It Doesn't Always Have To Be A VW Golf

2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 09:36

The VW Golf is the bestseller. Thousands of drivers choose this model from Wolfsburg every month. But there are alternatives - and they are no less convincing.

It's a phenomenon: many thousands of drivers choose a new VW Golf every month, and that has been the case for decades. The inherent disadvantage of buying a Segments bestseller is that many others have the same idea. If you want to stand out from the crowd with your car, you need an alternative. Eight examples from different classes of how this can be achieved.

So small and already a hybrid: Despite its exotic status, the Toyota is comingYaris therefore completely calm. In the small car, the electric motor and gasoline engine provide a system output of 74 kW / 100 PS, the change between purely electric driving and propulsion by the combustion engine is almost imperceptible to the driver. Toyota specifies a standard consumption of 3.3 liters - this is on par with the few diesel engines available in small cars. The recently launched Japanese with 17,300 euros as a hybrid version is also quite competitive in terms of price.

Extraordinary optics

Everyday car with an extraordinary look: the avant-garde design with funny details on the outside (plastic bumper against scratches) and on the inside (loops for closing the doors) is the core feature of the Citroen C4 Cactus. The chassis is specifically designed for comfortable everyday handling. With a length of 4.16 meters, the crossover is at the lower end of the compact class, you have to compromise on variability and workmanship. In return, the Cactus is priced very fairly at 13,990 euros (55 kW / 75 PS). And just a real eye-catcher.

The alternative of alternative drives: If one can even speak of mainstream electric cars, then models such as BMW i3, VW E-Golf or Nissan Leaf belong to them. The Kia Soul EV is a possibility that not every electric car enthusiast comes across straight away. With its angular body, the 4.14 meter short e-vehicle, located between the small car and the SUV, is a solitaire. The Soul EV is already lavishly equipped ex works and is in the lower competitive field with a price of 30,790 euros. In addition, there is Kia's usual seven-year guarantee, which, by the way, also applies to the battery.

Lodgy as a price breaker

So much space for little money: the Dacia Lodgy is not only a price breaker among the compact vans: the 4.50 meter long Romanian costs 9,990 euros in the base - other brands only start small cars at this price. Under the high roof, the passengers in the first two rows have more than enough space, and the optional third row of seats (590 euros, not for the basic model) is comparatively generous. However, you have to make compromises in other respects, for example the interior quality or the driving behavior.

It doesn't always have to be Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Volvo or Jaguar: In this country, for example, the Americans tend not to be on the radar in the upper middle class. The Cadillac CTS was launched to make things a little more difficult for the European competition - among other things with a stiff chassis and 203 kW / 276 PS of power, which are directed to the rear wheels (all-wheel drive optional). The almost five-meter-long limousine is a rare and striking sight on German roads. The American is available from 44,500 euros, then with a lot of equipment.

Big SUV at a fair price: The Hyundai Grand Santa Fe could benefit from the fact that buyers prefer a fashionable SUV to a dull family truck. As one of the few large SUVs, it is offered with three rows of seats and a choice of six or seven seats as standard. With a length of 4.92 meters, the Korean, always equipped with all-wheel drive, automatic and diesel engine, is in a class with premium models such as the BMW X5, Volvo XC90 or Audi Q7, but is much cheaper at 46,600 euros. When it comes to performance, handling and the general level of refinement, only a few minor compromises have to be made.

Peugeot RCZ R with strong four-cylinder

Powerful sports coupé with a camouflage factor: the turbo gasoline engine of the Peugeot RCZ R is - in terms of output per liter - one of the most powerful four-cylinder engines on the market: 199 kW / 270 hp with a displacement of 1.6 liters corresponds to 169 hp / liter. You can't tell from the French that the sports version of the RCZ with modified engine, wheel suspension and gearbox including clutch is a real riot maker and has received its fine-tuning on the race track. The French sporty understatement is available from 42,100 euros.

Small, robust and inexpensive: if you don't want to pay a lot for off-road capabilities, you can drive well with the Suzuki Jimny. Thanks to the switchable 4x4 system and reduction gear, the off-roader, which is only 3.70 meters short and has been available almost unchanged for many years, cuts a better figure than most SUVs. It also accommodates four people and a little luggage. The balancing act between suitability for everyday use and traction advantage is available from 15,590 euros. An offer that fans of the long-running favorite, which has been available in Germany for over 16 years, find it more than fair. (SP-X)