struggled with steeper inclines having only 95bhp<\/strong>. The X-90 disappeared due to its niche nature. It\u2019s a shame as the compact off-roader was perfectly capable, and it looked great when paired with various offroad accessories.<\/p>\n

\n

Daihatsu Midget<\/h2>\n

\"Daihatsu\n<\/p>\n

Originally released in 1957, the Midget was a kei <\/em>truck that followed the famous rickshaw platform \u2013 three wheels, doorless and one front seat. In 1996, a second generation arrived with four wheels, a fully-enclosed cabin, available with one or two seats, and a 660cc <\/strong>engine to meet kei car regulations.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Its oddball looks quickly put it at the top of many \u2018ugly car\u2019 lists and many will most likely question its reason to exist but if you squint your eyes a bit more, it\u2019s somewhat adorable and it\u2019s a reminder of just how special the kei cars of Japan are.<\/p>\n

\n

Mini Paceman<\/h2>\n

\"Mini\n<\/p>\n

Not many people understood the Paceman when it first came out as the Countryman, that it was based on, covered the same tracks. Available in a 1.6-litre Cooper petrol and diesel, a turbocharged 2.0-litre SD, a turbocharged 1.6 Cooper S and a range-topping JCW variant, in base Cooper form there wasn\u2019t much notable Mini charm<\/strong> and its sloped roof line looked as though it was copying the Range Rover Evoque.\u00a0<\/p>\n

But when equipped in either the S or JCW variants, things became more interesting combined with the large amount of additional packages on offer such as nifty stripes, All4<\/strong> system and lounge type rear seats. It might not be an original Mini in size, or at heart, but there\u2019s just something endearing about its outlandish styling.<\/p>\n

\n

Range Rover Evoque Convertible<\/h2>\n

\"Range\n<\/p>\n

When released, people questioned why anyone would want a convertible off-roader, \u201cwouldn\u2019t you get soaked going through a puddle?\u201d but its shape alone, when the roof is retracted, is simply cool. Land Rover added over 250kg<\/strong> of chassis bracing to counteract flex caused by chopping off the roof and although some people thought a convertible Evoque was odd, it was always part of the Evoque\u2019s future from the original concept sketches.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The roof retracted in 18 seconds<\/strong> and if buyers opted for the \u00a3270 wind deflector, wind buffeting would be reduced significantly. 0-60mph arrived in 9.7sec with a top speed of 121mph while weighing 280kg heavier than a standard Evoque.<\/p>\n

\n

Renault Twizy<\/h2>\n

\"Renault\n<\/p>\n

With its tandem layout and open-sided cabin, the Twizy looked like it had come from the future when first released. Prices started at \u00a312,000 back in 2012 and it sat below the Zoe in Renault\u2019s electric supermini range. Measuring in at just 2.3m in length and 1.2m in width, the Twizy began to pop up around rental companies in busy city centres due to its size and agility.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Powered by an electric motor producing 17bhp and 42lb ft of torque, it had a top speed of 50mph. It could be fully charged in three and a half hours from a domestic socket and provide 62 miles of range. The Twizy gained some serious stick with many claiming they wouldn\u2019t drive one purely because of its asthetics, but Renault gave it its own personality: charm.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

Autozam AZ-1<\/h2>\n

\"Autozam\n<\/p>\n

In the world of Honda Beats and Suzuki Cappuccinos exists the Autozam AZ-1, a kei car that was claimed to be \u201cthe ultimate Japanese micro machine\u201d. Its wheelbase was just 88in long and it featured independent strut suspension and four-wheel disc brakes which resulted in balanced handling. A transverse-mounted 657cc engine fed 63bhp through the rear wheels but it only had a Lotus Elise-esque 720kg<\/strong> to shove.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Gull-wing doors and a Ferrari F40-like rear spoiler differentiated it from other kei cars. Only 4400<\/strong> examples were built over three years from 1992. It\u2019s the funkiest kei car available and together with its mini-Ferrari looks and three-cylinder whir is why it belongs on our list.<\/p>\n

\n

Chevrolet SSR<\/h2>\n

\"Chevrolet\n<\/p>\n

The Chevrolet SSR which became the world\u2019s first truck-based two-seater roadster. A 300bhp 5.3-litre V8 sat underneath the retro bodywork which pushed the 2,270kg (5004lbs) SSR to 62mph from rest in only 7.6sec. A two-piece electric retractable roof would open in 20sec and fold into a separate compartment behind the two front seats.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Rack-and-pinion steering meant that the steering column would shake over the slightest of bumps and the 19in front and 20in rear alloys would lead to dramatic understeer if it\u2019s pushed too far. It wasn\u2019t the fastest nor strongest selling truck – it only lasted four model years – but its road presence<\/strong> is second to none.<\/p>\n

