What Would be Your Ideal "People's Car"? (See OP for Rules and Restrictions)

[NoobMan DS]

I hope this isn't too similar to the "If You Could only Drive One Car for the Rest of Your Life, What Would it be?" thread. If the moderators feel it's too similar to that thread, feel free to close this one.


Now, first of all, no, I'm not asking about your preferred Volkswagen model.

Imagine that you live in a country where only one particular model is allowed and available. This is the only automobile that you will see or drive every day in your country. What car will it be?

Rules, restrictions, and details regarding the car & country:
1.) The car must have second row seats.
2.) The car must at least have four seats.
3.) The car can't be something that is or was limited to certain units produced.
4.) The car can be something from the present or the past. (if the car was actually discontinued, you may imagine or assume that the manufacturer is still producing it today)
5.) The car's motor must produce a power output of around 325bhp or less.
6.) The country's speed limit is 100mph.
7.) The country has no racetracks.


EDIT: For more clarification, here are some answers posted to questions raised, along with other explanations.

What does the rule "The country has no racetracks" add to the challenge?

It's merely a precaution to prevent people from thinking that citizens would have opportunities in pushing their cars to or near the limit for fun. A racetrack would allow such possibilities that are otherwise unacceptable on public roads. Basically, I included that rule to encourage more sensibility in choosing the car. The 100 mph speed limit rule has a similar role, but it's also a somewhat enticing rule when thinking as a motoring enthusiast, so the thread would not feel so boring; it allows adventurous contemplations. 100 mph is still higher than the average speed limits around the world, and it allows moments of great fun on relatively clear roads. I know I'm not specifying 100 mph where, I'll leave that to your interpretation. It can be 100 mph anywhere with a certain "recommended driving speed" by the government, 100 mph in freeways only, or whatever. Up to you. The decreed power limit, again, also has a similar role. It's not directly relevant to fuel-efficiency, or speed, or whatever. It's there simply as a limiting factor for the thinking.

Are you asking us to only pick "peoples cars" for countries that have no race tracks - in which case even vaguely sensible places like India are ineligible - or are you asking us to pick a car for any country imagining that it doesn't have a race track?

"pick a car for any country imagining that it doesn't have a race track" - that one. Other characteristics of the country are up to your imagination.

Do we have to specify a specific sub-model or generation i.e. engine/trans/trim?

Yes, as specific as you can.

By the way, with the speed limit rule, I was trying to get people not to just think of whether the car can hit 100 mph or not, but also something like, whether this car is more satisfying in the process of reaching 100 mph over another. (if you want to think as a motoring enthusiast as well; it's also fine if you aim to be as sensible as possible, thinking for the majority of the people who may not enjoy driving fast so much) If I say there's no speed limit, I was afraid that people will come out with overly ridiculous ideas. If I say the speed limit is much lower, then people maybe will feel that their choices are limited. (thoughts like, "Ah, probably this car wouldn't be that enjoyable if I can only drive it at 60 mph or less") I want to encourage sensibility, but I also want to allow more potential in adventurous thinking, if you like.

Are we talking about what we would imagine everyone driving or what we would like everyone to be driving?

The latter's more like it, but sensibility is encouraged, and consequently, thoughts or concern for the citizens' common needs and interests as a whole. That's why some of the rules are there. I don't want to see someone suggesting a track-oriented, lightweight sports roadster with little emphasis on comfort or practicality, like a Caterham 7, just because he or she is gonna be content and happy to drive it all the time, but most of the other citizens are not. But I still want to allow adventurous thinking as a motoring enthusiast, through the 100mph speed limit rule, (allowing people to contemplate on whether one car is more satisfying over another in the process of reaching 100 mph, if he or she likes) and the 325bhp power limit, which is not too little but also not too much.

UPDATE: (February 12, 2014) Certain commercial vehicles are actually allowed for their respective businesses in the country. (mail vans, tank trucks, and so on) The people's car should be the personal car, only that there's just one particular model available for purchase. (thanks to SlipZtrEm for the encouragement in putting this in the OP)

UPDATE: (February 14, 2014) To put things into perspective, please indicate the country you're suggesting the people's car for, (it's not completely up to your imaginations from now on) but imagine that the auto-related rules stated apply to that country. The "no racetracks" condition still apply - imagine that the country has no racetracks. Oh, and public transport will be let available.

 

[Doog]

I can count on my countrymen to buy 3-400,000 of these every year; and for the past two decades, they've done just that. Therefore, the Camry must be America's people's car of choice.

 

[MadMike32]

I don't know if a Tesla Model S would fit the horsepower requirements, but I'd personally love to see something like that take the place of the Camrys and Fusions and the like that currently clog the roads. Given the right infrastructure, it seems like it would be a damn good all-round daily driver. Money's a bit of an issue, but it's one car for the entire country - I'm sure I could work out a bulk deal with Elon Musk.

 

[NoobMan DS]

The 60 kWh variant produces 302bhp, so that one is eligible by the rules.

 

[Bakemono36]

Honda Element. It was the perfect go-anywhere, do-anything vehicle.

