In the world of cars, some models get all the attention. You know the ones I’m talking about – the ones plastered across billboards, flaunting their turbocharged engines and leather-wrapped everything, practically begging for your attention like a contestant on a reality TV show. But what about the cars that don’t have the limelight? The ones that are lurking quietly in the background, overshadowed by their more glamorous siblings or simply forgotten because the world can’t look past the shiny badge of a top-seller.
These cars don’t deserve to be left in the shadows. They’re the unsung heroes, the ones you won’t find being shown off at every fancy Sandton valet service, but the moment you get behind the wheel, you’re left wondering why the whole world isn’t singing their praises.
Let’s unpack a few of these underdogs – and why they’re so brilliant, despite being unfairly ignored.
1. Toyota Yaris GR: The Rally Car for the Real World
Now, when you think "Toyota Yaris," you probably picture a boring little runabout that’s about as thrilling as watching grass grow. But then, they went and made the Toyota Yaris GR. This isn’t just a hot hatch – this is a rally car dressed up as a Yaris, and I promise you, it’s anything but boring.
This little beast was developed with Toyota’s rally team, and it shows. With its turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive, and a chassis that feels like it could take on any gravel road Colin McRae ever conquered, the Yaris GR is pure joy. The problem is, nobody expects a Yaris to be this much fun, so it’s quietly ignored while everyone fawns over the latest Golf GTI.
But let’s be honest – if you want a car that will make you feel like you’re living in a rally stage on your daily commute, this is the one. It’s a time machine back to the days of McRae – minus the helmet and gravel in your teeth.
2. Ford Ranger XLT 4x4: The Off-Road Bargain
We all know the Ford Ranger. It’s practically the national vehicle of South Africa at this point. But the XLT 4x4, now this is where the magic happens. It doesn’t have all the shiny chrome bits or the tech overload of the Wildtrak, and it’s not trying to be a premium SUV with a bakkie bed. It’s just a good, solid, off-road machine.
And here’s the thing: it’s more than capable of keeping up with the big boys, even though it’s priced far below them. Sure, it’s not as plush, but do you really need leather seats and ambient lighting when you’re halfway up a mountain? No. You need something that won’t leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere, and the XLT does exactly that, without the price tag of a luxury lodge.
It’s the workhorse that you can rely on to climb a mountain and still look good when you wash it off and head to the shops.
3. Toyota Starlet XS: Cheap, Cheerful, and Seriously Overlooked
Now, I can hear the scoffing already. Toyota Starlet XS, really? But hear me out. This isn’t just a cheap car for people who need something to get from A to B. This is the car that punches way above its weight in just about every department.
It’s got wireless Apple CarPlay – which is unheard of in cars at this price – it’s ridiculously light on fuel, and it’s…well, cheap as chips. And when I say cheap, I don’t mean flimsy. I mean you’re getting incredible value for your money here.
It’s the kind of car that makes you think, "Why are people spending so much on something fancier when this does the job perfectly well?" It’s practical, efficient, and dependable – all the things we should be celebrating, yet it’s constantly overlooked in favor of flashier options.
4. BMW 340i xDrive: The Rocket in Sheep’s Clothing
Finally, we have the BMW G21 340i xDrive. This is the definition of a sleeper. It looks like a regular 3 Series station wagon, the kind of thing you’d see in the school parking lot or parked outside Woolies. But under the bonnet, it’s hiding a beast.
This car is fast – I’m talking shockingly fast for what it is. It’s got more performance than you’ll ever need on our, shall we say, less-than-perfect South African roads. But unlike some of its show-off siblings, the 340i doesn’t feel the need to scream about it. It just gets on with being brilliant, quietly humiliating far more expensive cars at the lights, while keeping you cocooned in comfort.
It’s like a wolf in sheep’s clothing, except in this case, the wolf can go from 0 to 100 quicker than most of its flashier rivals, all while carrying your groceries in the back.
So, What Else Is Hiding in the Shadows?
There you have it – four cars that deserve way more attention than they get. Each one of them quietly goes about being fantastic while the world fixates on their more premium counterparts or the latest "must-have" vehicle.
But now, I’ll leave the question with you: what other car do you think is overshadowed and forgotten? What underrated gem is out there, waiting to be celebrated? Because let’s be honest, sometimes the best things aren’t the ones with the biggest price tags or the flashiest badges – they’re the ones that just quietly do the job and do it brilliantly.