Kamal Ghorui
Car design is one of the trickiest affairs in automobile manufacturing. Design is subjective and hence what looks futuristic to one person can feel awkward and mismatched to another. That said, the global auto industry has produced several cars that pushed boundaries, sometimes a little too far. Some of these models also drew criticism for their unconventional appearance. Here’s a closer look at some of the ugliest cars ever sold, including a few memorable names from India.
Pontiac Aztek
Image Credit: Wikipedia.
One of the most widely criticised designs globally has to be the Pontiac Aztek, launched in 2001. While crossover SUVs have become very common now, it wasn’t the case back then. The model became infamous for its confused styling. The front end looked cluttered with split headlamps and a bulky grille, while the rear had an awkward, high-set design. Its visual appeal never matched expectations, and it quickly became a symbol of design gone wrong.
Fiat Multipla
Another global example is the Fiat Multipla, which debuted in 1998. Fiat took a bold approach with this MPV, giving it a two-tier front design with headlamps placed unusually high. The result was a car that looked like it had an extra face sitting above the grille, almost akin to a frog. It had an unusually large windshield and very tall windows. Its design was widely mocked and remains one of the most polarising in automotive history.
Nissan Cube
Japan also contributed to this list with the Nissan Cube, which debuted in 1998 and later entered global markets. The Cube had a boxy shape and asymmetrical rear window design. Many found its styling too unconventional, especially the lopsided rear that looked unfinished.
SsangYong Rodius
Image Credit: Wikipedia.
Then there is the SsangYong Rodius, launched in 2004. The Rodius aimed to combine luxury and practicality. However, the execution fell short. The rear section appeared disproportionate, almost as if it was borrowed from a different vehicle. The overall silhouette lacked cohesion, making it one of the most criticised MPVs globally. Especially at the rear, it appeared to be a complete sedan mounted with an unwanted upper deck.
Maruti Suzuki Omni
Coming to India, the market has had its fair share of oddly styled vehicles, often shaped by utility-first thinking. The Maruti Suzuki Omni, launched in 1984, is a prime example. The Omni was designed for practicality rather than aesthetics. Its boxy shape, flat panels and basic design made it functional but far from appealing. Despite this, it remained in production until 2019, proving that utility often outweighs design.
Chevrolet SRV
Image Credits: OLX.
Another interesting case is the Chevrolet SRV, introduced in 2006. Based on the Opel Corsa platform, the SRV was meant to be a sporty hatchback. However, its dated design, awkward proportions and lack of visual balance meant it never really connected with buyers. It looked out of place even at the time of launch.
DC Thar
India’s modification scene also gave us some controversial designs. The DC Thar, created by DC Design, is one such example. Dilip Chhabria’s firm was known for bold and sometimes impressive custom builds, but this one missed the mark. The original Mahindra Thar’s rugged and purposeful design was replaced with flashy, overly stylised elements. The result was a vehicle that lost its identity and ended up looking exaggerated and unbalanced.
Mahindra KUV100
Image Credits: Wikipedia.
Among Indian manufacturers, the Mahindra KUV100, launched in 2016, also got known for its unusual styling. Mahindra attempted to create a new segment with this micro SUV, but the design was a mixed bag. The high-set bonnet, narrow stance, and oddly shaped headlamps made it look disproportionate. While it offered practical features and a unique layout with a front bench seat option, its styling remained a talking point.
ICML Rhino
Another lesser-known but notable entry is the ICML Rhino, launched in 2006 by International Cars and Motors Ltd. The Rhino had a distinct but confusing design language. The upper half was boxy and upright, while the lower section featured rounded elements. This mismatch gave the SUV a disjointed appearance, and it struggled to find buyers in a competitive market.All said, “ugly” is always subjective. Some of these cars have developed cult followings over time, and others succeeded commercially despite their design flaws. Still, these models serve as reminders that design can make or break a car’s image.
