Comments on: Why do the Europeans get all the cool toys? http://www.automoblog.net/2010/06/19/why-do-the-europeans-get-all-the-cool-toys/ A Car Blog for Auto Enthusiasts Thu, 24 May 2012 20:36:36 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 By: Chris http://www.automoblog.net/2010/06/19/why-do-the-europeans-get-all-the-cool-toys/comment-page-1/#comment-131842 Chris Wed, 23 Jun 2010 18:44:51 +0000 http://www.automoblog.net/?p=7455#comment-131842 The majority of small cars over here are smaller engined, and diesel has seen a surge in popularity - but that's all down to fuel price. Currently a litre of unleaded costs 118.9 pence in the UK (about 170 cents), so fuel bills quickly add up by the end of the month. Most of that cost is fuel tax, and then there's the emissions-based road tax system. And yes, performance compacts are very popular over here - but that's because we can't afford to run big coupes with V6s and V8s under the bonnet. But I do agree, the design of European mdoels does seem to be more extravagent and daring than the US equivalents. The majority of small cars over here are smaller engined, and diesel has seen a surge in popularity – but that's all down to fuel price. Currently a litre of unleaded costs 118.9 pence in the UK (about 170 cents), so fuel bills quickly add up by the end of the month. Most of that cost is fuel tax, and then there's the emissions-based road tax system.

And yes, performance compacts are very popular over here – but that's because we can't afford to run big coupes with V6s and V8s under the bonnet.

But I do agree, the design of European mdoels does seem to be more extravagent and daring than the US equivalents.

]]> By: Seattleforge http://www.automoblog.net/2010/06/19/why-do-the-europeans-get-all-the-cool-toys/comment-page-1/#comment-131818 Seattleforge Sat, 19 Jun 2010 19:15:03 +0000 http://www.automoblog.net/?p=7455#comment-131818 Yes.. and no. Yes, the Ford Focus RS five million is available in small quantities in the UK and not at all in the US (we don't even get the ST), but the vast majority of cars on the roads are either diesels or small pot versions. There were LOADS of new Fiestas on the roads but almost all of them were the 1.2L versions. Just about every euro-barge limo on the road was fitted with a small diesel. If the Fiesta and new Focus do well (and I sincerely hope they do) it will prove that Americans will pay a little more for a nicer small car. That'll build a case for bringing over the hooligan versions. Yes.. and no.

Yes, the Ford Focus RS five million is available in small quantities in the UK and not at all in the US (we don’t even get the ST), but the vast majority of cars on the roads are either diesels or small pot versions. There were LOADS of new Fiestas on the roads but almost all of them were the 1.2L versions.
Just about every euro-barge limo on the road was fitted with a small diesel.
If the Fiesta and new Focus do well (and I sincerely hope they do) it will prove that Americans will pay a little more for a nicer small car. That’ll build a case for bringing over the hooligan versions.

]]>