OFF LIMITS
As a child in Mexico City, I grew up surrounded by VW Beetles and Nissan Tsurus blaring a brunette Shakira’s early work. Whether iconic green-painted taxis or privately owned cars, those two models played a big role in the lives of Mexican families. And like with the budding Latin pop star, few in the U.S. even knew they existed.
Back then, the Mexican car market wasn’t known for cool cars. But over the past two decades, as new automakers have entered the country and participated in its vibrant economy by building assembly plants, youthful and distinct vehicles have begun to populate the streets.
I’m not talking about cheap, small cars, either, but fun, inspiring, thrilling enthusiast models. Today, the Mexican market is full of surprises. From the 290-hp Seat León Cupra hatchback to the subcompact Suzuki Swift Sport with its revvy four-cylinder turbo, dozens of delicious treats unavailable to American shoppers exist south of the border.
Blame stricter safety regulations, costly emissions compliance laws, and big competition (not to mention the “chicken tax” on imported pickups) for keeping many of these global models off U.S. soil.
During my recent trip to Mexico City, I had the chance to drive six cars that haven’t made it stateside. From the wallet-friendly Dodge Neon
