It occurred to me when I had reached this week's test car, a Volkswagen Jetta TDI, that it was not in its natural habitat. After all, since when has a diesel-powered four door saloon been a fit for the beach?
But, then I started thinking: what would make a great beach car?
There is nothing worse than tracking sand into a high-priced exotic or luxury sedan. No matter how much you try to rid yourself of that wretched stuff, most likely those granuales are clinging onto you somewhere. So, one would think that something that is easy to maintain and clean up would be preferred.
Perhaps a Land Rover Defender 90, Toyota FJ Cruiser, Nissan Xterra or a stripper Mazda Miata MX-5 would fit the bill? Assuming you do not want to look like everyone else with their jacked-up Jeep Wranglers.
It seems that the big deciding factor becomes how much utility does one need. Can you squeeze by with the limited space of a Mini Cooper S convertible or will you need the added space a SUV provides?
Weigh in and let's hear what you think.
2009 Frankfurt Motor Show Sneak Preview-Eight Weeks Early!!!!!