From Ugly Duckling to Beloved Classic: Why Some Car Designs Grow on You
From Ugly Duckling to Beloved Classic: Why Some Car Designs Grow on You
Remember the first time you saw the Tata Zen? If youre like many Indian car enthusiasts, you probably recoiled. The jellybean shape was unlike anything on Indian roads, and it felt wrong. Yet today, its remembered fondly by many. What changed? The car didnt. We did.
Theres a peculiar psychology behind how we perceive car design. Some cars hit us like a thunderbolt at first sight—love at first glance. Others make us cringe. But then, something strange happens. Over months and years, those same awkward lines start to look… right. Maybe even beautiful. Its not magic. Its familiarity, context, and the slow burn of appreciation.
Lets explore some cars that initially repelled but eventually captured hearts, including a few confessions from enthusiasts who lived through it.
The Jellybean That Won Us Over: Maruti Zen
When the Maruti Zen launched in India, its rounded, jellybean silhouette was a shock to the system. We were used to boxy hatchbacks with sharp edges. The Zens front-heavy stance—longer front overhang than rear—looked unbalanced. One enthusiast admitted, “I did not like the look of the Zen when it was launched. The Jellybean shape was something we had never seen before in India and was not easy to digest.”
But within a short time, that same design became palatable. Soon, it was his favorite hatchback in every aspect, remaining so until the Fiat Palio arrived. He loved its smooth, slippery shape and how proportionate the lights, grille, and wheels were. “If there was one car I was sad to see go from our market, it was this,” he confessed.
What happened? The Zens design was ahead of its time. Once our eyes adjusted to its curves, we saw harmony instead of oddity.
From Bulldog to Beauty: Honda CR-V (2007)
The second-generation Honda CR-V landed in India with a bulbous shape that replaced the beloved boxy first-gen. Our source compared it to a bulldog—and worse, a toad. It felt bloated, soft, and out of step with the sharp, utilitarian design language of the time.
Yet, as more CR-Vs hit the road, something shifted. The proportions started making sense. It looked modern, not messy. “It was well-proportioned and looked much more in keeping with the times than the old car,” the writer noted. Familiarity bred appreciation.
BMW 5 Series E60: The Ugly Duckling of Bavaria
BMWs E60 5 Series is a legendary case study. It replaced the elegant E39—a car many considered one of the most beautiful sedans ever. The E60, with Chris Bangles controversial flame-surfacing design, looked vulgar to purists. Even some BMW fans called it ugly.
But years later, the E60s aggressive stance started turning heads. “The aggressiveness of the design struck a chord,” our source admits. Today, well-maintained E60s are admired for their boldness. Time gave them character.
Tata Aria: Dignified in the Shadows
Tatas first crossover, the Aria, didnt offend—it just didnt excite. With hints of Indica in its bonnet and tail-lamps, it felt tired. Then the Mahindra XUV500 arrived, loud and brash. Suddenly, the Arias clean, crease-free body looked dignified, especially in dark colors. It took a louder rival to reveal the Arias quiet elegance.
Chevrolet Beat: Too Much Styling, Then Just Right
The Chevrolet Beat looked like someone took an axe to it—big headlights, abrupt rear, cuts and creases everywhere. It was overstyled. But a couple of years later, those same traits made it funky and young in a sea of dull designs. Bright colors helped. The Beat didnt change; the market caught up.
The Scorpio and the Rottweiler
One BHPian shared a story about the Mahindra Scorpio. He never liked it, preferring the Tata Safaris shape. But as he grew up, he heard others praise the Scorpios smart look. After driving one, he was hooked. His sister, an art curator, noted that the old Scorpio had a distinct character, unlike generic modern SUVs. He concluded: “No one would call a Rottweiler pretty, and yet we love them.”
Why Familiarity Breeds Fondness
A BHPian named smartcat nailed it: “Most car designs will grow on you with time—provided it was or is a popular enough model that you see it frequently on the roads.” The Toyota Qualis no longer looks ugly; some even like its boxy UV charm. But the Ssangyong Rodius? Still ugly. Why? Because you never see one. Exposure matters.
This is the mere-exposure effect: we tend to like things simply because were familiar with them. When a car is everywhere—on roads, in ads, in your neighborhood—your brain stops seeing it as strange and starts seeing it as normal. Then, it might even become iconic.
What This Means for You
Next time you see a new car and think, “Thats hideous,” pause. Your first reaction isnt the final word. Give it time. See it in different colors. Watch how it moves. You might be surprised.
And if youre in the market for a car, dont dismiss a model just because its design didnt instantly win you over. The best relationships—with cars and people—often start with a shrug, not a swoon. The ugliest duckling might just become your favorite swan.
What car did you initially hate but now love? Share your story in the comments.
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Mike Brown
Mike Brown – One of those authors who helps readers not get lost in today's news flow. He dives into political affairs as well as world events, social trends, and everyday stories that matter to everyone. The main focus of his work is fact-checking, clear language, and the ability to lay out the key points so that the reader gets a comprehensive and reliable picture of the topic in just a few minutes.
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