2009 Small Aftermarket

Sedan & Hatch

​   With the ever increasing demand for small cars, it was no wonder that there would be an increase in demand for pocket rockets.  Since the release of “The Fast and the Furious”, there has been an ever increasing demand for pint-sized pocket rockets, from the factory.  

With many consumers opting to purchase their fun cars, instead of building them, the demand for small aftermarket cars, continues to rise.  Just about every new model from car companies now, has either aftermarket parts available, or an aftermarket model available.  Consider Subaru and Mitsubishi, each have two major aftermarket models available and each has a large slice of the aftermarket pie.  Now with the increase in pocket racing events like, drifting, rallye, the X-Games and the Xbox cup, more and more consumers want their small cars to perform like their favourite drivers cars.
            This year’s winner was no exception to the rules of, “if you build a nasty car, consumers will want it”.  This model has been around since the late 80’s and is no stranger to the aftermarket scene. So for this year AutoLooks names the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution the AutoLooks A+ winner.  Originally built for Rallye racing, the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, is no exception to being a nasty car.  Considering there are near cult followings to this model, almost to the extent of the Nissan GT-R.  From its satanistic headlamps, to the massive front air duct, anyone can see that this car means business.  Just about every feature on this car is done right and from almost every angle you can see that this car looks fast and is mean. Even the taillights are evil.
            Well even in a segment, which is known for its beauty, there always has to be one ugly duckling.  And considering that almost every contender ranked near to each other, there was one that stood out as not being all that vicious.  So for this year the Rusty will have to go the 2009 Seat Leon Cupra.  Although it has one of the best looking set of rims, it still does not hide that sad looking face and fish gill air intakes.  One problem that always seems to plague Seat is the placement and design of the front grille, it always seems like it does not fit with the front end.

​Everett J.

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Small Aftermarket Contenders:
 
A+         2009 Mitsubishi        Lancer Evolution
2nd       2009 Dodge               Caliber SRT4
3rd        2009 Ford                  Focus RS
4rd        2009 Seat                  Ibiza Cupra
5th        2009 Proton              Satria R3
6th        2008 Fiat                   500 Abarth
7th        2008 Toyota              Aurion TRD
8th        2009 Honda              Civic Type R
9th        2009 Pontiac             G6 GXP
10th       2009 Subaru             Impreza WRX
Rusty    2009 Seat                  Leon Cupra