9. Chevrolet Cruze
Picture source – orhini
Like the preceding BMW 3 Series, the Cruze may not be the iconic touring car of choice, but there’s no doubting an astonishingly successful run. Having replaced the recalcitrant Lacetti in 2009 (and winning only its fifth race in the process), the Cruze quickly became a tintop wrecking ball, dominating the WTCC from ’10-’13 and sealing Rickard Rydell his first touring car crown since 1998 in the 2011 Scandinavian Touring Car Championship. In the UK, the Cruze took BTCC legend Jason Plato to a second title in 2010 (nine years after his first) and established him as the series most successful driver ever when he piloted the Cruze to his 61st victory at Brand’s Hatch in 2011, one-upping that man Andy Rouse in the process. Plato’s record has since increased to 84.