 

[homeforsummer]

7.) The country has no racetracks.

What does this rule add to the challenge?

Are you asking us to only pick "peoples cars" for countries that have no race tracks - in which case even vaguely sensible places like India are ineligible - or are you asking us to pick a car for any country imagining that it doesn't have a race track, and therefore any typical race track characteristics are rendered irrelevant?

Ditto the speed limit restriction point too. The large majority of current road cars can get close to or beat 100 mph, but as a means of choosing cars it seems largely pointless unless you're suggesting that's the speed that everyone would be driving at on freeways.

I think, for sensibility's sake, or until my questions are answered, I'm going to go with the Dacia Duster:

Gets nowhere near the arbitrary power limit but it's inexpensive, simple and rugged, which seem like good peoples-car qualities. Would happily deal with paved or unpaved roads. Has four seats. Also has a big boot. Comfortable enough you'd not have a problem driving it anywhere.

 

[NoobMan DS]

What does this rule add to the challenge?

It's merely a precaution to prevent people from thinking that citizens would have opportunities in pushing their cars to or near the limit for fun. A racetrack would allow such possibilities that are otherwise unacceptable on public roads. Basically, I included that rule to encourage more sensibility in choosing the car. The 100 mph speed limit rule has a similar role, but it's also a somewhat enticing rule when thinking as a motoring enthusiast, so the thread would not feel so boring; it allows adventurous contemplations. 100 mph is still higher than the average speed limits around the world, and it allows moments of great fun on relatively clear roads. I know I'm not specifying 100 mph where, I'll leave that to your interpretation. It can either be either 100 mph anywhere with a certain "recommended driving speed" by the government, 100 mph in freeways only, or whatever. Up to you. The decreed power limit, again, also has a similar role. It's not directly relevant to fuel-efficiency, or speed, or whatever. It's there simply as a limiting factor for the thinking.

pick a car for any country imagining that it doesn't have a race track

That one.

Other characteristics of the country are up to your imagination.

Yes, I was aware that the restrictions may seem a bit sketchy. I'm sorry about that.

 

[Aquarelle]

Skyline Sedan, absolutely no question for me.

They still handle brilliantly, still have plenty of power for having some back road fun and the space in the rear is comparable to any "standard" family car.

Couple in a big boot (I've managed to move an entire house worth of stuff, bar furniture in an R33 sedan of my friend's) , bullet proof motor and decent (for a sports car) fuel usage (around 550K per tank) and you have a great all rounder.

 

[SagarisGTB]

Fiat 126p is ideal.

 

[Korza]

Do we have to specify a specific sub-model or generation i.e. engine/trans/trim?

 

[niky]

I win:

2010 Mustang V8

It can hit 100 mph. It seats four. It makes a little less than 325 horsepower. And "zOMG it's a Mustang, those SUX on the racetrack!" (random internet idiots are always right)

But more seriously:

I got nothing. My definition of a "People's Car" can't get anywhere near 100 mph.

 

[homeforsummer]

I'm sorry about that.

No problems, thanks for clearing it up.

 

[NoobMan DS]

Do we have to specify a specific sub-model or generation i.e. engine/trans/trim?

Yes, as specific as you can.

 

[GT5Redsucker23]

The 2014 Subaru Forester XT is ideal! Its got a powerful motor, loads of cargo space and for a small SUV. it's very quick.

 

[Grayfox]

Honda Civic Hatchback 5 door(FK).
1.8 petrol or 2.2 diesel are more then good enough for a daily runabout.
They can hit 100mph easy
They can have at least 2 baby seats
Good fuel economy
Looks
There is a 1.3 version(advertised as a 1.4 in the UK), but it has 100hp and may not be able to really hit 100mph.

 

[Aquarelle]

Yes, as specific as you can.

In that case, R34 Skyline Sedan in GT-T trim, the RB25DET has an output of 280 HP from factory on wastegate pressure.

In this trim the car comes with an LSD, two front airbags, ABS and TCS as standard with options to fit GPS, Sunroof, side airbags and various aero parts.

The GT-T Sedan also came with a 5 Speed Manual or a 4 speed tiptronic auto box.

Was I specific and nerdy enough?

 

[NoobMan DS]

Yes

 

[TheCracker]

There is a 1.3 version(advertised as a 1.4 in the UK), but it has 100hp and may not be able to really hit 100mph.

It has a 110mph top speed. i doubt there are many cars sold in the past 10 years that can't do 100mph.

 

[Grayfox]

It has a 110mph top speed. i doubt there are many cars sold in the past 10 years that can't do 100mph.

But in the real world, it may not be able to do 110mph due to wind resistance, the fact that you will have to keep it floored and the average person would not do the full throttle thing.

The 1.8 has more power and can do 140mph
The 2.2 can do the same, but can be remapped and can deliver close to 180hp and near 400ft/lb of torque and have even more top speed while still keeping economy.

 

[niky]

Even 85 hp is enough to hit 100 mph if the car isn't an aerodynamic brick. The only recent cars I've driven that can't hit 100 mph are all under 75 hp.