\n

Hummer H3<\/h2>\n

\"Hummer\n<\/p>\n

After the Hummer H2 succeeded to sell 35,259 cars in 2003, the marque began plotting its next model, the H3, which would be sold in 2005 and would be the first Hummer to hit British shores as of 2007. It had great mud-plugging ability and could tackle challenging offroad terrain that even a Defender would struggle with. It was offered in the UK with a 241bhp 3.7-litre five-cylinder with a choice of a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic gearbox.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, after selling 71,524 cars in 2006, Hummer\u2019s highest sales figure, the global financial crisis hit which saw GM file for bankruptcy. Its tacked-on chrome grille, bloated bodywork and vibrant colours might not have ticked boxes for many but it\u2019s something that Hummer has always gotten away with and that\u2019s exactly why we like it \u2013 and it\u2019s no surprise to see the brand revived today for a new range of GMC EV trucks.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

Suzuki Jimny<\/h2>\n

\"Suzuki\n<\/p>\n

On one level, there seems little to recommend the Jimny even in its latest generation. Its 100bhp 1.5-litre engine ensured noisy and pedestrian performance, it had vague steering and was no fun at all on the motorway, especially when it is windy.<\/p>\n

But\u2026 it looks charming and can tackle virtually any rough terrain thrown at it. No wonder so many country folk love them \u2013 and lament its short sub-three-year<\/strong> lifespan, forced by emissions rules.<\/p>\n

\n

Lamborghini LM002<\/h2>\n

\"Lamborghini\n<\/p>\n

On many levels the LM002 is a failure: Lamborghini developed it as a military vehicle in order to win a lucrative contract with the US Army. It lost out to the Humvee but carried on development, swapping its Chrysler V8 with a rather more fruity 5.2-litre V12 borrowed from the Countach.<\/p>\n

It weighed just under three tons but despite that could hit 62mph in 8 seconds, and was in many ways the forerunner of the super-fast SUVs that are quite common today, including Lambo\u2019s very own Urus. And say it quietly, but we quite like how the LM002 looks \u2013 shh\u2026<\/p>\n

\n

Isuzu Vehicross<\/h2>\n

\"Isuzu\n<\/p>\n

No one quite knew what to make of the Vehicross when it arrived in 1997, and many weren\u2019t exactly sold on those looks, complete with black plastic bumpers. But Isuzu\u2019s commercial vehicle roots ironically rather helped the car and is a reason we like it: it was more than capable off road, built sturdily, and even had enough poke courtesy of 3-2.-litre and 3.5-litre V6 engines, the latter good for 215bhp.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s also nice and small \u2013 just 4130mm (163in) long \u2013 which meant it even worked in town. Unfairly forgotten now, 5598 examples were made, 74% of which went to America, the rest remaining in Japan.<\/p>\n

\n

Mercedes-Benz G63 6×6<\/h2>\n

\"Mercedes-Benz\n<\/p>\n

Due to its 5875mm length, 2.3m height and near four-tonne weight, it was claimed that there was no justification for a car of this size to be on public roads. Mercedes-Benz had originally designed the G63 6×6 for the Australian army in 2008 which was then commercialised and put on sale in 2013.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Its military roots meant it had a low-range ratio, five differential locks, a tyre-inflation system to keep the 37in tyres topped up and portal axles. The 540bhp 5.5-litre bi-turbo V8 meant it could reach 62mph in 7sec. There aren\u2019t many 6×6 cars on the market, making the 6×6 G63 AMG a work of art by Mercedes and for that reason this particular OTT machine <\/strong>gets our vote.<\/p>\n

\n

Subaru SVX<\/h2>\n

\"Subaru\n<\/p>\n

Subaru\u2019s attempt at a two-door luxury coupe started from a tricky spot. Its left-field looks and glasshouse-like canopy were courtesy of DeLorean designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, but were rather different from would-be competitors like Mercedes. Furthermore, a bespoke 24-valve 3.3-litre Boxer engine was dropped in producing around 230bhp 0 but was only available in a questionable four-speed automatic gearbox which restricted the car\u2019s capabilities.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Sales of 25,000 over six years were never quite Subaru was after and the car was expensive, not very fast or attractive\u00a0 – but we can\u2019t help ourselves admiring it nonetheless.<\/p>\n

