1980S

In Europe, the oil crisis of the 1970s marked a turning point in the car industry. Manufacturers redoubled their efforts to design compact, fuel-efficient cars, giving rise to a generation of models that would become classics, such as the Renault 5, the Fiat 127 and the Volkswagen Golf. Small city cars and compact front-wheel-drive models quickly became the norm, combining practicality, style and low fuel consumption.

However, as the energy situation eases, Europe is also seeing a resurgence of interest in larger vehicles. Models like the Range Rover are beginning to popularise the concept of the luxury off-roader, while family wagons from Volvo or Mercedes offer a versatile alternative to small city cars. At the same time, European manufacturers continue to produce compact sports cars, maintaining the passion for driving pleasure and making Europe a pioneering market for sophisticated small sports cars.