It is common to think that cars with more power and a sportier chassis are more expensive than everyday urban dwellers. There is also a perception that they use more fuel and are impractical.
Likewise, only provoking them to aggressive driving and potential accidents, so to speak – the more powerful the car, the heavier the right leg. But what if the everyday car was sporty, practical and cost the same as economy-class city crossovers? What if such a dynamic car was safer than its competitors and much more enjoyable to drive? That would be great, and it’s totally realistic.
Combining practicality and sportiness
Audi, Mercedes, BMW and other premium manufacturers offer particularly sporty versions for various models, but they are much more expensive than regular modifications. For example, an Audi Q5 with a 204 hp engine costs almost 49 thousand euros, but to get at least 286 hp in the same model, you will have to pay 10 thousand more. Even more horses will cost even more euros.
If luxury is not so relevant, manufacturers of more economical cars, such as Volkswagen, also offer sporty versions of everyday models. For example, if the aforementioned Audi Q5 with a 204 hp gasoline engine costs 49 thousand euros, the most powerful version of the Volkswagen T-Roc R with a 300 hp engine can already be purchased for 48 thousand.
In our market, one of the models that exactly meets the criteria of a dynamic SUV is the CUPRA Formentor. It is not just a five-seater crossover with a pleasant high ground clearance. It also has sporty suspension modes and an impressive horsepower count. One of the dynamic Formentor versions is equipped with a 2.0-liter gasoline turbo engine that develops 310 hp. In combination with all-wheel drive, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. In the exclusive VZ5 version, however, it has even 390 hp.
Speaking about this model, auto journalist Toms Timoško, a member of the Latvian Car of the Year jury, emphasizes the precise control. “Dynamic SUVs are rarely able to compete with models closer to the road, but the Formentor boasts both good handling and chassis. It’s a really good car with a sporty character,” says the Klubs auto reviewer.
The starting price of the CUPRA Formentor in Latvia is 40,400 euros. Compared to other cars, for the same price, you can buy an Audi Q3 with a 1.5-liter gasoline engine or a 2.0-liter TDI diesel engine – both versions develop 150 hp. Similar is the case with the Volkswagen Tiguan. All these models are practical and roomy, but the differences in their character will be obvious.
More power also means safety
Can you get into a traffic accident with an attractive and sporty car? Yes, only it will not be caused by the car, but by the driver himself. As Tom Tymoshko points out, driving too aggressively can lose control of any vehicle, whether it has 100 or 300 hp. In order to reduce unexpected slipping and other risks, the new models are richly equipped with various safety systems that help the motorist to drive the vehicle safely.
Most new models are equipped with electronic driving stabilization, driver alertness assistant, forward collision warning, lane keeping, adaptive autopilot and many other technologies that would require a whole series of articles to describe. All of them are designed so that a person can safely reach their destination, regardless of weather conditions or their skills. Although these systems are available in most new cars, often the price of machines in this version is much higher than 40 thousand euros.
It may seem paradoxical, but a more powerful car helps drive safer. “I’ve always said that a powerful car is a safe car. On the highway, where there is only one lane in each direction, overtaking can be very dangerous, and it is at such times that the advantages of a powerful car can be felt best. A dynamic car will allow you to overtake faster, so you have less time will have to be spent in the opposite lane. If you understand and are able to control what you are driving, a powerful vehicle allows you to be the decider of the situation, because it reacts to your actions exactly as you intended,” is convinced Toma Timoshko, who drives a 370 hp sports car every day.
Growing popularity
The fact that sports models are becoming more and more popular is also proven by the new car market of the Baltic countries – people increasingly choose more agile and adventurous vehicles for their daily needs. For example, the aforementioned Formentor was purchased by 692 people in the Baltic countries last year, which is even three times more than in 2021.
“People earn more and can afford better things. Why buy a simple, relatively boring hatchback, when you can get a car that is much faster and easier to drive? Not everyone needs it, but more and more buyers are looking at such cars,” says Tom.
Over the years, people get rid of various stereotypes and focus more on fulfilling their desires. They are more and more interested in the features of the particular model and how much fun the car can bring. “The sports version will always be highly desirable because it showcases the maximum that can be squeezed out of a given model. And that’s not just in terms of power figures, but also in terms of equipment,” Tom is sure.
He also points to the fact that some manufacturers offer models with a sporty chassis that provides dynamics, despite the fact that these cars have a weaker engine and less horsepower. This is an interesting solution that is useful for less experienced drivers who want to use less fuel. For example, the CUPRA Formentor version with a 1.5-liter engine (150 hp) costs almost 10 thousand euros less than the 300 hp version. But don’t let the numbers fool you – despite the standard engine, it’s a fiery thing!
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2023-05-02 09:36:44
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