\n

Infiniti QX70<\/h2>\n

\"Infiniti\n<\/p>\n

The QX70 was a performance-orientated SUV and had its target set on the BMW X6, giving buyers a choice of a 3.7-litre V6 and a 5.0-litre V8. All cars arrived with a seven-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shift and stiff suspension.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Very few people liked its elongated bonnet, curved headlights and tacked-on side grilles. However, next to a competitor like the X6, it looks unconventional and from some angles it looks posher; it\u2019s almost like it should sit in a class of its own, and that\u2019s exactly why we like it.<\/p>\n

\n

Porsche 914<\/h2>\n

\"Porsche\n<\/p>\n

When unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1969, people couldn\u2019t decide whether the Porsche 914 was a Volkswagen or a Porsche due to it being a collaboration between the two German giants. Volkswagen wanted to replace the Karmann Ghia while Porsche wanted a new car to succeed the 912. The 914 was fitted with a monocoque chassis and an 80bhp<\/strong> mid-mounted four-cylinder from the Volkswagen Type 4 and, in a car that weighed 900kg, this meant 0-62mph arrived in a leisurely 14sec.\u00a0<\/p>\n

A revised 914\/6 variant was later equipped with a more powerful 2.0-litre flat-six from the 911T, although this came with a higher price tag which saw less than 4000 units being built. Volkswagen or Porsche debate aside, the 914 is a classic and it\u2019s a joy to drive enthusiastically.<\/p>\n

\n

DeLorean DMC-12<\/h2>\n

\"DeLorean\n<\/p>\n

While it looked like a supercar with its gull-wing doors, its build quality, alongside slothful performance, quickly put it under the tyres of the American and Italian cars it was trying to compete with. Its 2.8-litre V6 produced just 130bhp and gearbox choices were either a five-speed manual or sluggish three-speed automatic.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Forgetting its woes, we think the DMC-12’s design cues, such as its brushed stainless steel body panels, quad headlights, slated rear boot lid and tyres that were almost too big for the bodywork, isolate it from anything ever produced by any other manufacturer. This, combined with a supple Lotus-tuned chassis, means that it sits comfortably in the cool category.<\/p>\n

\n

Toyota Rav4 Convertible<\/h2>\n

\"Toyota\n<\/p>\n

The small but capable Rav4 was already popular when released but Toyota decided to go a step further and make it even more fun and interesting with the Rav4 convertible. Available only in a two-door, Toyota skipped on the motorised roof and opted for a manual roof which meant owners would need to undo the zips at the side to remove the vinyl rear windows, flip two latches inside and push the roof down.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Although additional structural reinforcement was added, it was still nervous in corners. Sales were low in comparison to the hard top and the Rav4 Convertible was unfortunately canned after a two-year production run. People struggled to see the Rav4 Convertible\u2019s point but its short wheelbase and chunky tyres made it a lot of fun.<\/p>\n

\n

Lada Niva<\/h2>\n

\"Lada\n<\/p>\n

Russia\u2019s Lada has never had the world\u2019s greatest reputation: they came with Soviet-era build quality and a distinct lack of mod-cons such as power steering. And while we wouldn\u2019t give most Ladas a second glance, we\u2019d make an exception<\/strong> for the Niva.<\/p>\n

Without its iconic shape and retro design, it would lose its charm. Those looks have stuck throughout the Niva\u2019s lifecycle: high sides, circular headlights with eyebrow indicators and large front and rear bumpers, continue to make it look tough and green-lane ready \u2013 we simply can\u2019t help loving it.<\/p>\n

\n

Rolls-Royce Cullinan<\/h2>\n

\"Rolls-Royce\n<\/p>\n

When Rolls\u2019 first SUV was first revealed its looks were not for everyone, to say the least. SUVing the famous Rolls-Royce look was never going to be an easy task \u2013 and whatever the result it was inevitable there would be critics.\u00a0<\/p>\n

But we reckon the sloped futuristic rear is pleasant, the chrome grille sits perfectly at the end of its long nose and there\u2019s just something oddly satisfying about it when it’s caked in mud after an offroad venture \u2013 but it\u2019s vital to get the right colour-and-wheel combination \u2013 such as the one pictured.<\/p>\n

