QOTD: What Car Looks Better in Person Than in Pics?
The Acura Integra has been generating a lot of conversation since it launched. I finally scheduled one for a test loan, and I am excited to drive it, even though it will be a while before that date (we often schedule cars at least a month out, and two months out is not uncommon).
That said, I haven't been enamored with its looks, at least in pictures.
Nor has at least one other staffer, whose name rhymes with Morrie. But here's the thing -- I've also seen the Integra up close a couple of times now. Once at a local event back in December, and a few times on the street. I find it much, much better looking in person, especially in A-Spec guise with dark gray paint and blacked-out wheels. That's the color combo on the one I saw at the event -- and I think it's the exact car I will be testing.
This happens a lot in this business. Sometimes you see a new car for the first time in photos, not in person -- we can't make it to every shrimp-filled launch event -- and think it's an uggo. Then you get a chance to see it up close at an auto show or on a dealer lot, or one shows up at your door, and you realize it looks much better in person.
The opposite also happens, but not nearly as often. It sorta happened to me with the new Prius -- I dug it in photos but was a bit underwhelmed seeing it in person a couple of months ago.
Anyway, I am sure this has happened to you, too, as a consumer and/or car enthusiast. This phenomenon isn't limited to automotive journalists, though maybe we notice it more.
What car gave you the creeps in photos but turned your head in person?
Sound off below.
[Image: Acura]
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I do know that Honduhs and Toyoduhs have a special level of eye irritation when you see them in person. I think it is airborne rolling rabies.
I just got a Santa Cruz and in person its bigger but less edgy then I was expecting. After seeing so many pictures I was imagining this tiny thing but my immediate reaction was in person its taller and wider, even muscular in stance compared to my Dakota. Of course compared to a full size truck its still a mini-blob, but what looks odd in pictures - like the door triangle body line - is hardly noticeable in person. The whole vehicle flows better in person vs its weird vibe in photos. However it looks terrible in white, like a half melted marshmallow. Like most vehicles the gray and pastel colors (mine is a light blue) work well for its body type. It really does look best in the dull green launch / promo color.
In constrast the Maverick looks like an 80's mini truck that doesn't even register as a new or modern vehicle, its just a boring slab from all angles. I think Ford missed the boat and should have copied more of the Broncos styling cues instead: such as the round lights and fender flares to break up the squareness.