Dear Santa. For Christmas I would like…

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Dear Santa.

You probably don’t get many letters from adults so hopefully this one makes it on to your desk in time for Christmas.

Obviously, it’s approaching the busiest time of year for you, and no doubt you’re inundated with correspondence from all those children letting you know which presents they’d like to find under the tree on Christmas morning. Most of them are probably even claiming they’ve been the best-behaved child in the world over the last 12 months, despite the incident when someone left the door open and the dog escaped, or the shampoo that mysteriously smeared itself all over the bathroom, or the repeated and unexplained disappearance of the last chocolate biscuit in the packet.

Well, I can honestly say that this year I have worked really hard, treated everyone the way they deserve to be treated, and even managed to lose a few pounds – largely because the last biscuit keeps disappearing before I can eat it.

With that in mind, I thought it might be worth letting you know that I would really like something extra-nice for Christmas this year.

What I would really like is a special present to put a smile on my face and a spring in my step. Something to make that daily commute just a little bit more of an experience. It might also help for you to know that you wouldn’t even need to drag it down the chimney, you can just leave it on the driveway instead.

In short, Santa, what I would really like for Christmas is a new car to play with. Nothing too exotic (or expensive) of course. Just a little something that is fun to drive, and maybe just a little bit frivolous, but not completely over the top.

Something like……



One of those funky new Renault 5 E-Tech things. You know, the ones with the vibrant colours and quirky retro styling. They’re definitely a cool and trendy option, and they’re also practical enough for daily use with that versatile hatchback layout and up to 248 miles of range from a single charge. They’ve even got some great little options to personalise it, as well as the latest Google-based infotainment system and an AI voice assistant that can help you navigate, preheat the cabin, and even tell jokes when you’re stuck in traffic.



Failing that, I’d quite happily accept some wind-in-the-hair moments in a new Mazda MX-5 Roadster. You’re probably aware that it’s one of the best handling little cars out there, and while it may not be quite as practical as a hatchback, there are other considerations to be….considered. For one, it’s a charming little thing that looks exceptionally good whether the roof is up or down. It’s got the latest technology in the shape of the colour touchscreen, satnav, and wireless smartphone connection. And it’s the world’s best-selling roadster for a reason, namely that punchy 1.5-litre engine, the rear-wheel drive layout, and near perfect 50/50 weight distribution that makes it such a joy to drive.



Speaking of a joy to drive, there’s also a space on the driveway that’s the perfect size to park a Hyundai Ioniq 5 N instead. Yes, they are a little more expensive, but they’ve also got an all-electric powertrain that produces almost 650bhp and can hit 60mph in under 3.5 seconds. It’s not just about the power though. It also looks fantastic, it’s easily big enough to be incredibly practical, and can even go up to 278 miles between charges. The fact that it goes, stops, and changes direction like a racing car is just an added bonus really.



Alternatively - and this is probably a long shot but you never know unless you ask – there’s always something a little more traditional. And cars don’t get more traditional than the good old-fashioned bit of American muscle that is the Ford Mustang Dark Horse. Those lower side skirts, rear spoiler and diffuser, darkened headlights, and quad exhausts would make for an excellent Christmas Day. It’s probably not worth mentioning the 450bhp 5.0-litre V8 engine hiding under the bonnet – mainly because everyone will hear it the minute it roars into life on Christmas morning.



Although, if we’re talking about long shots we may as well push the boat out a little and see if it floats. And floating is something anyone would be doing if they were given a Lotus Emira for Christmas. It may be a little bit more extravagant than the others, but you only have to look at it to see the attraction. This isn’t just a sportscar, it’s a Lotus. That means phenomenal agility, crisp handling, and it can even do everyday usability despite the exotic supercar looks. It’s probably best when fitted with the 360bhp four-cylinder turbocharged engine, but you’re unlikely to hear any complaints if the 400bhp V6 version turned up on Christmas Day.

So, as you can see, Santa, it’s really not that much to ask for. Any one of the cars on this list would make somebody very happy indeed this Christmas, and surely we all deserve a little bit of fun and happiness this festive season…

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