Whereas the grass could solely look greener on the opposite aspect of the fence, the vehicles on the opposite aspect of the ocean–and never bought right here in the US–are very a lot greener.
How do I do know? Let me current you 5 vehicles that I’m mad, indignant, exasperated, vexed and fuming about not being bought in America. (That’s 5 completely different adjectives, so that you know I’m severe.)
Honda Match (Fourth Era)
Now I understand how Marlin from “Discovering Nemo” feels, however as an alternative of my son going lacking, he was taken from me.
Okay, possibly I’m being somewhat hyperbolic, however I can’t assist it as somebody who has owned each a second- and third-gen Match.
I get why the Match was discontinued in America, as SUV-shaped issues promote higher than hatchback-shaped vehicles, however I’m nonetheless bummed.
The silver lining? At the least an Si or Sort R model isn’t provided.
Suzuki Jimny
“Why don’t they make small off-roading autos anymore?” Properly, they do–and by “they,” I imply Suzuki.
Launched in 2018, the fourth-gen, two-door Jimny measures in at underneath 140 inches lengthy and 65 inches huge. As compared, the smallest new Jeep Wrangler you should purchase is 166 inches lengthy and almost 74 inches huge–making the Wrangler roughly 2 toes longer and nearly a foot wider than the Jimmy.
Want a usable again seat? Suzuki additionally launched a four-door mannequin in 2023.
So as to add insult to damage, the Jimny is bought in Mexico–shut sufficient that I can nearly style it.
Subaru Levorg
I don’t care if it’s solely out there with a CVT, it’s a freaking WRX wagon. That alone would remedy a number of issues in my life.
Relying available on the market, this Subaru efficiency wagon is both known as the Levorg (Japan), WRX Sportswagon (Australia) or WRX GT (New Zealand), with energy coming from one among two turbo flat-fours: the 1.8-liter, 175-horsepower CB18 or the two.4-liter, 271-horsepower FA24F.
Fold down the rear seats and also you recover from 30 cubic toes of cargo capability on high of the WRX efficiency you additionally know and love.
Daihatsu Copen
Blame “Gran Turismo” for this one.
I drove the heck out of a Daihatsu Copen in “Gran Turismo 4” once I was a child, lengthy earlier than I actually “obtained into” vehicles.
Quick-forward to as we speak, and the Copen is now in its second era–and out there in a Gazoo Racing taste.
Why does a Daihatsu get a GR trim? The quick model is that Daihatsu is owned by Toyota.
(Maybe in an try keep away from any confusion, the GR Sport Copen doesn’t characteristic any badging from Daihatsu or Toyota, nonetheless.)
As a kei automotive, the Copen encompasses a sub-700cc, turbocharged inline-three engine mated to a selection of both a five-speed handbook or a CVT with seven simulated gears.
The GR trim doesn’t get any further energy, nevertheless it does get a extra aggressive entrance face, BBS wheels and a Momo-branded steering wheel, and that’s loads of steeze for me.
Nissan Juke (Second Era)
I’m proud to face right here as one of many uncommon followers of the Nissan Juke, and I gained’t change my thoughts regardless of how a lot rotten produce you throw at me.
Sure, the Juke featured some very unconventional styling, however that’s precisely why I favored it. The automotive world wants extra funk in its designs, and that’s precisely what the Juke gave us.
Sadly, that funk obtained a bit marred by a problematic CVT. Had a extra standard computerized been included, I’d wager the Juke would have caught round somewhat longer.
In the meantime, in different components of the world, Nissan presents a brand new era of Juke primarily based on the identical platform that underpins the Renault Clio.
The selection of powertrains won’t be something to jot down residence about–probably the most highly effective possibility is a hybrid with a mixed output of 141 horsepower–however I nonetheless stand by the Juke to today.
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