Why can't US econocars look like this?

[OC]

Why can't US econocars look like this?

http://www.cardesignnews.com/events/geneva2001/gallery/image/fiat-stilo3dr135.jpg
http://www.cardesignnews.com/events/geneva2001/gallery/image/fiat-stilo3dr136.jpg
http://www.cardesignnews.com/events/geneva2001/gallery/image/fiat-stilo3dr410.jpg

This looks way better than any Civic, Impreza, Cavalier, etc...

-o

[helius]

Actually... it sorta looks like a VW. The front end looks quite a bit like the (US current generation) Passat/Jetta, and the butt looks like a generic SUV's, but flattened (Jeep Grand Cherokee?). :heh:

[pennypinch]

It's a bloody Fiat! Why in the world would you want your car to be a Fiat, unless you have some sort of inexplicable predeliction for fixing cars!

Honestly, it looks a lot like that Kia econobox I've been seeing running around. Kia? Maybe Daewoo? I can't remember. It's definitely a failing Korean automaker...

[Chinpoko_Mon]

well.. the Fiat's just copying the Audi A3..

the pics of of the performance version of the A3, the S3..

http://www.fortunecity.com/silverstone/lancia/58/gallery/audi/s3_front.jpg

http://www.fortunecity.com/silverstone/lancia/58/gallery/audi/s3_4.jpg

http://www.audiworld.com/model/a3/gallery/pressphotos/A3980007.jpg

http://www.audiworld.com/model/a3/gallery/pressphotos/A3980014.jpg

http://www.audiworld.com/model/a3/gallery/pressphotos/A3980010.jpg

not exactly the best color, the car does look pretty good though...

Specs for the S3
Engine Data
Type 1.8 QUATTRO
Engine Size 1.8L
Fuel unleaded
Number of Valves 3
Configuration in-line 4


Performance
Maximum Horse Power 210@5800
Maximum Torque Nm 270@2100
Drive Wheels 4x4
Maximum Speed 238 kph
Acceleration (0-100kph) 6.8 Seconds

[OC]

Yes indeed but' you'll notice that the Audi A3 is not available in the US....

My point is that we don't have any exciting-looking econocars in this country. Our cars look decent, they're just not exciting. The hatchback Deawoo Lanos is a great looking car, but there is no aftermarket support. I'd like the next Cavalier - or Corolla, or Sentra - to look like this Fiat I pointed out.

In the Fiat I see elements of Bugatti, Volvo, VW and Lexus.

I repeat the question - why can't OUR econocars LOOK this good?

[Ice-9]

Wait, that S3 is turboed, right? Otherwise that would beat out the Integra type R for specific output with an NA engine, and I would think there would have been more fanfare if that was true.

Anyway, my guess as to the reason why US econocars don't look this good is lack of market support - US car buyers are generally more conservative than European buyers. Hence, designs like the Camry, Accord, etc. Few avant-garde or flashy designs sell as well as tried-and-true (boring) ones. Look at the Aztek! Well, all right, that's just ugly, but you get my point.

[hapoo]

I hate hatchbacks, but thats a cool design. I dont know why they design cheap cars to look cheap.

[Chinpoko_Mon]

Originally posted by Ice-9
Wait, that S3 is turboed, right? Otherwise that would beat out the Integra type R for specific output with an NA engine, and I would think there would have been more fanfare if that was true.


yes it is turbo

Model: Audi S3
Engine: 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Max power (bhp/rpm): 210/ 5,800
Max torque (lb-ft/rpm): 199/ 2,100-5,000
Transmission: six-speed manual
Combined fuel consumption (mpg): 31.0
Max speed (mph): 148
0-62mph (secs): 6.8
On sale: Autumn 1999

[Blu]

One of the largest problems with importing cars like the A3/S3, or a that Fiat is price. The A3 would most likely run around 18k. The S3 would be in the 25k price range, and that's not economy pricing. Americans expect that $$=Size, not performance/practicality. Also, Audi won't bring anything smaller than the A4 over b/c it would encroach on it's precious VW following.

Blu