Some underrated European cars still offer great performance, style, and value today. The Alfa Romeo 159, with its distinctive design and engaging handling, is one such hidden gem. The Saab 9-5 Aero combines comfort with turbocharged power, making it a forgotten but capable choice. Another is the Volvo V70R, a powerful and versatile wagon often overlooked by enthusiasts. Lastly, the Citroën DS3 offers fun driving dynamics and a unique look, making it a stylish option for those wanting something different from mainstream brands.
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Saab 9-5 (1997-2010)
The Saab 9-5 was a luxurious yet quirky sedan that offered a unique blend of Swedish engineering and comfort. Powered by turbocharged engines, including a 2.3-liter inline-four that produced up to 260 horsepower, the 9-5 was known for its smooth performance and safety features. Despite being overshadowed by German rivals like Audi and BMW, the 9-5 offered a spacious interior, durable materials, and excellent crash safety ratings. Today, the 9-5 remains an underrated gem, appreciated for its reliability and distinctive character.
Alfa Romeo 166 (1996-2007)
The Alfa Romeo 166 was a stylish executive sedan with Italian flair. Powered by a range of engines, including a 3.0-liter V6 producing 220 horsepower, the 166 offered smooth handling and an engaging driving experience. Its luxurious interior featured high-quality materials and a driver-focused cockpit. Though it never achieved the success of German sedans, the Alfa 166 is still admired for its unique design, performance, and the passionate driving experience it provides, making it an underrated choice in the used car market.
Volvo C70 (1997-2013)
The Volvo C70 was a stylish coupe and convertible that offered a comfortable ride and excellent build quality. Powered by engines like the turbocharged 2.4-liter five-cylinder, delivering 218 horsepower, the C70 combined Scandinavian design with a focus on safety. It was underrated compared to more popular luxury coupes but offered a solid blend of performance and reliability. Today, the C70 remains a great option for those seeking a well-engineered, comfortable, and stylish European car.
Renault Clio RS (2000-2018)
The Renault Clio RS is a hot hatch known for its agile handling and thrilling performance. Powered by a 2.0-liter inline-four engine that produced 200 horsepower, the Clio RS was a blast to drive, especially on twisty roads. Despite its impressive performance, it never gained the same level of fame as other hot hatches like the Volkswagen Golf GTI. However, its lightweight chassis, sharp handling, and affordable price make it a hidden gem for enthusiasts looking for an exciting, underrated European car.
Peugeot 406 Coupe (1997-2004)
Designed by Pininfarina, the Peugeot 406 Coupe was one of the most elegant cars of its era. Powered by engines like a 3.0-liter V6 producing 210 horsepower, the 406 Coupe offered a refined and comfortable driving experience. Its sleek lines and luxurious interior made it a standout, but it was often overlooked in favor of German coupes. Today, it’s appreciated for its timeless design, smooth performance, and affordability in the used market, making it an underrated choice for stylish European motoring.
Citroën C6 (2005-2012)
The Citroën C6 was a luxury sedan that focused on comfort and innovation, featuring a hydropneumatic suspension for an ultra-smooth ride. Powered by engines like a 2.7-liter V6 diesel producing 208 horsepower, the C6 was designed to prioritize comfort over speed. Its avant-garde design and high-tech features, such as a heads-up display and lane departure warning, were ahead of their time. Though it didn’t achieve widespread popularity, the C6 remains a symbol of French luxury and engineering, perfect for those who value comfort and uniqueness.
Skoda Superb (2001-Present)
The Skoda Superb is a large sedan offering excellent value for money, combining Volkswagen Group engineering with Czech practicality. Powered by engines like the 2.0-liter TDI, producing 190 horsepower, the Superb delivers a comfortable and spacious ride. It’s often underrated due to its Skoda badge, but it shares many components with premium Volkswagen and Audi models. Today, the Superb is a smart choice for those seeking a luxurious yet affordable European sedan with great reliability and refinement.
Seat Leon Cupra (2000-Present)
The Seat Leon Cupra is a sporty hatchback that shares its platform with the Volkswagen Golf but offers a more aggressive and unique design. Powered by engines like a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, producing up to 300 horsepower, the Leon Cupra offers thrilling performance and sharp handling. Despite its performance credentials, it is often overshadowed by its more famous German cousin. However, its combination of affordability, performance, and stylish design makes it an excellent, underrated choice for driving enthusiasts.
Lancia Thesis (2001-2009)
The Lancia Thesis was a luxurious executive sedan that featured bold, distinctive styling and a range of powerful engines, including a 3.0-liter V6 producing 215 horsepower. Its opulent interior, featuring high-quality leather and wood trim, was a testament to Italian craftsmanship. Despite its luxurious features and comfortable ride, the Thesis never achieved commercial success outside of Italy. Today, it remains an underrated option for those seeking a unique, comfortable, and elegant European luxury sedan.
