Re: The Efficient Future - Make the Best of it Competition
User: earincon198
Company: Ignis
Car: Stella R200
Another good looking, well balanced, but low scoring car, the Stella R200 is quite a treat! For just over $32k, you get a very usable 1.7 Liter Turbo 4 with a quick spooling turbo that still puts out a nice consistent stream of Horsepower. But you’ll soon realize the tradeoff. For this tiny, well-tuned little engine just devours fuel! This is in part to engine tune, but also this car is not light. The sturdy AWD hatchback tips the scales at 3470lbs. But due to the engine’s small size and quick spooling turbo, it still achieves 24.6 MPG and burns it’s fuel pretty thoroughly, meaning the green party will give it a pass, but not recommended.
So how does the car drive? Quite well, actually. The geared LSDs at both ends of the car gets the power to the ground extremely effectively, while the suspensions’ stiff Active Dampers and Sway Bars keep the car planted. However, this extremely firm ride makes for some discomfort on bumpy roads, and undrivable on bad roads. On the track, smooth as butter. The sporty interior maintains this theme, as do features such as Launch Control & fully adjustable ESC & TC. You’ll also feel safe whipping around in this car, not just because it’s good at avoiding accidents, but it’s weight, rigidity, and safety features are enough to give you peace of mind. The theme of sportiness continues with the Soft compound low profile tires and Double Clutch Gearbox.
But the engine just felt too small for the weight and sportiness of the car. A little more displacement would give the car better performance on a leaner mix, including more torque and better economy. Or keep the engine small, boost economy, save weight by skipping AWD, and make the suspension more comfy to make it a more practical eco car. But the current combination felt like it was trying to hard to be everything, so it ended up excelling at nothing. Well, save handling, which again, sporty handling seems to be this cars primary focus above all else.
So just like the AMU-O, a well balanced car finishes near the back of the pack. Not because it’s bad at something, but it just doesn’t really stand out in any particular way. And that’s important in today’s market.
The Efficient Future Rank: 19/20 @ 1057.8 points
Summary: Very balanced car, but relatively high fuel consumption & emissions output, lack of comfort, and lack of many stand-out features hold the R200 back. The handling is phenomenal despite the car’s weight.
Carskick’s Overall Subjective Score: 7.0/10
Summary: A Very sporty hatchback for only $32k does capture my heart. But I find the engine and aggressive handling combination a little puzzling.
Website or Forum thread: Initial announcement of first car: 1984 Kirk C130T
Company ID: 2015519
Current Compeititon: The Efficient Future - Make the Best of it