But even cars with that little power can hit 100 mph with the right aero. The 74 hp Mirage can hit about 180 km/h (112 mph) flat-out thanks to its 0.27 - 0.29 cd. (Yes, I've tested it... and yes, it can get well over 100 mph).

And it'll still do 33 mpg at redline at 112 mph. And 60 mpg at 50 mph.

-

It'll take a very stiff headwind to bring a 112 mph car down to below 100 mph.

 

[TheCracker]

That generation of Civic is pretty aerodynamic. 100mph won't be a problem. 25 years ago, cars could do 100mph with less than half of that Civic's 98hp.

 

[NoobMan DS]

I got nothing. My definition of a "People's Car" can't get anywhere near 100 mph.

Nothing in mind at all?

If a car has a top speed of, say, 40 mph, it will still be eligible under the rules. Sure, no joy of accelerating until 100 mph or driving at that speed, and that speed limit rule will be greatly irrelevant to the vehicle, but you can still have it as the people's car.


By the way, with the speed limit rule, I was trying to get people not to just think of whether the car can hit 100 mph or not, but also something like, whether this car is more satisfying in the process of reaching 100 mph over another. (if you want to think as a motoring enthusiast as well; it's also fine if you aim to be as sensible as possible, thinking for the majority of the people who may not enjoy driving fast so much) If I say there's no speed limit, I was afraid that people will come out with overly ridiculous ideas. If I say the speed limit is much lower, then people maybe will feel that their choices are limited. (thoughts like, "Ah, probably this car wouldn't be that enjoyable if I can only drive it at 60 mph or less") I want to encourage sensibility, but I also want to allow more potential in adventurous thinking, if you like.

 

[Grayfox]

Even 85 hp is enough to hit 100 mph if the car isn't an aerodynamic brick. The only recent cars I've driven that can't hit 100 mph are all under 75 hp.

But even cars with that little power can hit 100 mph with the right aero. The 74 hp Mirage can hit about 180 km/h (112 mph) flat-out thanks to its 0.27 - 0.29 cd. (Yes, I've tested it... and yes, it can get well over 100 mph).

And it'll still do 33 mpg at redline at 112 mph. And 60 mpg at 50 mph.

-

It'll take a very stiff headwind to bring a 112 mph car down to below 100 mph.

But it weights 1200kg
Considered a underpowered piece of crap.

 

[homeforsummer]

Weight has far less impact on top speed than aerodynamics. Unless it's heavy enough to prevent accelerating to that velocity in the first place, but that certainly isn't the case with a 1200 kg Civic.

 

[GranTurismo916]

I didn't even need to think.

 

[MedigoFlame]

If I'm honest, I'm somewhat confused...? Are we talking about what we would imagine everyone driving or what we would like everyone to be driving? If we're going by state in the US... I could imagine everyone in Maine driving a Forester or more likely a Subaru Outback.

Being the United States, everyone loves crossovers... So they'd probably choose the current gen model.

On the other hand if I was to choose what everyone would be driving (sorry if this or the other choice are incorrect for the question) would be this gen.

 

[xXKingJoshXx]

1.) The car must have second row seats. - Check
2.) The car must at least have four seats. - Check
3.) The car can't be something that is or was limited to certain units produced. - Check
4.) The car can be something from the present or the past. (if the car was actually discontinued, you may imagine or assume that the manufacturer is still producing it today)
5.) The car's motor must produce a power output of around 325bhp or less. - 300hp, check.
6.) The country's speed limit is 100mph. - Top speed of around 148mph, check.
7.) The country has no racetracks. - No Matter, no one takes a 300 on a race track.

 

[niky]

Nothing in mind at all?

What I imagine people would be driving in a completely communist world is something like the Suzuki Alto. 800cc, five-speed stick. Top speed of about 130 km/h (Which is about 80 miles an hour, or, in America, 5 mph too slow), weight of 725 kilograms (1,595 pouds), the ability to hit 60-80 mpg and room for four. But it's more likely they'd cut the engine down to 250cc because 800 is just too big.

In a socialist world, where we are allowed a tiny bit of fun and are encouraged not to die, it would likely be the Mirage.

But if you're asking me what my concept of a perfect people's car is, then it's this:

Fun to drive (sucky steering, but typically great Honda shifter and nimble dynamics), peppy, frugal and possessed of the cleverest interior designed by man. The ULT "magic" seats make it one of the most practical hatchbacks ever penned. Granted, it doesn't have all that much power, but it has more than it needs, and for those of us who want more, it's a gas with an HKS turbo kit.

And it's a Honda. Which means ridiculously long maintenance intervals and great fuel economy.

 

[Cano]

7.) The country has no racetracks. - No Matter, no one takes a 300 on a race track.

They do. And as hilarious as it might sound, they don't do half bad considering what they are and their girth.

 

[xXKingJoshXx]

They do. And as hilarious as it might sound, they don't do half bad considering what they are and their girth.

Interesting. I've seen them on drag strips but never on a track with, you know, turns and stuff.