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Traveling with your partner through an idyllic place, culminating in a romantic dinner in a remote, unknown and, above all, beautiful place can be a great plan to spend Valentine's night. There are many possible uses for a car on Valentine's Day, but in no case can they be the ones that take center stage on such a special occasion. Whether it's impressing your new partner or looking for something more practical, these are some of the proposals for the best cars for the day of love.
Mazda MX-5: Hair in the Wind
A convertible never fails, and even less so if it is a light, agile and fun-to-drive two-seater. Perhaps it is due to the influence of cinema, which has recorded in the collective imagination scenes such as the Alfa Romeo Spider 1600 Duetto from 'The Graduate' (1966) driven by Dustin Hoffman, driving feeling the wind on your face with your partner has incalculable value.
On the other hand, and no matter how charming the classics may be — even more so if they are Italian and red in color — today's cabriolets are much more sophisticated, comfortable to drive and silent, since the engineers have studied aerodynamics and They have ensured that the air flows around the passenger compartment and not inside it.
Since the MX-5 is very light, it doesn't require a lot of power to be a very fun car to drive, especially if the route chosen is a bit crowded and twisty. All versions, whether with the 1.5-litre (131 hp) or 2.0-litre (160 hp) engine, have rear-wheel drive and a fast, direct manual gearbox. If you still prefer the Italian style, Fiat will develop its 124 hand in hand with Mazda. Unfortunately, this model is already in production in 2021, but there are still units on the second-hand market, even with 170 hp Abarth versions.
Land Rover Range Rover: 'off-road' quote
One of the qualities for which the Range Rover stands out —and always has— is its ability to get anywhere without breaking a sweat. Whether on or off the asphalt, the mythical off-roader will carry its occupants with sophistication and luxury, making it one of the best options for the most adventurous couples.
Let the city of Valentine have a simple picnic or gaze at the stars, activities for which the Range Rover will have no problem reaching the furthest reaches. On the other hand, if what you want is to arrive at a restaurant reservation with style, we can also count on the solutions of English engineers, without the low emission zones, since it has plug-in hybrid engines.
As a result of the equipment, the engineers and designers of the vehicle have special emphasis on the audio system, our sole intention of achieving the best sound quality, and also because of a total of 35 speakers distributed inside the coach to form a Effective active road noise cancellation system. This system includes a pair of 60mm speakers in the headrests of the four main occupants to create individual quiet zones, similar to the effect of a pair of high-end headphones.
Skoda Superb Combi: when size matters
It is a familiar tick. But its new lines make it not exactly "daddy's car", since it has an aesthetic, if not sporty, at least adventurous. The advantage of the Superb Combi over its competitors is space.
With five occupants on board declared a trunk of 660 liters -27 more than in its predecessor-, overwhelming and that stop at 1.950 liters if we lower the rear seats. In other words, at the level of a medium minivan, suitable for, for example, a small domestic move (although this is not going to be our Valentine's purpose).
For Valentine's Day, obviously, they will only occupy the two front seats. Which leaves us a surface in the rear of the vehicle in which, if we are not careful, even a double bed fits.
But the Superb is not just capacity and generosity in its measurements. Also quality, bordering on the coveted Premium segment, if not on par. And, of course, technology: without going any further, it is the first model of the manufacturer with a DCC chassis, which allows several modular technical elements -including suspension calibration, throttle response and the liveliness of the automatic change- between modes of walked Dynamic, Eco, Sport, Comfort, Normal and Custom.
Volkswagen T6 California: great sensations
If it is about offering the most romantic evening possible, the Volkswagen T6 California may be the best alternative. First, because the passenger compartment of this surfer whim easily became a “sleeping car”; What's more, it can accommodate four adults once the roof is raised, as in the image above, so that without going to such a party, it will delight any couple.
And, second, because the rest of its interior possibilities, even with a small kitchen, greatly expand its range of action, its possibilities and its versatility.
Comfortable, of the highest quality – yes, prices range between 44.193 and 58.236 euros – and with exemplary dynamics, especially if we look at its weight and dimensions, for the T6 California VW offers turbodiesel engines from 102 to 204 hp. manual or automatic transmission and sequential DSG and even 4Motion all-wheel drive, to get away from the madding crowd along a path or path that allows us to enjoy views and “magical” moments.
Peugeot Rifter: space in abundance
A more affordable version than the Volkswagen California, but that also more than meets the interior space, either to transport adventure equipment such as canoes —the long versions of the Rifter are close to five meters in length— or you can improvise a bed in the rear, folding down the rear seats.
For this year, Stellantis has canceled the marketing of the thermal models of this family —among which are also the Citroën Berlingo and the Opel Combo Life—, relegating them exclusively to zero-emission engines. If you want to opt for diesel or gasoline propellants, be sure to consider the commercial variants, which involve other ITV conditions, for example.
Still, these touring derivatives are a sensible option if you want to plan long trips or trips that require a lot of luggage. Unlike the Range Rover mentioned above, there will be no shortage of spending more than 100.000 euros to emerge into nature and spend an unforgettable night under the stars.
The extra centimeters will also be highly appreciated by those who decide to "camperize" the model. In this sense, the brand also offers dealers a transformation through the Tinkervan trainer, which adds a rear bed sufficient for two adults up to 1,80 meters to rest; as well as a refrigerator and an autonomous electricity and heating system, with an inverter from 12V to 230V. All this for a price, according to Peugeot, “less than 30.000 euros”.
Dacia Jogger: 'low-cost' minivan
The new Jogger, which will arrive at dealerships in April but for which it is already possible to place orders, is a family member that combines the best of each segment. It has the length of a 'station wagon', the roominess of a combi and the design and robustness of an SUV. From 14.990 euros, this model is offered in two versions of 5 and 7 seats -for adults seven even in the third row- and two engines with a six-speed manual gearbox: a 110 hp gasoline engine or a LPG (with gasoline) of 100 horsepower The offer will be completed with the first year 2023 with the arrival of a hybrid version, thus becoming the first Dacia model to benefit from hybrid technology.
In fact, its modularity stands out. The seats have more than 60 possible combinations, including the latest, independent ones, including being able to complete the checkbox and turn it into a seat for 5. To this volume we must add more than 23 liters of storage space distributed throughout the cabin. In addition, this model will fit among the best 7-seaters on the market and will allow adults to comfortably fit in the third row.
The Jogger shows that it is necessary to spend a fortune to have a capable and spacious vehicle to carry out any plan, highlighting that, on Valentine's Day, the importance is not in the container that takes you to the destination, but in knowing how to get there.
Rent a classic: a different option
According to the US trade association, spending on Valentine's Day in that country alone is estimated to reach 23.900 billion dollars, 9,6% more than a year ago. So all planes include the classic chocolates, flowers and restaurant and hotel reservations, one way to make it memorable is to share a luxury classic car for the day, especially if you both share the same love for cars.
There are many options available — and an equally wide price range — but any exclusive model, and especially if it's a sports car, will surprise your partner when it comes to your planes.
A choice that never fails is a Porsche 911, but here it is better to bet on the sincerity of your own tastes and take the opportunity to rent a Ferrari, if it has always been your dream.
