There is a lot of thought that goes into creating a new car. What it should do, how it should do it, and ultimately who will buy it. So capturing that huge slice of lucrative retail pie is, of course, the end game. Some cars are destined to be sales hits, with the likes of the Mini dishing out tons of character, whilst the Ford F150 continues to dominate its sales chart year after year.

A proportion of these vehicles draw the attention of gearheads, as they promise to be a hoot to drive and possibly offer up future tuning potential. But then, gearheads are not like normal people. They look beyond the vehicle statistics and figures, they assess a vehicle on a whole separate rating system. They look at a Ford Fiesta ST not just as a fast hatchback, but as a possible solid base for an extreme build.

That's the difference between being a gearhead and being a regular person. It's having the insight to cast a knowing eye over a fleet of cars and pick out the true heroes. Popularity counts for nothing, just because a vehicle sold well or is the in-thing doesn't mean it's worthy of a gearhead's time. As an example, here are 10 cars regular people love... but gearheads avoid

10 Honda Accord Hybrid

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source:netcars

It is one of the most popular new hybrid cars in America. A refined sedan that offers up acres of interior space, plenty of luggage space, and plenty of comforts. It'll cover about 600 miles on a tank, and hit 60mph in 6.7 seconds thanks to its 212hp combined drive system.

What it doesn't offer is anything to generally get excited about. The Accord Hybrid is a fine vehicle, but it's nothing more than a modern appliance. Get in, drive and get out. Repeat daily until it's time to upgrade. It's not a car you can fall in love with.

Related: 5 Aston Martins We'd Buy Used (3 We Stay Away From)

9 Tesla Model S

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source:netcars

Every gearhead knows that a Tesla Model S is fast. Scratch that. They know that a Tesla Model S is ridiculously fast and almost unbeatable in a straight line drag. The Plaid models eat hypercars like they are snacks, hitting 100mph in 8 seconds.

The way a Tesla piles on speed is simply effortless. It's a thrill ride that is done in absolute silence, with no awesome internal combustion soundtrack. And that's the problem. Being a gearhead is all about getting the performance and right sound as you get your hands oily while tuning and experiencing the results. Unplug and go is not in the spirit of being a true gearhead.

8 Nissan Juke

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The roads of Europe are awash with Nissan Jukes. Both generations sold in enormous numbers thanks to their quirky styling, low running costs, and stylish appeal. The diesel models could eke out 50mpg averages, whilst the petrol-powered turbo counterparts serve up some fun.

Generation one models were dreadfully finished inside and offered minimal rear passenger space with a trunk that could only carry matchboxes. The second-generation cars are better finished but now all eco-friendly, resulting in zero amount of fun.

7 Volkswagen Beetle

orange beetle 1972
source:wiki

Being one of the most driven classic cars on the planet, the Volkswagen Beetle has a legion of fans. It has an enormous following, people gather in their thousands yearly to display their pride and joy to other Beetle cult followers. As with most cults, its members fail to realize that the deity they worship is not very special.

A Beetle is slow, uneconomical, and dreadful to drive. It uses its exhaust fumes to warm the cabin, likening it to a potential suicide chamber on wheels. There is also the matter of its questionable origins.

Related: This Is The Fastest VW Beetle In The World

6 Range Rover Evoque

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source:netcars

If you're a hip trendy young person with disposable income and want the world to know it then the Range Rover Evoque is for you. The ultimate style accessory, the mini Range Rover speaks volumes about how you're at the cutting edge of vehicular fashions.

It also tells most gearheads that you're a sheep and have no idea, or care, about your chosen ride. The brand's horrid reputation for reliability doesn't help its appeal either. Driven by people who adore fake tans and footwear that is strictly meant for the beach, the Range Rover Evoque is a vapid social media star in vehicle form.

5 Toyota Prius

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source:netcars

The second a Prius turns up, you know that the owner of going to be carrying their reusable coffee mug. This is good, as the car they drive certainly won't be saving the planet anytime soon given the production of and eventual disposal of its battery pack.

It's also very, very boring. If anything, the Prius is the anti-gearhead car, a machine created for people who hate everything about cars but need to own one to get about. Retrofitting one with a supercharged V6 should stir things up a bit.

4 Dacia Duster

Bright Blue Dacia Duster 2022
Dacia Duster

A Dacia Duster is the answer to a lot of motorists' problems. It's a high-riding SUV that offers enormous capability at a bargain-basement price. Underneath, it's an assortment of leftover Renault parts that do the job without any fuss. The Dacia Duster, though, is just not aspirational in any way.

There isn't one true gearhead on the planet, young or old, who has a poster of the Duster on their wall counting down the days until they take ownership. The Duster is like a microwave dinner, it's like a proper meal, just much cheaper.

Related: 10 Cheap American Flops You Should Stay Away From

3 Audi A5 Coupe

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source:netcars

Being very good at something doesn't mean that it makes you interesting. An Audi A5 does the whole coupe thing admirably, it's just boring. All come with a high-quality feel and robust build quality to shame other marques, but that's what you expect from Audi. A selection of powerful engines is also on offer, but again nothing new there.

Comfortable, competent, and capable, the A5 coupe will not set your soul on fire. It has no quirks that burrow into your skin and make you love it. It's just rather bland, and gearheads don't do bland.

2 Chevrolet Malibu

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source:netcars

Since the turn of the millennium, Chevrolet has shifted a boatload of Malibu's. And rightly so. If you're in the market for a dependable vehicle that does family duties and can cut a dash in the executive car park, the Malibu is a worthy shout.

Those seeking modest power can get a 250hp engined version. Which is great if you like being average. And that is what the Malibu is. It's a car that has muscled its way to the middle, then settled for second place. No gearhead looks at a Malibu driver thinking, 'I hope one day that could be me.'

Related: 8 Cheap And Easy Ways To Get Into Motorsports

1 Ford Puma ST

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source:netcars

The Ford Puma ST is a knee-jerk reaction to needing to ferry a family around, but not wanting to drive something boring. It's fun, affordable, and surprisingly frugal. It uses an interesting 3-cylinder 1.5-liter turbocharged engine to make 197hp, letting it hit 60mph in 6.7 seconds.

It can be bought in metallic Kermit green to make sure people know that you're still cool. What it isn't is the Hyundai Kona N, which delivers 276hp and a 0-60mph time of 5.5 seconds for around the same money. Gearheads will choose the more muscular Hyundai, it's a given.