We have never driven so many electric cars in one year as in 2021. However, there is a good chance that we will break this record in 2022. But that does not mean that we have lost sight of petrol cars, on the contrary. We went looking for the 10 best new youngtimers of 2022 for you.
Electric driving will still be fully stimulated by The Hague in 2022. That was different in 2007. Some manufacturers experimented with hybrids, but otherwise it was mainly petrol and diesel that struck the clock. And there was some fun stuff in there! Entrepreneurs pay only 35 percent addition to the current market value for a youngtimer at the business, which often results in a favorable cost.
10. Peugeot 308
“A nice balance between comfort and sportiness.” That’s how we described the handling of the Peugeot 308 in 2007. We were also pleased with the spacious interior. Certainly with its headroom, the 308 scored highly compared to the competition. In addition, the inside of the Peugeot radiated a ‘certain degree of elegance’. Now, fifteen years later, this versatile hatchback is still like a baguette against the usual brown sandwich. And they change owners for little money.
9. Nissan Qashqai
A 5-door hatchback that stood slightly higher on the legs, with tough SUV features. With the Qashqai, Nissan opened up a completely new segment. Successfully! The Nissan Qashqai was an outright hit. After only a few months, Nissan already had to invest heavily in production capacity. The factory in British Sunderland simply could not keep up with the enormous demand. You will reap the benefits in 2022. The range of well-priced Qashqai’s is large, so there is always a nice one among them. And because it’s a Nissan, you don’t have to worry about a laundry list of defects. The Qashqai will still be rock solid in 2022.
8. Fiat 500
Another top seller was the Fiat 500. Inspired by the model of the same name from the 1950s, this sweet pastry put Fiat back on the map. The 500 was well put together and looked great. The sheer array of personalization options, in turn, ensured that no two 500s were alike. So if you can’t find a copy that suits you today, take another look at Marktplaats.nl tomorrow. Keep in mind, back then the price of the 500 was on the hefty side, and it’s no different now. The competition is cheaper, but has been overtaken by fashion.
7. Volkswagen Tiguan
In 2007, the compact SUV segment was in full bloom. Volkswagen was very late with the introduction of the Tiguan. But who has the last laugh… The Tiguan outclassed the competition on every level. Its interior was spacious and practical, its chassis excellent and the Tiguan didn’t miss a beat in terms of motor either. At the time, we hoped for a more spectacular appearance, but precisely because this was quite sober, the Volkswagen Tiguan will not look dated in 2022 either. Apparently many people are happy with their Tiguan and do not want to get rid of their trusty Volkswagen. The range of used copies is limited. If you run into a good one, take your chance.
6. Ford Mondeo
Always wanted to drive a Bond car, but is an Aston Martin above budget? In Casino Royale, 007 was briefly allowed to steer with the then new Ford Mondeo. Fans were absolutely not charmed by this. The lukewarm PR stunt in particular was an eyesore, not the Mondeo itself. The Ford has always been known for its sublime driving characteristics, and this third generation was no different. And with the pronounced Kinetic Design, Ford tuned the appearance a bit more on driving dynamics. At the time, the Mondeo was available as a traditional 4-door sedan, practical 5-door hatchback and as a spacious Wagon. We subjected the latter to an extensive test, which went well. In addition to a lot of space, it offered countless storage options. And how well he sent! We get Bond.
5. Mini Clubman
The new Mini has been a striking appearance since its introduction. The Clubman acted as a shooting brake there, with double back doors and a single suicide by, just a little bit more. Whether you think it’s beautiful or ugly, you can’t accuse Mini of a lack of guts. The Clubman managed to combine the go-kart-like driving characteristics that Mini is so famous for, with the practicality of a station wagon. The fast Cooper S in particular was a pleasure to drive. Especially if it was equipped with the optional sports suspension. A guts to keep in mind.
4. Mercedes C class (W204)
How do you worthily follow up on the best-selling car you’ve ever owned? In 2007, a new C-class had to follow in the footsteps of its predecessor, and it did so with good credit. The new C was a lot more dynamic, but did not lose sight of the acclaimed comfort. As befits a Mercedes, it was perfectly put together. The ergonomic interior was full of beautiful and chic materials and the finish was also at German level. This means that the third generation Mercedes C-class is still a popular model. The offer is large, but watch out for high mileage or encrypted copies.
3. Audi A5 Coupe
An elegant, clean-lined coupé with a touch of sportiness. That’s the Audi A5. The design is far from garish, but partly because of this, the two-door Audi becomes more and more beautiful as time goes by. The competitor for the coupé versions of the then BMW 3-series and Mercedes C-class was particularly comfortable. The sportier Audi S5 combined this with improved performance and driving characteristics, but never became exuberant. In a soaking test on the TT circuit in Assen, this S5 proved itself as a sporty sports coupé, ‘but with a but with a muted character’. In particular, the absence of engine noises stood out. Although that may also have been due to Bang & Olufsen’s magnificent (optional) sound system. Certainly with the right equipment, the Audi A5 is a grand tourer not to be sneezed at with which you absolutely do not cut a mud figure today.
2. Volvo V70
Mention the word ‘station wagon’ and many people think of the Volvo V70. The great Swede is the epitome of space, and has been for quite some time. For the third generation V70, the designers were tasked with making the model even more versatile and functional, but also more luxurious and dynamic. It was quite a challenge, but Volvo passed with flying colors. In the third-generation V70 you could transport even more moving boxes than in its predecessor, yet it did not resemble a moving Ikea cabinet. Volvo’s large station wagon is a beloved model in all its guises, especially the third generation. In 2022, sleek Scandinavian design is still up to date.
1. Maserati GranTurismo
Mouths fell open spontaneously when Maserati pulled the curtain on the new GranTurismo. What a beauty! The front with the large grille and the thousands of recognizable trident and viciously piercing headlights leave no misunderstanding about the origin of the GranTurismo. But also the elegant profile, ending in a voluptuous buttocks, leaves no car enthusiast untouched. Maserati unveiled a mouth-watering GT. And then that Ferrari V8 still has to scream. Pure experience, that’s what the stylish Italian was all about. It didn’t bother anyone that some parts, especially in the interior, were screwed together ‘on his Maseratis’. The GranTurismo was a classic in the making from the very first breath. We still have to wait for this status, but it can already be called ‘youngtimer’. And in our opinion the most beautiful on the market!
Other youngtimers for 2022
Do you disagree with us? Do you think that nicer new youngtimers have been added? We get that. There is also so much choice! We also thought of the Citroën C-Crosser, Fiat Bravo or Hyundai i30. Which youngtimer is your favorite?