Open-top CLE Coupe
It combines a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder turbo engine that produces a maximum output of 204 PS and a maximum torque of 320 Nm with a second-generation ISG.
GENROQ magazine’s front page features premium, ultra-high performance super sports and premium models…in 2024, enthusiasts will be captivated by a host of prestigious cars, including the Lamborghini Revuelto, Ferrari 12 Chilindori, Pagani Utopia, and Rolls-Royce Specter.
On the other hand, for 2024, I would like to choose some great cars for 2024 that are in a different position from the super flashy models mentioned above (and also have super vehicle prices), but that I personally want to share with you again. I, Ishikawa from the GENROQ editorial team, have chosen two cars that are neither super sports cars nor premium SUVs, but are for sophisticated connoisseurs who want to “enjoy the flavor of the brand.”
The first car is the Mercedes-Benz CLE 200 Cabriolet Sport (hereinafter referred to as CLE200). This model was released in 2024 as an open version of the CLE Coupe, which debuted in 2023.
Good old Mercedes
An “air cap,” consisting of a draft stop behind the rear seats and a wind deflector above the front window, prevents wind from entering.
In fact, the CLE200 is a rare and precious vehicle, being the only open-top model in the Mercedes-Benz lineup. The lineup is also very straightforward, with only one grade available.
As you’d expect from a Mercedes, the comfort of this open-top model is excellent, with “air caps” made up of window reflectors and draft stops in the rear seats preventing wind from getting into the car, and air scarves built into the front seats keep your neck warm in winter.
However, that alone doesn’t make it a classic car. The reason I chose this car as a classic car for 2024 is because it has a driving feel reminiscent of Mercedes from the good old days. Like modern cars, starting off is incredibly smooth, thanks to the ISG. The highlights are the suspension and handling. The steering feel is linear and relaxed, without any sense of hecticness, and the optional Dynamic Body Control suspension delivers a smooth, supple, and exquisite ride feel. Despite its modern interior, this car offers a ride that truly suits enthusiasts. This is one of my favorite cars for 2024, and it makes me want to enjoy a leisurely cruise in the CLE200 when I’m a little older.
Fiat-like driving
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Fiat 600e
[1] It is fitted with specially designed 18-inch wheels. The rear has a voluminous style. [2] It features a round center cluster and two-spoke steering wheel inspired by the original 600. The seats are accented with blue stitching.
My second personal favorite car is, once again, not a GENROQ favorite, but it’s the Fiat 600e. Fiat’s first model in the Japanese market in a year and a half is the 600e, a crossover BEV equipped with a 54kWh lithium-ion battery.
The design is inspired by the original 600, Fiat’s first rear-engine car, which appeared in 1955, and it’s a great modern take on the iconic round LED headlights and two-spoke steering wheel. The body dimensions are 4200mm long, 1780mm wide, and 1595mm high, making it perfect for Japanese road conditions.
The reason I chose the 600e is because, like the CLE200 mentioned above, the 600e embodies a driving style that is truly typical of a Fiat.
The steering is slow, and the handling turns as smoothly as you turn the rudder, and the suspension has ample stroke, smoothly absorbing the unevenness and ruts in the road surface. This is a truly Fiat experience. The 600e is a BEV, but it is 200% Fiat. It is a model that appeals to everyone, but also has the potential to satisfy even the most discerning drivers.
In addition to the gorgeous cars that grace the pages of GENROQ magazine, we have two classic cars that Ishikawa will be driving in 2024, chosen entirely based on his own personal subjective opinion. Please take a test drive and see for yourself. It’s sure to be an eye-opener!
PHOTO／Kenji ICHI
