We have some amazing cars in North America. We have vehicles from the top car makers in the industry and we have some truly spectacular specialty cars that would astound even the most discriminating driver. You can drive an Aston Martin. You can own a Ferrari. With a little work, you can even track down a Tesla or Fisker. But no matter what, there are some European cars we wish came to North America but probably never will.
Oh, there are reasons they don’t come this side of the pond. You might hear that a car won’t meet crash standards in the US. The carmaker may not think a particular model will sell well enough, and may never develop it into a left-hand-drive vehicle. Or, it may have to do with politics and taxes and all that stuff that irks us.
Whatever the case, we simply won’t see some truly beautiful and unique cars in North America. Check out these European cars, then weigh in on the discussion.
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In the US, we can get the higher-end Alfa Romeo cars like the Giulia, 4C, and 4C Spyder. What we don’t have is an affordable Alfa in the lineup, and the MiTo would fill that role nicely.
It’s a subcompact car that, admittedly, looks and feels like it belongs in the UK, but there’s a place for it in the Americas as well. It’s only 78 horsepower with the base engine, or you can choose the 105-hp Twinair gas engine or the 120-hp diesel. What’s more impressive is the interior fit and finish, and the high-quality materials and features on even the base model. You can upgrade to leather, fit bronze alloy wheels, or opt for a Bose sound system or sunroof. It’s a car high-end commuters could get used to…
For a short time, BMW tried their 1-series in North America. Now, you’ll have to head overseas if you want to find this spunky little number. The 1-series 3-door hatch could make a splash in the US.
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It’s a hot hatch if you’ve ever seen one, although the shape is slightly phallic. You can get the 1-series in a few different packages, from the base-model 116 ED plus right up through the class-leading M135i. No matter which one you choose, it’s peppy enough to make you smile. The M135i, in particular, has a 3-liter twin-turbo that might get you a little…ahem…excited.
We won’t see this one in the US, though. Apparently Americans just aren’t fond of the 1-series much.
The French brand, Peugeot, can be seen watching European Netflix shows, but you won’t catch a glimpse of one on the streets. Their cars are pretty impressive though, and the RCZ could make a mean addition to the compact sports coupe class.
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The RCZ GT Line has a 200-horsepower 1.6-liter engine. Nothing crazy by any stretch of the imagination but plenty to get you around, especially for a light coupe. The interior is quite plush with leather seating and clean lines. Standard equipment includes navigation, 19-inch alloys, and parking aids.
The exterior? Well, that’s downright sexy. You get a hint of Porsche in the back end and a touch of the Mitsubishi Eclipse body lines.
In our American aversion to doing anything small, the Audi S1 – and the A1 for that matter – has been left to the Europeans. That’s unfortunate, because the Audi S1 could get some real traction in the market here.
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The 228-horsepower 2.0-liter gas engine moves the S1 while the German-engineered hatchback handles like a rocket on rails. And just because of who they are, Audi includes auto stop-start technology in each one. Audi Drive Select is standard equipment is dual exhaust, rain sensors, and spectacular S1 badging all over.
It seems the French avoid the United States, because Citroen is another French brand we just don’t have here. Check out the C4 Cactus, an amazing, innovative, and highly attractive vehicle that the Europeans are keeping for themselves.
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Most noticeably is the side profile. On the doors, you’ll see plastic panels with bumps that protect your door from dings in tight parking space…so, everywhere you park in Europe. The front end is magical with thin slits for lights high up on the fenders. The panoramic sunroof gives you more vitamin D all day long, and its dash has a 7-inch tablet for all your controls and apps. Add to the mix that it’s incredibly fuel efficient, and I’m a little envious of the French because of the Citroen C4 Cactus…and the wine and baguettes too, if we’re being honest.
The Renault Captur is another crossover for the European market. Stunning design and captivating looks carve a niche for the Renault wherever it goes…except it won’t come here.
The Captur with the Iconic Nav package is sharply dressed with a cappuccino roof and your choice of two-tone color. The wheels are edgy and the front end is attractive and piercing. Inside, leather seats and soft-touch materials are the name of the game and a 7-inch touchscreen navigation system, aptly called R-LINK keeps you in tune with the real world.
It would make a fine addition to our American roadways, but alas, it shall not be so.
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