Six Worst Car Designs That Would Still Fail if Released Again
The design inherently reflects a significant part of personal taste. Therefore, the factors determining a design’s quality can be pretty diverse. If we look at it differently, it could be said that there is no right answer in design. This applies to car design as well.
Preferences for car designs often change over time. It’s not hard to find instances where car designs that were once harshly criticized are now highly praised. However, some cars with ‘the worst design’ would have a 100% failure rate if they were to be rereleased in the current era. This article will discuss six cars still considered to have the worst designs.
Which domestic model is a regular on the list of the world’s ugliest cars?
Various websites hold annual awards for cars with the “worst design.”
The SsangYong Rodius consistently ranks high at these awards. This car has maintained its reputation for ugliness even after it was discontinued. When SsangYong discontinued its popular Istana model, the Rodius was a highly anticipated model. However, its high price, disappointing transportation capabilities, and unconventional design were negative factors, leading to its commercial failure. There are also models abroad that have received major criticism solely for their design.
One such model is the Fiat Multipla, a regular candidate for the top spot in the Ugly Car awards. Despite its large size and ample interior space, which successfully targeted its intended audience, the car’s only flaw was its unconventional design, which continues to be deemed one of the worst today.
How far ahead of its time were American cars?
U.S. automakers have often presented designs that were way ahead of their era. A prime example of this is the Pontiac Aztek. An industry insider once described the vehicle as a car that “directly violates every principle of aesthetic unity that makes up its body.” The Aztek concept car was hailed as an “innovation in crossover SUVs,” generating considerable anticipation. However, its design failed to meet expectations, leading to the embarrassment of selling only a third of the projected figures.
Chrysler also owns models that consistently make up the list of ugliest cars yearly. The Chrysler PT Cruiser nearly didn’t launch due to its unattractive appearance. Many inside the company, including the chairman, resisted the PT Cruiser’s design. However, thanks to the efforts of a few developers, the launch eventually went ahead. This decision proved right, as the PT Cruiser recorded high sales volumes and became a model that was produced for 11 years.
This is what happens when individuality is overly respected
Citroën has been criticized for a distinctive car it launched in 1961. The model in question is the Citroën Ami, and the feature that has drawn criticism is its rearward sloping C-pillar. This design, famous for completely ignoring aerodynamics, has been known to cause dismay among engineers. Despite this, the vehicle recorded high sales for 19 years, continuing a significant success.
When it comes to commercial vehicles, buyers often prioritize practicality over design. However, Nissan‘s compact commercial vehicle faced rejection from consumers due to its design, despite its excellent practicality. The shape of a snail inspired the Nissan S-Cargo, and its name is a play on the French word “escargot,” meaning snail. Although there were some purchases for promotional purposes rather than for driving, considering the influence of its sibling model, the Figaro, the outcome is somewhat disappointing.
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