I think it is the turbocharged nature that makes the power delivery so savage.

Of course it is 🙂

Disclaimer: actually I do too but the extra horses would be of no real use other than bragging rights and some short bursts of acceleration on the motorway.

My car is capable of spinning its wheels... in fourth. In a mountain pass the dashboard becomes a Christmas-tree-light-fest if you are not extra careful.

I drive a 340bhp car which has all the performance you could possibly ever need and then some.

This. Although here a ticket costs around 1.5€ per ride, not five. If it cost 5 its usage would be far more limited...

I kept reading germanophobia instead of germophobia, making Daimler’s issues in my head much worse than they already are...

Thanks for the explanation. Understand the comparison, in terms of size it all depends on where you are.

We have another, very popular option, which are scooters of up to 125cc. They are specially prevalent in southern Europe.

Thanks for the explanation, that clarifies it.

From an European perspective it is difficult to understand pick-ups as luxury vehicles. Crudeness aside, the stuff you leave in the bed (which would otherwise be in the boot) is in the open where it can get damaged / wet (if it rains) / stolen / etc. Why would you want one if you don’t use it as a work vehicle?

The Tucson is at least two sizes smaller than the Telluride / Palisade and those aren’t sold in Spain. I know, I live there. 

I drive the hatchback version of it. It is an excellent grand tourer but in a proper country lane an MX-5 completely outclasses it, and it is also far less intimidating.

Not in Europe though. I don’t think Hyundai/Kia cars are that global.

BMW M240i?

The Sport220 (which I understand the closest competitor would be a 4C... which is out of production) is 53k.

Most probably it would have a Volvo engine.

This. This situation will probably kill a lot of interesting / sporty projects like every recession has done.

Lotus Cortina > Lotus Sunbeam > Lotus Omega > Lotus XC60?

Agree.