9 Future Cult Cars

Machines that will have their own clubs in 10 years’ time – if not already

1. AUDI S1

Cramming an S3’s drivetrain into the A1’s tiny body birthed a supermini like no other. At $50K, it isn’t cheap, but owners will know what they’ve scored. There’s not a huge chance Audi, or anyone else, will build something like this again.

2. MERCEDES-AMG A45

AMG turned the hot hatch establishment on its head when its A45 dive-bombed into the segment. It proved so popular AMG couldn’t build enough to satisfy demand – and it’s so fast it will still command respect well into used-car days.

3. SUBARU BRZ

With such a strong marketing campaign behind it, there’s no wonder sales have favoured Toyota’s side in the BRZ/86 relationship. The upside to this, however, is that the BRZ will be the rarer car, and the more desirable, as the years pass.

4. BMW M2 PURE

Both revered and feared in equal measure, BMW’s 1M was steeped in cultish appeal. The M2 cashes in on its predecessor’s reputation while smoothing off its prickly nature. It promises to be just as big a hit.

5. PEUGEOT 308 GTi 270

Without anything to follow the 306 Rallye, people may have forgotten Peugeot can build a ripper mid-size hot hatch. The new 308 GTi 270 is a return to form. It’s fast, polished and comfortable, but will need time to earn respect from VW GTI fans.

6. FORD FIESTA ST

Ford’s junior ST proved numbers don’t matter unless you’re talking price. Even with 1.6 litres and two-wheel drive, it’s won Bang For Your Bucks two times in an event that’s quite good at predicting cult heroes – namely the WRX and SS Commodore.

7. TESLA MODEL S P90D

There was probably an owners’ club for the Model S before it even existed, but it’s the P90D’s ‘big-battery’ acceleration we’d find easiest to bond over. However, knowing-nods could too easily spark ‘ludicrous’ drag races with enthusiastic owners.

8. SKODA OCTAVIA RS

Take the Golf GTI’s 162kW/350Nm drivetrain, stuff it in a more spacious sedan package, build it in Czech Republic, and you have a cut-price Q-car, aka the Octavia RS. Not so popular as its German-built cousin, but a big hit with those who bought it.

9. KIA PROCEED GT

Kia Oz has never sold a car quite like it. Styled in Europe, built in Slovakia and tuned here, the GT was about posh looks and polished performance, but was killed off after failing to sell. Set to be replaced with a sportier four-door Cerato.