Every country, no matter how big or small it is, has a variety of car cultures. Japan is famous for its rear-wheel drive drift machines, Monaco for its European exotics, and while our country isn’t exactly famous for its cars, it does have plenty of cultures – deriving from either a lifestyle, a car brand or even a car model.
The off-road bunch
From Suzuki Samurais and Vitaras to larger machines like the Jeep Wrangler or Toyota Land Cruiser, off-road enthusiasts in Lebanon are nearly impossible to not spot, partly thanks to the LED light bars on their lifted SUVs and the noise produced by their 4×4 tyres.
The BMW bunch
BMW is one of the most popular car brands in the country. The German automaker makes fun-to-drive, practical and solid cars for varying budgets. Most famous here are some of the older models like the E30 and E36 3 Series, and it’s easy to see why: they’re the cheapest way to go sideways without having to spend fortunes.
The Volkswagen Golf bunch
From first- and second-generation Golf GLs to newer-generation Golf GTIs and Rs, the German hatchback is widely popular here. It isn’t rear-wheel drive, but it is the front-wheel drive equivalent of a BMW 3 Series – sort of. And just like older BMWs, older VW Golfs are rarely ever kept in stock form.
The American muscle car bunch
We have a Chevy Camaro club, a Ford Mustang club, and a couple of other muscle cars clubs. American muscle cars feature big, gas-guzzling and loud engines, which makes them a not-so-perfect choice in terms of efficiency, but you know what they say: it’s not about miles per gallon, it’s about smiles per mile.
The WRX STi/Lancer Evo bunch
“Rally cars for the road” is what their owners call them, and they are actually correct. The Subaru (Impreza) WRX STi and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution are the closest thing to a rally car thanks to their powerful engines and all-wheel drive systems. Also, they serve as great family cars in all weather conditions, hence why they are sought-after.