What Your Car Looked Like Back In The Day

Ford Fiesta

Then

Now

The Ford Fiesta: the UK's best selling car and the long-term staple of learners and fresh passed drivers everywhere. The boxy design of it's 1976 debut model was replaced by Ford's 'New Edge' styling in 1999, characterized by the soft arcs and rounded features which are more akin to the Fiesta of today.

Vauxhall Corsa

Then

Now

Debuting in 1982, it started out life as the Opel Corsa before becoming the Vauxhall Nova in the UK and later the Corsa again, reviving the name in the early 90's. Major facelifts feature in the late 90's when the rounded bumper which was becoming vogue in the industry was adopted. Later changes include the 'Eagle eye' headlamps and new grill style which looks awfully happy from the right angle.

More after the jump...

Volkswagen Golf

Then

Now

Also known as the Rabbit in the US and Canada, the Volkwagen Golf first debuted in 1974 sporting the sharp angles and square bumpers popular in the era and later adopting the curves and arcs of the late 90's which have remained in a form in the modern incarnation.

Mini Cooper

Then

Now

The iconic British motor: the Mini Cooper has change very little aesthetically over the years compared to some of the other motors on this list. Making its debut in 1959, the Mini began life as the Morris Mini-Minor before the model was diversified to target different markets. The current incarnation features the same iconic design updated for the modern market as BMW push the limits of the MINI concept.

Fiat 500

Then

Now

Introduced as the Nuevo 500, this little Italian runaround was one of the original city cars. Reminiscent of the Mini in design, in my opinion, this little car is cute as a button. The Fiat 2007 redesign paid homage to the original design for that retro feel. They did a good job sticking to their roots - the heritage of the new model is quite clear.

Nissan Micra

Then

Now

The first Micra appeared on our roads in 1982 under the name Datsun. In a similar move to it's competitors, the Micra has gradually evolved from the angular and boxy, to soft, rounded contours adopted in the 90s. It has since gone through several updates, including a coupe convertible model announced in 2005.

Honda Civic

Then

Now

The Honda Civic, released in 1972, brought Honda from the brink of exiting the motor manufacturing industry after the lukewarm reception to its predecessor. It has since gone through several redesigns, and is now a popular option for modification.