California to Capri

California dreaming

Not only is California loved by A-listers from Hollywood, but it has also inspired car makers like Volkswagen and Ferrari. The Ferrari California was originally launched in 2008, followed by variants such as California 30 and most recently, California T.

Reaching 0-62mph in 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 196 mph, the California T not only looks great but is pretty powerful, as you would expect from Ferrari. It’s no wonder they named it after a place synonymous with glamour and it certainly wouldn’t look out of place riding down Rodeo Drive. You’ll need the bank balance of Brad Pitt to afford one, with a 2017 model starting from around £127,000.

Desert driving

We’re staying in the USA but travelling south, near the Mexican border for two destinations that inspired Hyundai – Tuscon and Santa Fe. Both large, 4×4 models, with the Tuscon the smaller, compact SUV of the two.

Both are well-equipped to handle all terrains, especially the hot climate of places they’re named after. There are many similarities between the two models, with size and price being the main difference, with a used Santa Festarting at around £23,000 and £14,000 for a Tuscon. The two locations, situated near the Mexican border, have similarities too with both steeped in Spanish history. Which leads us on to our next destination…

Woah, we’re going to Ibiza!

Being Spanish, it’s not hard to see why SEAT has a long history in naming its cars after towns and cities in Spain, from the likes of Leon, Toledo and Altea. But by far the most iconic of SEAT’s offerings is the Ibiza.

Named after the party loving island, both car and location are popular with the younger generation. The Ibiza is a great, sporty number and not too pricey! The 3-door option is perfect as a first car for someone who likes to be seen. Most modern models come in a variety of colours, sound system upgrades and all the gadgets.

Classic Capri

It’s a 2-hour plane journey from Ibiza to our next destination, Capri, an island in the Province of Naples. We’re also going back in time to the days of the Ford Capri, first released back in 1968. It was a highly successful model for Ford, going on to sell nearly 1.9 million in its 18-year run. Very much a classic car these days, depending on the condition and spec, a classic Capri can cost between £10,000 and £34,000.

Road to Rio

It’s time to get into the carnival spirit and head to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and the small compact from Kia. The Kia Rio is now in its fourth generation from the South Korean manufacturer since its original launch in 2000 and competes with the likes of the Ford Fiesta, VW Polo and Skoda Fabia. If you’re looking for a 2017 model, prices start from around £8,000 – £9,000.

Its namesake is a little more vibrant, known for its carnival, samba and beaches. It is one of the most visited cities in the world, with tourists flocking there every year to visit the many iconic landmarks including Christ the Redeemer.

Come to Cambridge

For the last stop on our world tour, we’re heading back home to the UK for the Austin Cambridge. Not only was it named after the university city in England, it was also British made in Oxford. Production of the Austin Cambridge ran for 17 years, in a range of body styles. Deluxe versions had heaters, leather seats and carpet, with a radio and clock as optional extras.

Cambridge itself is most famous for the world-renowned University of Cambridge, founded in 1209. Famous Cambridge alumni include Charles Darwin, Sir David Attenborough, Stephen Hawking and Prince Charles.