To paraphrase Orson Welles, I may not know art, but I know what cars I like. Amongst a cluster of exciting and innovative cars available in 2015, here are five of the most stylish…
BMW i8 Coupe
There’s a purpose behind the sleek look of this sporty hybrid from the hugely successful German manufacturer. The shape is designed to slip aerodynamically through the air to wring every last mile per gallon from the 1.5 litre petrol engine and maximise the charge from its twin electric motors.
Along with head-turning looks and great performance – it’ll reach 62 mph from rest in less than four seconds – it’s kind to the environment and your wallet with a possible 100+ miles per gallon and low CO2 emissions.
Audi TT
This design is now several years old but even though the sporty Audi recently appeared in its third incarnation the styling hasn’t changed in that time – testimony to the timelessness of the original design.
There’s a petrol and a diesel version, and both cars offer performance to go with the good looks with 0-62mph in not much over five seconds possible in both.
Jaguar F-Type Coupe
The resurgent British manufacturer has produced many iconic and stylish cars, but the sleek F-Type Coupe is possibly one of its most eye-catching.
It offers true supercar performance to match the stunning looks, and is available in two or four-wheel drive guises.
Fiat 500
Like the Audi TT, the little Fiat has been available a while and it’s been revised in 2015 but the styling has been pretty much left alone. The retro styled Fiat has been a huge hit and still looks funky even though there are a lot of them about now.
It’s a little let down by inferior dynamics compared to some of its competition, but it offers street cred by the bucket full. It’s a popular choice for driving instructors – a good incentive to learn to drive and get your own then.
MINI Countryman
Like the retro Fiat above, the British-made MINI has been a huge hit and although it’s not just a pretty face – it offers the fun, almost kart-like driver appeal of its original predecessor.
Subsequent models since the first BMW MINI release in 2001 have seen the car increase in size a little each time, and other versions have been introduced such as the Countryman ‘estate’ variant. The original Countryman was less convincing with its odd fifth door on one side only arrangement, but the new one with two doors on both sides introduced this year is a very strong contender.
If you need something a bit larger than the standard hatchback but hanker after the MINI’s retro appeal, then the Countryman represents a very stylish option.
Tech and style
While manufacturers have been focusing heavily on introducing new tech to the market and developing alternative power such as hybrids and electric cars, it’s reassuring to know that style hasn’t been neglected. Amidst the need to be responsible and forward-thinking, the subjective enjoyment of car ownership is alive and well.