Another “fashion” of social networks to invade us — there's the #10yearchallenge. It can only be seen as a curiosity or a joke (the memes are already huge); or getting scared and realizing how we age in a decade; or even a “conspiracy” to get more effective algorithms for facial recognition software — believe me…
And the cars… How will they behave in this “challenge”? Did they change little, did they change so much that they were unrecognizable?
We selected 10 models that have been on the market for a decade, with the majority having gone through a generation or two and the results couldn't be more diverse and even intriguing...
Mercedes-Benz Class A
If 10 years in knots can mean 10 extra kg or 10 more gray hairs, no Mercedes-Benz Class A it is even synonymous with radical transformation. From compact MPV — in 2009 already in its second generation — based on an innovative platform, to one of the most popular hatchbacks (two volumes) in the premium C segment, also in its second generation.
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BMW 3 Series
At the BMW 3 Series , the 10 years that separate the E90 from the recent G20 reveal a clear commitment to evolution. It has never stopped growing — the G20 already rivals the 5 Series (E39) in size — but maintains the same overall proportions and contours — long bonnet and recessed cabin, thanks to the longitudinal engine and rear-wheel drive — despite the much more aggressive styling .
Citron C3
also the small Citron C3 was completely reinvented in its third generation. The first generation would end its career at the end of 2009, and its contours evoked those of the iconic 2CV — the cabin line is not misleading. The third generation, launched in 2016, made a clean sweep of the past — out with historical references. Split optics, Airbumps, and attractive chromatic combinations give a “fun” or playful character to a more conventional silhouette.
Honda Civic Type R
More than the visual change, the “philosophical” change when we consider the hot hatch universe in the last 10 years — goodbye three-door bodies and naturally aspirated engines. In case of Honda Civic Type R , the futuristic, cleaner and more assertive style of the FD2 generation has given way to a fighting machine in the FK8, where visual aggressiveness taken to an extreme is the motto.
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Jaguar XJ
Neoclassical or daring? After decades of being accused of repeating the same recipe started with first and reference Jaguar XJ in 1968, culminating in the X350 and X358 generation (2002 to 2009), in 2010 a truly radical XJ (X351) hit the market, going against the brand's reinvention started with the first XF. It's 2019, 10 years after its presentation, but its style remains as divisive as when it was introduced. Was it the right path for Jaguar?
Nissan Qashqai
Such was the success of the first Nissan Qashqai — launched in 2006, received a restyling in 2010 — that the Japanese brand did not change the recipe for the second generation, launched in 2013. It is not difficult to make the connection between the two generations, whether in volumes or in details such as the contour of the area side glazed. The restyling he suffered in 2017 brought more angular design details, especially at the front, but the crossover champion remains the same as himself.
Opel Zafira
Shock! That's how we felt when we saw the name Zafira associated with a commercial van in 2019. Despite the current generation of Opel Zafira is still for sale, we know that its destiny is set, after, very recently, the first images of the new Opel Zafira Life appeared. The Opel Zafira B, which was on sale in 2009, is still the fastest MPV on the Nürburgring, and despite more than 10 years on top, it visually doesn't give the new Zafira “van” a chance.
Peugeot 3008
Along with Class A, the Peugeot 3008 it's perhaps the most impressive reinvention we've seen in a model. From a strange SUV smoldering MPV (launched in 2008) — to taking advantage of the boom that started with the Qashqai — the second generation couldn't be more distinctive and appealing, a lot more sophisticated and even exuberant. An undeniable success at all levels.
Porsche 911
Nothing like a #10yearchallenge to lay bare the accusations that the Porsche 911 Do not change. Nevertheless, the differences are evident, with the brand new 992 revealing a fuller look than the more compact and slim 997.2. A continuous evolution since 1963, and one of the most iconic silhouettes in the automotive industry.
Fiat 500
The only one on the list that has truly changed little. THE Fiat 500 it has been on the market for 12 years, having undergone a slight restyling in 2015 which affected the design of the bumpers and optics. Otherwise, it's the same car. While the other models on this list have gone through a generation or two in 10 years, the Fiat 500 remains the same. A phenomenon — 2018 was its best sales year ever.