. This triggered much discussion at PH HQ. The article concedes that while car use continues to rise globally, there is good reason to think that a fundamental shift in attitude is upon us. Put simply, it contends that earning a driving licence is no longer viewed as a rite of passage into adulthood. Being The Economist, it has data to support this claim. In 1997, it reckons 43 per cent of 16-year-olds had licences in America. In 2020, that had dropped to 25 per cent.
Needless to say, this all makes a good deal of sense. It would be a brave soul to argue that a 17-year-old in 1997 was more sensitive to the looming effects of climate change - or considered their own actions as a meaningful and necessary part of the solution - than today’s equivalent.
For the most part, that generation of hatchback has all but vanished. And while their various replacements can justly claim to have improved in virtually every measurable aspect, they have typically failed to replicate the mechanical joie de vivre that marked out their much simpler predecessors. A surge toward upmarket sensibilities and the pursuit of greater safety and emission standards has neutered most hatchbacks in dynamic terms, while simultaneously making them more expensive to buy.
With all that virtue signalling, it is obviously not to the Born’s immediate advantage that the range-topper costs £44,955 as tested. Even allowing for the unspoken disclaimer that when the car industry talks about marketing to a ‘young’ audience it means people in their thirties, the price is prohibitively high. This is not limited to Cupra, of course but for now understandable problems related to scale and return on investment will continue to bedevil battery-electric cars.
Good. Less drivers = less cars on the road = a more enjoyable driving experience for me.
Idk dawg I fkn love my car
True. The future of electromechanically propelled fun lies with the likes of the Citroën Ami (maybe not around Monaco, though) and its successors, not 3 tonne wannabee SUVs.
If you have money get a Rivian, if your broke and barely getting by get an E-Golf! Most fun vehicles I have ever driven! Nobody can afford piston cars anymore. Had to sell my Toyota Echo. I couldn't afford to keep fueling it and too much time wrenching on it. Got this instead!
In the early 90s my dad would get us all in the car, go for a 200 mile round trip drive down to Cornwall or up around Bristol way, if not further and we'd stop at a Little Chef for breakfast or dinner. Nobody can really afford to do that anymore, so any longer journey is a chore.
High fuel cost, 20mph zones, camera vans, takes the fun out of a nice scenic drive.
Older people too, just too costly, traffic everywhere, 90% of cars big, quality of most drivers has long descreased.
This is the states plan.
Cost of driving is now so bloody high for them and no cool cheap older cars to have as a first car, it was a better experience many years ago.
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