Best French modern classic cars 2022

In automotive terms, France could be very best recognized for its affordable, utilitarian creations, but its again catalogue is also packed with tasteful design and style and genuine innovation. The finest French vintage vehicles drip with joie de vivre and which is definitely what possessing a fashionable classic car is all about. 

Granted, some of these French fancies may well have sold much better than some others, but that only provides to their rarity – a vital attribute in gaining traditional vehicle position. It is usually only following the passing of time that actually daring and modern layouts get started to be appreciated.

What’s sure is that none of these cars and trucks are boring and whichever you pick, there’s a real possibility to attain an appreciating and usable modern traditional with a unique French flavour.

Alpine A110

• ​​Price array: £42,000-£75,000
• Our choose: A110 Pure
• Engine: 1.8-litre 4cyl turbo, 249bhp
• Yrs developed: 2018-current

An fast basic the second the covers have been pulled off, the A110 combines spectacular retro seems to be with massive driver charm. Taking its cues from the 1960s initial, the mid-engined French machine’s mix of compact dimensions, lower kerbweight and punchy turbocharged engines assist make any journey an celebration to be savoured. 

The car’s astonishingly gentle suspension serves up crisp and participating dealing with, nonetheless it also makes it possible for the Alpine to trip with the ease and comfort of an executive saloon. 

Flagship S products pack 288bhp, but the standard 249bhp model offers the best blend of dynamic aptitude and worth – although no A110 is low-priced.

Citroen BX GTi

• Rate vary: £3,000-£8,000
• Our decide: BX GTi 16V
• Engine: 1.9-ltr 4cyl petrol, 160bhp
• A long time manufactured: 1987-1992

What does the gentleman who developed the Lamborghini Countach drive to perform? That was what Citroen requested in adverts for the BX back again in the late eighties, since famous Italian stylist Marcello Gandini was responsible for both equally the Lambo and the French hatch. 

In GTi 16V guise, the BX is one of the most underrated incredibly hot hatches, its low weight and 160bhp 1.9-litre engine providing it storming performance. But the special self-levelling hydro-pneumatic suspension is the actual star. Combining a pillow-smooth journey with precise dealing with, it implies the BX drives like no rival. But, it is a rare auto, so finding 1 will be difficult.

Peugeot RCZ-R

• Cost assortment: £12,500-£21,000
• Our decide: RCZ-R
• Motor: 1.6-litre 4cyl, 267bhp
• A long time manufactured: 2012-2015

If any fashionable Peugeot is certain long run basic position, then it is the rare RCZ-R. It seems to be quite a lot identical to the regular car or truck, but underneath its sleek skin it’s bursting with exotic substantial-general performance upgrades that make it fast and fun to travel. The 267bhp 1.6-litre motor characteristics cast pistons, strengthened con-rods and a twin-scroll turbo, while the chassis positive aspects from lowered and stiffened suspension, additionally entrance brakes from the 206 WRC rally car. 

As you’d hope, it’s a riot to push, with storming acceleration and scalpel-sharp handling. But it won’t be prolonged in advance of others get wind of this in any other case reduced-vital brief coupé, so acquire now just before it is also late.

Renault Clio V6

• ​​Price range: £38,000-£90,000
• Our pick: Clio V6 MK2
• Motor: 3.-litre V6, 247bhp
• Yrs made: 2001-2005 

A mid-engined, rear-wheel-generate, two-seat supermini? It would seem mad currently, but that’s just what Renault delivered when it released the wild Clio V6 in 2001. With a effective 227bhp motor where by the rear seats ought to be and bulging bodywork, the fiery French fancy is in a class of its own when it will come to attracting notice. 

Twitchy handling made early automobiles a little bit of a handful, but the facelifted 247bhp version that arrived in 2003 had chassis tweaks for more predictable dealing with. Nevertheless you nevertheless will need your wits about you. Mainstream makes are not likely to make anything as daring once again, so it is no shock selling prices are rising.

Renault Espace

• ​​Price variety: £2,000-£5,000
• Our select: Espace 2. TXE
• Motor: 2.-litre 4cyl, 120bhp
• Several years produced: 1984-1991

This revolutionary persons carrier appears to be as futuristic today as it did when it made its debut in 1984. With its distinct angular styling, fibreglass system panels and significant glass spot, the Espace packs seven seats into compact proportions. The cabin is hugely functional, with seats that can be folded or taken out, although the entrance ones swivel to create a lounge location when you are stopped. 

It drives nicely, much too, with peppy petrols and frugal diesels, in addition remarkably auto-like handling. In a entire world of superior-driving SUVs, this more and more exceptional Renault MPV is a little bit of novelty these times, and is also a certain upcoming common.

Renaultsport Megane R26

• ​​Price selection: £6,000-£14,000
• Our select: Mégane F1 Group Edition R26
• Motor: 2.-litre 4cyl petrol turbo, 227bhp
• Decades generated: 2006-2009

Renault has a abundant history of scorching hatch heroes – and the Mégane R26 is one of the finest. Developed to celebrate the brand’s Formula 1 success, the rapidly entrance-generate hatch is discovered by its distinctive decals and 18-inch alloys. Beneath the pores and skin there is a punchy 227bhp turbocharged 2.-litre engine, additionally a Cup chassis established-up that offers stiffer springs, a minimal-slip differential and potent Brembo brakes. 

The stripped-out, two-seat R model is even a lot more thrilling, but it is ideal reserved for superior days and vacations. Both equally are exceptional, but find 1 and you are going to be rewarded with a cracking retro road rocket.

Fashionable classics on Car Convey…