It is fair to say that the technology and advancements within the automotive industry are vast and exciting. Especially when it comes to the saloon type supercars that we get to enjoy each and everyday on our commute to work while still getting the feel of driving a sportscar. From the feel in your fingertips raising the hair on your arms when you hold the vibrations on the steering wheel through to the noise you hear, the senses are on fire and it is just what makes owning certain types of cars thrilling and exciting.
But, with the fat that the advancement in technology is so rife amongst all manufacturers these days, it is fair to say that there isn’t a bad car out there, as such. However, the biggest problem supercar fanatics now face is choosing the best and right model and manufacturers for them. With cars providing a thrill that can suit all budgets where do you draw a line, where do you invest and what type of car model is simply the best? While there will always be a difference of opinion amongst automotive enthusiasts, I thought now would be an ideal time to round of 2017 with a rundown of some of the sports car personality of the year contenders. Just for fun, here are some of the top picks that may be enticing you when it comes to a change of car or direction.
The Subaru WRX
A subaru has to be one of the most iconic supercars that can still be driven on our roads today as if it was a normal family vehicle. When you think of the brand Subaru your mind can instantly be drawn to large exhausts, big engines, the noise level to give you a thrill, and the feel of a supercar while still being practical. Sounds like it ticks all the boxes, doesn’t it? This is why the WRX is on the list of what I would say a normalised supercar. Which basically means that you can use the vehicle as a practical tool, but also get the same level of enjoyment as you would from a more well-known typical supercar.
The WRX model is slightly lighter than it’s more well-know big brother should i say, which is the STI. While you may be thinking that the WRX is a cheaper and therefore less powerful and performing vehicle you’d be wrong to make that assumption. The WRX as a 0.2 second delay on 0-60 mph, and as the vehicle is lighter, it can handle a little better. Plus with a difference in the engine size you still get the power and adrenalin rush but you possibly won’t feel it as much in your wallet with fuel costs. Overall, it is definitely a contender for normal supercar, and one you might want to be considering in the future. If, of course, you don’t own one already.
Volvo S60
The brand Volvo have had a top spot in the brands who offer affordable yet sports performing vehicles and the S60 is definitely one of its best. When it comes to wanting all of the best performance and fun from your vehicle, while still being able to maintain a decent work commute or get your children in the back, you do need to add practicality to your list of focuses when choosing your next vehicle. Which is why Volvo can work so well in this type of category.
What seems to work well for this particular model, is that you have different price points to consider. Of course, the lower end of the scale doesn’t quite have the biggest engine, and therefore may not give you exactly what you want from the actual drive. But with two engines to choose from and an array of models and trims you are definitely going to be able to tailor the perfect car for your needs but also for your budget. Finally, with all wheel drive technology, or AWD for short, you get the benefit of controlled handling. Which can be an amazing feature for rough terrain or for when the weather get’s a little colder, icy and even snowy. Again this helps to make these sorts of vehicles far more practical for everyday driving, while still giving you that increased heart rate when you drive them.
Ford Focus RS
Who doesn’t love a hot hatch? While many of these supercars on this list would be a mor sedan/saloon type body shape, nothing can beat a hatchback styling when it comes to a sports like car, and this is where the Ford Focus RS can really contend with the other manufacturers and models in this list. The RS element of the model means “Rally sport” and it is certainly what you would feel when driving this vehicle. The sports suspension is so “on point” that you do feel every element of the drive and road.
The Focus RS also comes with an AWD system, and Ford is a pioneering manufacturer when it comes to technology advancement within the automotive sector. The addition to the AWD system on this type of car adds extra control when driving at higher speeds, as 70% of the power is put to the back wheels. It can also mean in some circumstances it is impossible to lose traction which is a hugely added benefit when driving at higher speeds. This vehicle may seem a little more affordable than some of the others on the list, but it certainly shouldn’t be dismissed based on this point. After all, it should all be in the drive, and this one could certainly have your hairs on the back of your neck standing on end.
Volkswagen Golf R
Volkswagen is a real well-know and comforting brand. People often feel secure in the knowledge that when buying a VW they feel they are getting value for their money. Especially when it comes to smaller city cars, family vehicles and even on the other end of the scale with more executive models. But, VW is also a huge player in the supercar field when it comes to revving up an already iconic mode. That’s right the Golf is on the list and here’s why?
The golf has been turned into one of the most versatile models available today. You can get yourself a small engine vehicle that is amazing on fuel consumption and low on tax and insurance, and then you can get a supercharged version that can have you blasted to the back of the driver’s seat when you put your foot on the accelerating pedal. This may put of car enthusiasts, as they like to be known for what they are driving, and a golf is still a golf, after all. However, the Golf R is definitely worthy of being on the list and much like the Ford Focus RS as a “hot hatch” it certainly has appeal. With varying engines, it is also got a great price point and can be one of the cheapest models to get in this sort of category. Which makes an excellent sporty drive far more affordable for the average person.
Hyundai Genesis
Hyundai is a brand that seems to tread just below the water line, wouldn’t you agree? They have recently rebranded many of their model range to include the i10, i20, i30 and so on, and this makes buying a standard car from them far easier in regards to size and capability. However, the Hyundai Genesis is still one of those models that can give you supercar status while still remaining a very practical car for everyday life.
I would say that this particular model of car is more aimed at the luxurious end of the scale. It tends to give that executive appearance while underneath still be roaring like you expect a supercar to be. However, out all of the vehicles on this exhaustive list, it is possibly the least most impressive when it comes to ride and drivability, from a supercar perspective. But because of the specifications it still deserves a space on the list as a possibility for someone who likes the feel, but still wants a more luxurious and executive model. This car would more sit with the BMW’s and the Mercedes on an executive level, but would possibly sit middle on a list of potentials. It seems it is trying to be a lot of things, which could suit someone out there wanting the best of both worlds. With a good powerful engine and an impressive AWD system, it is definitely something to think about.
While this list may seem a little exhaustive, it is also important to point out that these types of vehicles can really give you the best of everything. They can provide you with immense comfort. Some fantastic features like DAB radio, bluetooth and heated seats. They could even provide you with the practicality of decent seats in the back and a decent sized boot. But they can also calm that inner racer in you, as the drive stacks up and leaves you exhilarated every time you get behind the wheel. What else does the average person want from their car?
