For various reasons, the automotive powers that be keep many of the
world's best cars from the American car buying public. Even Detroit is
stiffing us on some of these models, and they're supposed to be on our
side!
Now
I know, people always argue that hatches, wagons, diesels and manuals
won't sell in North America, but dammit, we're enthusiasts and we're
American. Not only do we expect the best, we feel entitled to it, too.
After all, we have some of the best stretches of uninterrupted driving
road in the world, so it stands to reason that we should use them as
creatively as possible.
Here are few cars that the Euros get that
we should, too. I'm not sure how we'll go about getting them, but maybe
if we complain enough, someone will listen. After all, the squeaky
wheel gets the grease. Unless that wheel hasn't been imported from
Europe yet.
Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sportiva
This
sweet little hatch comes with gasoline and diesel turbo motors, and
would be great to drive in America's cities or on her highways. Add to
that Alfa's awesome styling, and you'll rue the day the company left the
U.S. market (in 1995 due to poor sales).
And no, the Dodge Dart doesn't count.
Audi S3 Hatchback
A
small, sexy hot hatch — just what America needs more of. The 2013 Audi
S3 could deliver the goods, if only Audi would send them over here.
Peugeot 208 GTI
Debuted at the Paris Motor Show,
the 208 GTI owes its homage to the legendary 205 GTI. It's basically a
souped-up, lowered version of the standard 208, and Peugeot says it will
launch to 62 mph in less than 7 seconds. Depressed about American
politics? That'll perk you up.
Mazda6 Diesel Wagon
The Mazda6
is really one of the sleeker cars that normal people can afford to buy.
So why, in heaven's name, is that gorgeous wagon not going to be for
sale at my neighborhood Mazda dealership?
Ford Mondeo Wagon/Hatchback
This is Europe's brilliant version of a Ford Fusion.
The wagon is great — like the Mazda6 only better — but look at the
four-door hatchback. Cars like that make me wonder why Americans have
never warmed up to big hatches. It looks like a fastback for god's sake!
Chevrolet Cruze Diesel Wagon
As far as I'm concerned, the Chevy Cruze
is one of the most fun small cars Detroit has made in a while (we'll
forget about the recalls for the moment). And it seems to be doing well.
So why don't we have the diesel wagon version of the Cruze? Better gas
mileage, more space, sleek styling — what's not to like?
Lada Niva 4x4
I
had no idea that these were even an option, but Lada actually still
makes them. Not only that, but they even sell them in the U.K. (and did
in Canada a few years back). Buy one of these and you'll have a really
useful classic that's brand new. Oh, but only on the other side of the
Atlantic.
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