This older silver Nissan Micra was available in Canada, but with a tiny car like this, who would have thought of a cabrio version and one with a costly folding hardtop, at that. Well, for some reason Nissan did and I saw a handful on our trip. Not a great looking sedan and definitely an odd looking drop top.
A year or so ago, I wrote about what I thought would be the new for 2017 Passat, since they had just released an updated version in Europe and we in North America, usually follow about a year later, as is VW's normal modus operandi. Well, this didn't happen, as we still have a rather long in the tooth Passat, well overdue for an update. If my guess had been accurate, we might see something very similar to this in our VW showrooms......
Now, anyone with any sort of eyesight, will see that this is not a Passat. Good eye. Indeed, it is a Skoda, a VW company, but this updated Octavia, seen in Athens, parallels the Passat, so it is logical to assume our Passat could have looked like this. But, when is our "old" Passat going to get its new clothes?
Here's another oldie.......
And of course, you know that this was the ground breaking Citroen of the 1950's and 60's. Way ahead of its time, but this recent model shows how this brand was not able to maintain that progressive style, which made it famous. More recently their unusual, but very cool, Cactus models have once again picked up a different (and maybe groundbreaking) vibe, but as an suv.
And cute little cars were everywhere, like this purple Peugeot 108, seen high on the caldera in Fira, Santorini......
Early in the season, so in the morning temps were a touch nippy (check out how that beautiful blond is attired), until the sun warmed things up to a very pleasant 20 degrees Celsius. I'm sure that would keep this model's fabric top closed until mid-day.
And speaking of little cars.........
......there were lots of these Opel Corsa's running around with blocked off back side windows. This in effect transforms them into little trucklets, as you can see from these two belonging to an electronics company. Neat and economical work vehicles. How come we don't see something like this in Canada?
Over here the Audi range keeps getting broader, as smaller and more varied models are added to their range. One model we don't see and I'm not really sure we ever will, is the A1.........
This almost miniature sized cabrio is no longer available anywhere (maybe too close to the A3 cab?), but there are still a few roaming around Europe. Tidy design and a bit smaller than a Honda Civic, although about double the cost. Check out the nameplate before you complain.
Now to a car for which I have low expectations in North America, the Alfa Romeo, in this case the MiTo.......
In Europe this car comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, not just the midsize sedan and upcoming suv. Oops, I forgot about their sportscar, which is selling like hot coffee at the beach in Summer (you figure it out). Guaranteed, these junior models will never see our side of the Atlantic.
A twofer.........
In one nice shot in Crete, a older BMW 1 series and an older Opel cabrio. Typical of Greece, most of the cars were of the older variety, with few newer ones. Something to do with their economy, would be where the smart money would place their bets.
And, now to wrap it up and to make a connection with my part 1 blog on Greece, the ubitquitous smart car, but in the four door version, which like the cheaper Alfa's we will never see over here........
.......and with four doors, this is almost not a "smart" car anymore. And what about the smart sportcar? How "smart" is that?
Greece, the land of antiquities, many of which are still rolling along those mountainous roads. Those mountainous roads with stunning scenery, that lead to wonderful restaurants, old ruins and for the car person, a parking lot full of unique European machinery. Put it on your bucket list.
Until next time.......
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