words Al Woods
The USA is home to countless eye-catching, neck-snapping, and unequivocally desirable cars, many of which have become icons of design. They’re not just limited edition sports cars and ultra-luxury vehicles either, with mainstream hatchbacks, crossover SUVs, and even everyday sedans such as the Audi A3 Sedan standing out for their compelling designs.
Today, just about anybody can get behind the wheel of a fashionable car for a reasonable price. So, without further ado, here are seven of the most fashionable cars on the market right now:
Volkswagen Beetle
Popularized for its quirky, bug-like design, the Volkswagen Beetle or VW bug has been a design icon for a long time running now. Initially, the VW bug was purposed to be an affordable, practical, and quintessential family car for the masses, but has over time become one of the pricier options in the classification as a classic icon. The classic design elements have carried through over the years really well but the modern models now boast contemporary and luxurious interiors and access to many advanced specifications.
Pros
- Chic retro design at a reasonable price
- Modern and funky interior space
- Decent fuel economy returns
Cons
- No manual gearbox options
- Lacks driver assist features
- Standard specs are minimal
Mini Cooper
The Mini Cooper was popularized by the internationally acclaimed blockbuster film ‘The Italian Job’. The subcompact hatch has evolved a lot since then, though the fun-to-drive nature, as depicted in the film, and their iconic, retro-Italian design has remained mostly the same, with new variants sporting more contemporary aesthetics and a slight increase in size. There are several variations of the Mini Cooper, with hardtop, convertible, crossover, and even performance-tuned versions available. Though all worth a pretty penny, Mini Coopers will always stand out from the crowd.
Pros
- Extremely fun and capable handling
- Highly customizable through options
- Every engine in the range is frugal
Cons
- Excessively expensive at all levels
- Rear seats are rather cramped
- Low value for money propositions
Fiat 500
The Fiat 500 stands out from the humdrum compendium of subcompact hatchbacks not only for its quirky and very attractive aesthetic but also for its peppy turbocharged engine and urban-centric handling characteristics. Advantages include an enjoyable driving experience with fast acceleration responses and effortless maneuverability within tight urban spaces and parking lots. Though very retro and attractive, the cabin is on the cheap side in terms of the materials used. It is also a rather impractical car with minimal passenger and cargo space.
Pros
- Urban-centric performance and design
- Classic retro-Italian aesthetic
- Good safety and reliability ratings
Cons
- Subpar gas mileage figures
- Severely limited cabin space
- Substandard cabin quality
Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
With its sharp, aggressive front-end demeanor, sleek and low-slung profile, and bulky rear end, the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is a beautiful beast of a car. One can tell that it’s fashionable by its name alone, which you can’t help but say in an Italian accent. This sedan was purposed for performance and its capabilities shine through. It’s a fast and highly poised sports sedan that is at the same time, surprisingly comfortable on the road, too. It has a very sporty, modern cabin brimming with both performance-related and luxury specifications.
Pros
- Mesmerizing V6 performance and soundtrack
- Precise and communicative steering
- Comfortable when driven casually
Cons
- Disappointing cabin quality
- No manual gearbox option
- Terrible gas mileage for a daily
Audi RS6 Avant
Sticking with the European theme, the Audi RS6 Avant brings with it a more modern aesthetic and beauty. With how expensive it is, and as a sports wagon, the RS6 Avant carries a great level of exclusivity and rarity as well. It’s one of the most enjoyable vehicles that the German automaker has to offer in terms of driving and luxury. Despite it being a performance-focused vehicle, the RS6 Avant remains spacious, featureful, and practical enough for five passengers and their belongings.
Pros
- Phenomenal performance
- Opulent and commodious cabin
- Comprehensively specced out
Cons
- Options and packages are expensive
- Doesn’t have a very useful cargo area
- Engine is thirsty
Volvo V60
Wagons are not very popular cars these days with the majority of automakers concentrating their efforts on pumping out trucks and crossover SUVs for the American masses. This makes the Volvo V60 a unique proposition in the modern day and age, it being a sports wagon for the modern family. It won’t turn heads just for its uniqueness though, as it is an aggressively sporty and stunning car overall. On the inside, its minimalistic and two-tone color scheme exudes an air of opulence and refinement, while the leather-clad steering wheel and leather seats deliver on the tangible side.
Pros
- Powerful T8 hybrid powertrain
- Highly impressive fuel economy
- Top-notch safety and reliability
Cons
- T5 engine is underwhelming
- AWD reserved for hybrid
- Subpar cargo capacity
Aston Martin DBS Superleggera
The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera cannot be ignored, if its aggressively sporty, sleek, and beautiful exterior doesn’t catch your attention, then its roaring V12 engine certainly will. It’s a true performance car designed for enthusiasts…with a lot of money. Upfront, it boasts flared power bulges in the hood, there are louvers on either side, and quad exhaust outlets finished in matte black distinguish the rear.
Pros
- 700 horsepower V12 engine, baby
- Exhilarating acceleration
- Contemporary, highly customizable cabin
Cons
- Weight hampers handling dynamics
- Low safety and reliability ratings
- Severely cramped back seat
There is a myriad of fashionable cars out there, and not all of them come from Europe. The US has more of an appeal in classic and muscle cars or ultra-premium, flashy luxury cars, like Lamborghini’s and Bentleys. It’s obvious, however, that you don’t need a boatload of money to have a fashionable or even novel car.