\n

Pontiac Aztek<\/h2>\n

\"Pontiac\n<\/p>\n

The Aztek was often blamed for killing off the Pontiac brand, and although the car that was meant to save Pontiac failed, the company was losing money before the Aztek and closed due to being unprofitable. For a brand that gave us sleek and powerful muscle cars, its looks aren\u2019t favoured but the reason the Aztek makes our list is because of its practicality.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Between the front two seats was an arm rest that doubled as a cooler box and the boot lid split just like a Range Rover. And there are very few brands that offered an optional tent and blow-up mattress with their models like Pontiac did with the Aztek.<\/p>\n

\n

Nissan Juke Nismo<\/h2>\n

\"Nissan\n<\/p>\n

When released, the Juke Nismo had heaps of character with its edgy looks and punchy engine as it took on the hot hatch market. It started with 197bhp in standard Nismo form but the RS introduction saw this increase to 215bhp which gave a 7.0sec 0-62mph time. The MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear axle now had stiffer springs, larger disc brakes were fitted and the body was stiffened.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Nismo RS struggled in the corners compared to its competitors like the Fiesta ST or Mini Cooper S due to being tall which resulted in being less desirable, but with all the Nismo bodywork and splitters it looked – and looks – fantastic.<\/p>\n

\n

Plymouth Prowler<\/h2>\n

\"Plymouth\n<\/p>\n

The Prowler\u2019s retro-look was not for everyone, but the main criticism was targeted at its rather lazy 3.5-litre V6, whose 214bhp was channeled through a rather lazy four-speed automatic transmission.\u00a0<\/p>\n

But we\u2019ll give this hotrod for the road a big thumbs-up: big chrome wheels sat on all four corners, and a body and chassis made from aluminium giving it a weight of just 1270kg <\/strong>(2800 lb).<\/p>\n

\n

BMW 5 Series GT<\/h2>\n

\"BMW\n<\/p>\n

BMW attempted to slot the 5 Series GT between the regular 5 Series and 5 Series Touring and while the front was still aggressive, the hatchback rear was classed by many as ungainly. The GT sat on the 7 Series platform making it longer than a Land Rover Discovery of the same era and 300kg heavier than a standard 5 Series.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Regardless, its winning point for us is the lush interior with aluminium switchgear and lashings of quality wood<\/strong>, especially when equipped with white leather seats and executive-style two single rear seats.<\/p>\n

\n

Alfa Romeo 4C<\/h2>\n

\"Alfa\n<\/p>\n

When the 4C landed in 2013, it looked like Lotus had a true competitor. Unfortunately, the 4C disappointed on any non-track surface. Its steering skipped around over any small road imperfection and its onboard tech wasn\u2019t groundbreaking for the price that Alfa was asking.\u00a0<\/p>\n

However, we just can\u2019t help but love its carved body lines and wide supercar-like stance or the way the turbo whistles resonate through the cabin. In its Spider variant, the rear boot lid vents, ducktail spoiler and spider-eye LED front lights make it look exotic.<\/p>\n

\n

Chrysler PT Cruiser<\/h2>\n

\"Chrysler\n<\/p>\n

It received the \u2018Worst Car of the Past 20 Years Award\u2019 back in 2013 thanks to its awful safety ratings, off-the-wall looks and underpowered 2.4-litre engine. But we feel that in a world of Volkswagen Beetles and Minis the PT Cruiser\u2019s retro design quirks, such as the 1930s hot rod-inspired nose and front bulbous arches, chrome wheels, sloped roof line and flat boot lid, made it utterly individual and that\u2019s why we\u2019ll always have a soft spot for it.<\/p>\n

\n

Nissan Figaro<\/h2>\n

\"Nissan\n<\/p>\n

The Figaro arrived in 1991 and never lasted long due to serious rust issues. People couldn\u2019t really accept their retro styling: the roofs leaked, and the slushy three-speed gearbox was simply hopeless. Whilst these were concerning, the Figaro earned its place on our list as one of Nissan\u2019s most weird and wonderful cars.\u00a0<\/p>\n

This is not only because of the array of 1930s colours on offer but because of the chrome <\/strong>eyelids that sit above the headlights, the stacked rear lights and the artsy<\/strong> interior that used a variety of interesting switches – including side window switches that were shaped like 1930s lampshades<\/strong>. Wonderful.<\/p>\n

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