Saab 900 Turbo (1978-1998)
The Saab 900 Turbo is a Swedish icon known for its turbocharged performance and quirky design. Powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four producing 160 horsepower, the 900 Turbo offered impressive acceleration for its time. It featured durable build quality, unique styling, and a focus on safety. Though often overshadowed by other European brands, the Saab 900 Turbo is a cult classic among enthusiasts and remains a great choice for those seeking something different with solid engineering.
Renault Laguna Coupe (2008-2015)
The Renault Laguna Coupe was a stylish grand tourer with sleek, coupe-like styling and a comfortable interior. Powered by engines like a 3.5-liter V6 producing 240 horsepower, the Laguna Coupe offered smooth, refined performance. Its handling was aided by Renault’s 4Control four-wheel steering system, providing agility and stability. Despite its elegant design and driving dynamics, the Laguna Coupe flew under the radar, making it an underrated yet excellent option for those who appreciate style and comfort in a European coupe.
Audi A2 (1999-2005)
The Audi A2 was a small, lightweight hatchback that was ahead of its time, featuring an all-aluminum body for better fuel efficiency. Powered by a range of small engines, including a 1.4-liter diesel, the A2 was highly efficient, offering up to 70 mpg. Despite its innovative design and excellent fuel economy, the A2 was never a commercial hit. However, its quirky design, low running costs, and clever engineering make it a sought-after model among enthusiasts today.
BMW Z3 Coupe (1998-2002)
The BMW Z3 Coupe, often referred to as the “Clown Shoe” due to its distinctive shape, is a performance-focused sports car powered by a range of inline-six engines, including a 3.0-liter producing 231 horsepower. Its rigid chassis and rear-wheel-drive layout make it a joy to drive. Despite its engaging driving experience, the Z3 Coupe was overshadowed by the more popular Z3 Roadster. However, it has since gained a cult following for its unique design, excellent handling, and underrated status as a great European sports car.
Jaguar X-Type (2001-2009)
The Jaguar X-Type was a compact executive sedan powered by a range of V6 engines, including a 3.0-liter producing 231 horsepower. Despite its elegant design and luxurious interior, the X-Type was often criticized for sharing its platform with the Ford Mondeo. However, the X-Type offers a smooth ride, a comfortable cabin with high-quality materials, and classic Jaguar styling. It’s an underrated option for those seeking affordable British luxury, with a strong engine and respectable performance.
Rover 75 (1999-2005)
The Rover 75 was a British executive sedan with a focus on comfort and classic styling. Powered by engines like the 2.5-liter V6, producing 175 horsepower, the 75 offered a smooth and refined driving experience. Its interior featured wood trim and leather upholstery, adding to its luxurious appeal. Although overshadowed by German rivals, the Rover 75 is still appreciated for its elegance and comfort. It’s a great option for those looking for a classy and underrated European sedan with a distinctive British touch.
Peugeot 205 GTI (1984-1994)
The Peugeot 205 GTI was a hot hatch legend, powered by a 1.9-liter inline-four engine producing 130 horsepower. Known for its sharp handling and lightweight construction, the 205 GTI was a favorite among driving enthusiasts. However, it has since been overshadowed by more modern hot hatches like the Volkswagen Golf GTI. Despite its age, the 205 GTI remains a great choice for those seeking an engaging and affordable European performance car with a legacy of fun.
Mercedes-Benz E320 (1995-2002)
The Mercedes-Benz E320 was a midsize luxury sedan known for its durability and smooth performance. Powered by a 3.2-liter V6 engine producing 221 horsepower, the E320 offered a refined and comfortable ride. Its high-quality materials and solid construction made it a reliable choice for long-term ownership. Despite its excellent build quality, the E320 is often overlooked in favor of newer models, but it remains a fantastic option for those seeking affordable, reliable European luxury.
Fiat Coupe (1993-2000)
The Fiat Coupe was an Italian sports car with distinctive styling, designed by Pininfarina. Powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-five engine, producing 220 horsepower, the Coupe offered thrilling performance and sharp handling. Despite its stylish design and powerful engine, it was often underrated compared to other European sports cars like the Porsche Boxster. Today, it’s a hidden gem for enthusiasts who appreciate its bold design, performance, and Italian flair at an affordable price.
Opel Speedster (2001-2005)
The Opel Speedster was a lightweight sports car built on the same platform as the Lotus Elise. Powered by a 2.2-liter inline-four engine producing 145 horsepower, the Speedster was designed for pure driving enjoyment, with a mid-engine layout and rear-wheel drive. Its low weight and nimble handling made it a joy to drive, but it was often overshadowed by more mainstream sports cars. Despite this, the Speedster remains an underrated option for enthusiasts who value agility and simplicity in a sports car.
Lancia Delta Integrale (1979-1994)
The Lancia Delta Integrale is an iconic rally car, powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine that delivered up to 215 horsepower in its final versions. Known for its all-wheel-drive system and incredible handling, the Delta Integrale dominated the World Rally Championship during its era. Despite its motorsport pedigree, it remains relatively unknown outside rally circles. Its robust performance, rally heritage, and timeless design make it an underrated classic in the world of performance cars.
This article originally appeared in MyCarMakesNoise.
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