I was prompted to write this blog by the news about the debut of several cars in recent years. It's as if I hear a familiar name, but see a completely different car. And a closer look at the issue revealed that such examples are not uncommon: it seems to happen with different brands and with different models. For example.
Ford Capri
Let's start with the model depicted in the main photo of this article, which seems to perfectly reflect the current situation - it's a Ford Capri.
Previously, this name belonged to a middle-class coupe of the 1970s and 1980s, which was equipped with a variety of gasoline engines. Today, however, the Ford Capri is a crossover with an electric motor or electric motors (in the case of the all-wheel drive version). Only the characteristic window sill line and imitation dual headlights remind us of the original coupe.
Ford Explorer
Another similar example is the new Ford Explorer; but in this case, the question is different: it is necessary to clarify which Ford Explorer we are talking about - the European version or the American version.
After all, the American Ford Explorer has remained exactly as it was when the model was born in the very early 1990s: a rather large SUV with powerful engines. Instead, the newest European Ford Explorer is once again an electric crossover. Based on the VW MEB platform, the Ford Explorer electric vehicle is available in rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive versions.
Ford Puma
In general, the story of the return of well-known names is no longer a novelty for Ford, as we can recall the Ford Puma crossover that debuted a few years ago.
After all, if we look deeper into history, we can recall not a crossover, but a stylish compact coupe Ford Puma based on the Ford Fiesta model of the time. By the way, at least in this, historical justice has been preserved: the current Ford Puma crossover was also built using Ford Fiesta components.
Mitsubishi ASX
A similar story happened to the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross: the name of the famous 1990s coupe was added to the word Cross in the 2020s, which meant a radical change in the car's format. However, there are other similar examples in Mitsubishi's history: yes, I'm talking about the Mitsubishi ASX.
At first glance, there was a compact crossover and there is still a compact crossover - what's the question? The issue is that the Mitsubishi ASX used to be a smaller version of the Mitsubishi Outlander and offered good ground clearance and even all-wheel drive. And today, the Mitsubishi ASX is a slightly modified version of the Renault Captur, where all-wheel drive has been exchanged for hybrid options. But if the Renault Captur already offers such a design, body shapes and sizes, and the advantages of hybrids, why do you need a Mitsubishi ASX clone?
Mitsubishi Colt
The Japanese seem to have decided not to limit themselves to just one example and introduced the new Mitsubishi Colt, which is actually a slightly modified Renault Clio.
At first glance, it doesn't seem to be a big deal: we're talking about a compact B-class car anyway. However, remember the last "real" Mitsubishi Colt: it looked like a minivan and offered a very spacious interior, a 3-door body or even a convertible, and there was also the "hot" Colt CZT. You can't even dream of something like that today.
Opel Frontera
What is the Opel Frontera of the 1990s era? This is a frame SUV with Isuzu roots, all-wheel drive, and fairly large gasoline or diesel engines. What is the Opel Frontera of the 2024 era?
Now it is a small passenger crossover that has exchanged all-wheel drive for a 7-seater cabin. And instead of a large gasoline V6 or turbodiesel engine, it has an electric version or a hybrid based on a 1.2-liter engine.
Opel Zafira
At first glance, everything looks the same for different generations of Opel Zafira: we have a 7-seater van for a large family or a group of friends. However, the Opel Zafira was once built on the Opel Astra passenger car chassis, and even a 2-liter 240-horsepower turbo engine could be placed under the hood of the Opel Zafira OPC sport version.
Today, the Opel Zafira is a large van based on the Opel Vivaro van, and under the hood is still a 2-liter, but now a 180-horsepower diesel engine.
Suzuki Grand Vitara
Sometimes I come across wishful thinking in the comments under reviews of Suzuki cars, like, "Bring back the Grand Vitara! But this car is already back. Just not in the form that everyone remembers.
This is how the Suzuki Grand Vitara is usually thought of: a serviceable SUV, powerful 4-cylinder engines or even a V6, permanent all-wheel drive with a low-range. But today, the Suzuki Grand Vitara is just another compact crossover that hides small engines under the hood and has simple all-wheel drive in only one version (but at least we can be thankful for that).
Is there still hope?
In order to end on a positive note, the new Honda Prelude model promises to be an unexpected but pleasant novelty. Do you remember this low and flat coupe from the 1980s and 2000s? That's exactly what this car promises to look like when it makes its debut, which is due soon.
In addition to the anticipated Honda Prelude coupe, I'd also like to point out other interesting cars that adequately embody the majestic history of their predecessors. Ford still produces the Ford Mustang, the new DS No. 8 hints at the classic DS of 1955, the Mazda MX-5 is still with us, rumors of the Mitsubishi Pajero's return keep arising, and the Subaru WRX sedan is not going to go into oblivion.
If you have anything to add about cars that have returned to a well-known name but have changed in essence, please write in the comments. If you have something to add about cars that remain themselves and still evoke emotions in a true car fan, I'm also waiting for you in the comments. After all, the automotive world is quite large and there are definitely topics for discussion.