Driving Style Forward

By Mehru Khan | August 1, 2019

It’s fair to say that having the right vehicle is fast becoming just as important as having the right watch or footwear when it comes to demonstrating your superior styling choices and turning heads. And there are no two ways about it, getting your best style on four wheels is an expensive business. 

You could opt for cheaper rides, they’ll get you from A to B but when you need to make an impact and really show up, you’re looking at arriving in style. Sure, hire the Limo or the Rolls Royce for the big events but we’re talking about everyday luxury that counts wherever you are and whatever you’re doing.

In this article we’re taking a look at what you need to be saving up for when it comes to top of the range cars and SUVs. We’re not going to showcase just any vehicles but that the ones that embody classic styling and carry with them a history that’s well worth buying into. You don’t have to be James Bond to appreciate great performance, so here’s our list of vehicles to lust over.

Chevrolet Corvette

Just make it this one and we can all go home. This car just is everything. This is not for you if you’re thinking of taking the family on holiday but if you’re look at impressing your new bey then have them strap in tight as you take off at gut wrenching speed. 

It also, helpfully, has a decent amount of luggage space so that weekend road trip with your bestie is looking on. It comes in at between $55-125,000 so start hitting those savings hard.

Jaguar F-Type

Oh but then there’s the Jaguar F-Type which positively growls at you to come and take it out for a ride. So, you should at least take it for a test drive. You’ll certainly hear that growl when you’re hitting the road in it, so don’t be surprised if the Jaguar wins you over.

The seats are a little on the hard side and if you’re tall then you may struggle to wind yourself in but once you’re there chances are you won’t want to get out. Some great news is that for 2020 Jaguar will include Apple AirPlay in many of its models giving it the modern infotainment system it so deserves.

Mercedes Benz

Oh Lord won’t you buy me a Mercedes Benz – the singer of that song makes a good point, when everyone drives a Porsche, it’s up to you to  go Mercedes. In fact the Mercedes, in our opinion, is the top of the pile when it comes to luxury performance vehicles. It simply has everything and as you’d expect style and performance are at the very top of that list.

The distinctive Mercedes badge on the grill points to the unique, curved body and the interior even features two spacious rear seats making it a strong contender for a family car, if your family loves traveling really fast on the school run.

We’re looking at somewhere between $100-160,000 because cars like this really don’t come cheap and why should they?

Acura NSX

Have you even heard of the Acura? No, us neither but we’ve dutifully checked it out and were kind of surprised with it. While it doesn’t have the luxury interior and infotainment centre of some of the other bigger names its performance and style is second to none.

If you’re happy to show you think outside of the box when it comes to cars, this might just be the sports car for you. With looks like the luxury Lexus, it’s a thing of beauty and not to be dismissed easily. A snip at around $157,000 or maybe not but worth closer inspection for definite.

Lexus LC

Did we mention the Lexus LC, yes we did and here’s why: it’s fabulous. No it’s not a Mercedes or a Porsche but it’s up there with the best of them, it really is. Yes, the trunk is a little smaller and the infotainment isn’t a patch on the Mercedes but for good looks and exceptional performance, comfort and a classy interior, this is your gal. It’s a great car and significantly cheaper than its counterparts between $92-96,000. Don’t write off the Lexus, it’s an excellent option.

BMW Z4

You know what they say about BMW drivers right? Yep, they have great cars. The Z4 is the pretty boy on the sports car catwalk. Instantly recognizable, despite a recent redesign but does it have the interior and performance to match?

In some ways, who cares because at $49,000 you’re getting a great car at a great price but fortunately the Z4 ticks all the right boxes. It’s fast, it’s as good inside as it is on the outside and it’s really comfortable and feels spacious. Save your money for some new headscarves this convertible is going to have you turning heads.

Audi TT

This year Audi has added an extra gear to its six-speed gearbox. We’re not entirely clear why but if you’re playing gearbox top trumps the Audi is sure to win. It’s a small but perfectly formed car with a fantastic infotainment system and an interior which breathes quality.

If you’re looking to race against the likes of the BMW you probably won’t fair as well, but despite a slightly lack-luster engine it has all the speed you need to cruise around the neighborhood or deliver you to your office door.

At between $44-66,000 it’s also on the more affordable scale making it another great option to look into.

Nissan GT-R

Didn’t realize Nissan makes sports cars, neither did we. But here we are with a sporty little number that matches the Audi in terms of price tag.

If you’re looking for great performance then the Nissan outclasses the Audi in this category but that’s about the only thing it has on it. Inside the design is slightly lower in quality and it doesn’t have much that really makes it stand out in terms of looks. A great car if you’re all about the speed and handling but not the all-rounder you’d hope for the amount of money you’re going to be spending.

Toyota Supra

We like this one and not just because it looks a little like an older style BMW. The Toyota is back and redesigned after more than 20 years and is looking sharp. It’s a really powerful machine and handles beautifully, whether you’re winding your way around the city streets or cruising down the freeway.

There’s not much to not recommend about the Supra and with a starting price of $50,000 it’s perfect if you’re looking for a fast car that’s easy on the eye. The Supra might have made a welcome return just in time for you to snap it up.

Alfa Romeo 4C

You’re going to be buying this lovely little Italian two-seater for its looks really. While it does drive well and has a great engine, it lacks a whole lot more in comfort and style on the inside. It’s also a bit on the small side once you’re sitting down. On the plus side, this year Alfa Romeo introduced rearview parking, parking sensors and cruise control which has improved the rather basic tech offering.

At $66,000 this is a great car for the man and woman about town but don’t go around offering too many rides there might not be enough room.

Ford Mustang

Finally, we have the Ford Mustang and a piece of American history. You know you can’t go wrong when you’re following in the footsteps of drivers like Steve McQueen. It’s a four seater with a powerful pull and a decent amount of comfort. Though selling it as a family car is a bit of a stretch.

The interior is great without being terrific but the price tag is something to look at. Starting at around $25,000 you can customize and model your way up to something nearer $60,000 and still be getting a bargain.

Your car, like your style says everything about you. Only you know if you’re more attracted to speed, performance or design and only you know how much you’re willing to spend in order to nail that look. 

While the new car option is always available, it’s always worth bearing in mind the option of Used Car Buying, which is very often a great alternative. Cars depreciate so quickly in value that buying a used car at a knock-down price seems like a great option. Just make sure you know what to look out for when buying a used vehicle or take someone with you who can give it a once over for danger signs.

Buying a car is a serious investment and a whole lot of fun. From two-seater racers to the more sedate names in cruising, there’s so much choice out there. Choose from our fantastic list of options and drive away in style.