In this article we are going to pay our tributes to some of the cars that have impressed us most over the last few years. This isn’t about supercars or luxurious 4x4s but more the everyday cars for everyday people that we may take for granted.
Ford Fiesta
Electric Fiesta
The Ford Fiesta is an obvious one, you probably see 100s of them on your roads every week and for good reason. The Ford Fiesta has been one of Fords best sellers since it was first produced in 1976 selling over 16 million units between then and 2014. It is now in its 6th generation and it is only getting better. It has been Britain’s favourite new car for numerous years since 1990, but it isn’t only in Britain that the Fiesta is popular, it is also one of Brazil’s biggest sellers and its popularity is increasing in in the US with 2013 sales passing the 70,000 mark. It has won numerous awards of late, it was named ‘Supermini of the Year 2013’ by Britain’s What Car and it was also given the prestigious title of Top Gear’s Car of the Year 2013.
Honda Jazz
Electric Concept of the Honda Jazz
Another of our understated champions is the Honda Jazz. The Jazz has been on the market since 2001 and in all honesty not a great deal has changed since then, but it doesn’t need to. The Jazz is one of the more reliable cars there is to own, it is very much a no nonsense car, it does what it has to do without any song and dance. In a way the name of this car is maybe a little misleading as the Jazz isn’t really Jazzy at all, it is pretty plane if anything, but that is part of its charm.
The Jazz also offers pretty good value for money, it achieved the title of ‘Best Overall Value’ based on Consumer Reports in 2010, 2011 and 2012, a second hand Honda Jazz model from those model years would cost you around £6,500.
Volvo S40
The diesel Volvo S40 won WhatCars Greenest Car of the Year award back in 2009
The Volvo S40 is a small family car that was under production between 1995-2012 though despite being on the market for 17 years, the Volvo S40 only saw 2 generations. It was proceeded in hatchback form by a Volvo which is now referred to as the Volvo V40 (which is also a terrific car), so if you are looking after the more saloon-esque version you will have to get a second hand Volvo S40 as they are not sold new anymore. Regardless, the second generation S40 doesn’t look particularly dated, they drive well and they are very reliable.
BMW Z3
One of the most handsome cars your likely to see.
The BMW Z3 is a classic, as far as we’re concerned if it is good enough for Bond its good enough for us. The Z3 was produced from 1995 to 2002 and was BMW’s first modern mass-market roadster produced by BMW. It has a very distinct look about it and it is still looking pretty good despite it being older than 10 years old. During the Z3’s brief life span it was awarded many titles including ‘Top Gear Car of the Year’ in 2002, Automobile Magazines ‘1999 design of the year’ and ‘The Best Overall Value of the Year’ in the Intellichoice’s sport category. This is why we are baffled as to why the BMW Z3 was ever discontinued.
