What modern cars are destined to become "cult" cars?
Discussion
With a bit of help from AI, the definition of a "cult car" is "a vehicle that inspires fierce, passionate loyalty and a dedicated following among a specific group of enthusiasts, often despite mainstream indifference, quirky design, or practical flaws".
The 3 examples that it gives are the DeLorean, Volkswagen Type 2 and Citroen 2CV. Whereas I agree with the DeLorean, I don't necessarily agree with the other two, as I would say that maybe they were a bit too popular/commercially successful? Something like the Austin Allegro seems to sit with that definition a bit better?
Skoda would seem like a better example, as although the rear-engined cars were much derided by the general public, those 1980s Skodas had a passionate following amongst those who "knew". Later the early VAG-platform cars such as the mk1 Fabia and Octavia vRS were still looked down on a bit because of the badge but were actually really good cars. Later, the Yeti offered something rather unique, which sadly Skoda did not persist with and now although very good cars, they are a little dull and mainstream.
I think that in terms of mass market, the Dacia Duster/Bigster could become "cult cars", as in a world of overly complex cars/a badge-obsessed market, they offer something refreshing. A good value, rugged, non-pretentious workhorse.
As more and more of the new car market becomes electrified, there is also an opportunity as powertrains/driving experiences become more homogeneous to make cars more characterful in design, so perhaps the Honda e and Twingo e-Tech, although unremarkable in terms of performance and range may have their chance to shine? Perhaps the original BMW i3 and i8 are already there too?
There's also an element of the type of car that we will not see the likes of again and that have already vanished from the market, so for instance
VW Up GTi
Hyundai i20N/i30N
Toyota GR86?
So for argument's sake, going back not more than 10 years, by the above definition and considering the following criteria: passionate fanbase, niche appeal, distinct personality, cultural impact, what cars of the last 10 years are destined to become "cult" cars?
The 3 examples that it gives are the DeLorean, Volkswagen Type 2 and Citroen 2CV. Whereas I agree with the DeLorean, I don't necessarily agree with the other two, as I would say that maybe they were a bit too popular/commercially successful? Something like the Austin Allegro seems to sit with that definition a bit better?
Skoda would seem like a better example, as although the rear-engined cars were much derided by the general public, those 1980s Skodas had a passionate following amongst those who "knew". Later the early VAG-platform cars such as the mk1 Fabia and Octavia vRS were still looked down on a bit because of the badge but were actually really good cars. Later, the Yeti offered something rather unique, which sadly Skoda did not persist with and now although very good cars, they are a little dull and mainstream.
I think that in terms of mass market, the Dacia Duster/Bigster could become "cult cars", as in a world of overly complex cars/a badge-obsessed market, they offer something refreshing. A good value, rugged, non-pretentious workhorse.
As more and more of the new car market becomes electrified, there is also an opportunity as powertrains/driving experiences become more homogeneous to make cars more characterful in design, so perhaps the Honda e and Twingo e-Tech, although unremarkable in terms of performance and range may have their chance to shine? Perhaps the original BMW i3 and i8 are already there too?
There's also an element of the type of car that we will not see the likes of again and that have already vanished from the market, so for instance
VW Up GTi
Hyundai i20N/i30N
Toyota GR86?
So for argument's sake, going back not more than 10 years, by the above definition and considering the following criteria: passionate fanbase, niche appeal, distinct personality, cultural impact, what cars of the last 10 years are destined to become "cult" cars?
Personally I think classic style hot hatches, manual, relatively light, not refined but heaps of fun. Also, large V8 powered cars too. Old school, a bit crude but full of character. I can imagine (based on my own biased haha) that these kinds of cars will have specific appeal in years to come.
Honestly, none of them.
The "new" Beetle tired to ride that wave and have largely disappeared. Fiat Multipla was hailed for quirkiness at the time, when did you last see one ?
the Tesla might go in the history books as the first EV that was widely adopted, but is it a cult car ? I wouldn't say so, they'll be largely forgotten as new/better EVs appear.
The Yaris is just a hot hatch.
Any number of Range Rover / M or AMG badged cars might be suggested but none really stand head and shoulders above the rest.
Supras and Skylines have cult status in Jap car fan circles, but they're all 20+ years old.
