YouTube channel Carfection likes to make a strong point with every video it releases. Being British, it's usually about fast hatchbacks or obscure sportscar companies that should be famous and aren't.
But the artists formally known as XCAR make a great point about hot hatchbacks: that they are like Europe's muscle cars. It's a shame that they used a diesel-powered Ford Focus ST Wagon to prove it.
Diesel performance vehicles have only been around a short while, so people are going to call you stupid if you compare the oily beasts to a classic Ford Mustang. Of course, those people can't afford to buy a Mustang or a €35,000 Focus, but that's not the point.
The early muscle cars were about being cheap and offering great fun for the money. They gained a cult status, but sales of Camaros and Challengers are not what they used to be. In fact, the Dodge Viper may become extinct thanks to cataclysmic events like the supercharger and Tesla Model S.
Emission regulations may force the hot hatch to transform as well. Sooner or later, all cars will have to emit less than 100 grams per kilometer. That's why Porsche is working on hybrid 911 and the next Megane RS may be a hybrid.
Of course, muscle cars aren't accepted in Europe because they are stigmatized as symbols of excess. Import taxes, expensive fuel and badge snobbery make the compound a problem, meaning you can't live the American dream as a 30YO Brit, even if you want to.
As interesting as the Carfection video editorial may be, we have a small problem with the Focus ST being their official camera car. We have a sneaking suspicion that Ford facilitated the deal or lent them the ST for free, so it may not be a bias-free review.
But what do you guys think, is the hot hatch a European muscle car? Does that make the RS3 a Hellcat and the A45 AMG a Mustang GT350?
Diesel performance vehicles have only been around a short while, so people are going to call you stupid if you compare the oily beasts to a classic Ford Mustang. Of course, those people can't afford to buy a Mustang or a €35,000 Focus, but that's not the point.
The early muscle cars were about being cheap and offering great fun for the money. They gained a cult status, but sales of Camaros and Challengers are not what they used to be. In fact, the Dodge Viper may become extinct thanks to cataclysmic events like the supercharger and Tesla Model S.
Emission regulations may force the hot hatch to transform as well. Sooner or later, all cars will have to emit less than 100 grams per kilometer. That's why Porsche is working on hybrid 911 and the next Megane RS may be a hybrid.
Of course, muscle cars aren't accepted in Europe because they are stigmatized as symbols of excess. Import taxes, expensive fuel and badge snobbery make the compound a problem, meaning you can't live the American dream as a 30YO Brit, even if you want to.
As interesting as the Carfection video editorial may be, we have a small problem with the Focus ST being their official camera car. We have a sneaking suspicion that Ford facilitated the deal or lent them the ST for free, so it may not be a bias-free review.
But what do you guys think, is the hot hatch a European muscle car? Does that make the RS3 a Hellcat and the A45 AMG a Mustang GT350?