The Cosworths of the late 80s into the 90s were cult cars and are now seem as cult classics (imho).
The "new" Beetle tired to ride that wave and have largely disappeared. Fiat Multipla was hailed for quirkiness at the time, when did you last see one ?
the Tesla might go in the history books as the first EV that was widely adopted, but is it a cult car ? I wouldn't say so, they'll be largely forgotten as new/better EVs appear.
The Yaris is just a hot hatch.
Any number of Range Rover / M or AMG badged cars might be suggested but none really stand head and shoulders above the rest.
Supras and Skylines have cult status in Jap car fan circles, but they're all 20+ years old.
The Cosworths of the late 80s into the 90s were cult cars and are now seem as cult classics (imho).
The Renault Twizy comes to mind as a fairly obscure car which might attract a cult following in future, and possibly deservedly so as Renault were brave enough to try to sell something so odd.
Of more conventional stuff, the Suzuki Jimny is another and one which I think is already a bit "cult". Objectively, there is little reason why anyone needs to own one (even farmers would be better with an L200 or a Hilux pickup), and they are pretty compromised on the road which is where most of their owners use them most of the time.
The VW ID Buzz is probably already becoming a bit "cult" as well. It's only really a fairly average electric van, but the Dryrobe wearing Salcombey types are getting carried away about it looking vaguely like the original VW camper.
Of more conventional stuff, the Suzuki Jimny is another and one which I think is already a bit "cult". Objectively, there is little reason why anyone needs to own one (even farmers would be better with an L200 or a Hilux pickup), and they are pretty compromised on the road which is where most of their owners use them most of the time.
The VW ID Buzz is probably already becoming a bit "cult" as well. It's only really a fairly average electric van, but the Dryrobe wearing Salcombey types are getting carried away about it looking vaguely like the original VW camper.
Crafty_ said:
Honestly, none of them.
The "new" Beetle tired to ride that wave and have largely disappeared. Fiat Multipla was hailed for quirkiness at the time, when did you last see one ?
the Tesla might go in the history books as the first EV that was widely adopted, but is it a cult car ? I wouldn't say so, they'll be largely forgotten as new/better EVs appear.
The Yaris is just a hot hatch.
Any number of Range Rover / M or AMG badged cars might be suggested but none really stand head and shoulders above the rest.
Supras and Skylines have cult status in Jap car fan circles, but they're all 20+ years old.
The Cosworths of the late 80s into the 90s were cult cars and are now seem as cult classics (imho).
Agree with most of that. How about the BMW M135i/M140i though? When will we ever see a 3 litre straight six engine in a small, RWD hatchback again?The "new" Beetle tired to ride that wave and have largely disappeared. Fiat Multipla was hailed for quirkiness at the time, when did you last see one ?
the Tesla might go in the history books as the first EV that was widely adopted, but is it a cult car ? I wouldn't say so, they'll be largely forgotten as new/better EVs appear.
The Yaris is just a hot hatch.
Any number of Range Rover / M or AMG badged cars might be suggested but none really stand head and shoulders above the rest.
Supras and Skylines have cult status in Jap car fan circles, but they're all 20+ years old.
The Cosworths of the late 80s into the 90s were cult cars and are now seem as cult classics (imho).
You need:
Maybe some of the 2 seater sports cars that died off recently (or won't be made forever) - Boxster, S2000, MX5 etc
- Limited production and/or high attrition rate (Ford made loads of fast Fiestas and Escorts, but a lot of them got crashed and lots more died due to rust/neglect, so the survivors are worth more)
- Strong image, perhaps associated with TV or film appearances, or perhaps motorsport connections
- Something that represents a bygone era of motoring and gives a different/better experience compared with new cars.
Maybe some of the 2 seater sports cars that died off recently (or won't be made forever) - Boxster, S2000, MX5 etc
Magic919 said:
Tesla Model 3.
Far too ubiquitous surely? That's like saying a Fiesta/Escort/Cortina is a "cult" car.Perhaps the Nissan Leaf though? Remember it actually beat Tesla to the market but like the 2nd gen Dacia Duster, the mk2 Leaf is probably a better car than the original and has a decent range in e+ trim.
Edited by Starsky80 on Wednesday 9th September 22:37
Starsky80 said:
With a bit of help from AI, the definition of a "cult car" is "a vehicle that inspires fierce, passionate loyalty and a dedicated following among a specific group of enthusiasts, often despite mainstream indifference, quirky design, or practical flaws".
The 3 examples that it gives are the DeLorean, Volkswagen Type 2 and Citroen 2CV. Whereas I agree with the DeLorean, I don't necessarily agree with the other two, as I would say that maybe they were a bit too popular/commercially successful? Something like the Austin Allegro seems to sit with that definition a bit better?
Skoda would seem like a better example, as although the rear-engined cars were much derided by the general public, those 1980s Skodas had a passionate following amongst those who "knew". Later the early VAG-platform cars such as the mk1 Fabia and Octavia vRS were still looked down on a bit because of the badge but were actually really good cars. Later, the Yeti offered something rather unique, which sadly Skoda did not persist with and now although very good cars, they are a little dull and mainstream.
I think that in terms of mass market, the Dacia Duster/Bigster could become "cult cars", as in a world of overly complex cars/a badge-obsessed market, they offer something refreshing. A good value, rugged, non-pretentious workhorse.
As more and more of the new car market becomes electrified, there is also an opportunity as powertrains/driving experiences become more homogeneous to make cars more characterful in design, so perhaps the Honda e and Twingo e-Tech, although unremarkable in terms of performance and range may have their chance to shine? Perhaps the original BMW i3 and i8 are already there too?
There's also an element of the type of car that we will not see the likes of again and that have already vanished from the market, so for instance
VW Up GTi
Hyundai i20N/i30N
Toyota GR86?
So for argument's sake, going back not more than 10 years, by the above definition and considering the following criteria: passionate fanbase, niche appeal, distinct personality, cultural impact, what cars of the last 10 years are destined to become "cult" cars?
I’m happier to see a 2CV than I am a DeLorean. The 3 examples that it gives are the DeLorean, Volkswagen Type 2 and Citroen 2CV. Whereas I agree with the DeLorean, I don't necessarily agree with the other two, as I would say that maybe they were a bit too popular/commercially successful? Something like the Austin Allegro seems to sit with that definition a bit better?
Skoda would seem like a better example, as although the rear-engined cars were much derided by the general public, those 1980s Skodas had a passionate following amongst those who "knew". Later the early VAG-platform cars such as the mk1 Fabia and Octavia vRS were still looked down on a bit because of the badge but were actually really good cars. Later, the Yeti offered something rather unique, which sadly Skoda did not persist with and now although very good cars, they are a little dull and mainstream.
I think that in terms of mass market, the Dacia Duster/Bigster could become "cult cars", as in a world of overly complex cars/a badge-obsessed market, they offer something refreshing. A good value, rugged, non-pretentious workhorse.
As more and more of the new car market becomes electrified, there is also an opportunity as powertrains/driving experiences become more homogeneous to make cars more characterful in design, so perhaps the Honda e and Twingo e-Tech, although unremarkable in terms of performance and range may have their chance to shine? Perhaps the original BMW i3 and i8 are already there too?
There's also an element of the type of car that we will not see the likes of again and that have already vanished from the market, so for instance
VW Up GTi
Hyundai i20N/i30N
Toyota GR86?
So for argument's sake, going back not more than 10 years, by the above definition and considering the following criteria: passionate fanbase, niche appeal, distinct personality, cultural impact, what cars of the last 10 years are destined to become "cult" cars?
I think the M140i is a good shout actually, it's the working class hero that has ended up in the abused and modified phase, but one day will emerge like the fast Fords. Lots of older chaps will fondly remember the days when they (ab)used their six pot hatchback to gain some attention in the McDonald's car parks. Finding unmolested ones will become difficult, they may have sold many, but 90% will be written off or scrapped by then.
Probably the same with the RS3 and A45, but they don't seem to have captured the same appeal. They are more like the Vauxhall Astra GSI or the Starlet Glanza V.
The M140i is tomorrows Escort Cosworth.
Probably the same with the RS3 and A45, but they don't seem to have captured the same appeal. They are more like the Vauxhall Astra GSI or the Starlet Glanza V.
The M140i is tomorrows Escort Cosworth.
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