Our fetish objects play now several roles

The mobile phone is also a camera, computer screen replaces little by little the TV... Our fetish objects play now several roles. It is in the air of the time. And very useful. But how far Would you be willing to take the wheel of a body in confusing forms on the pretext that it offers the services of a mini-bus - practical for children - combined with the capabilities of crossing of a 4 x 4, all under an air of Sports Coupe This is the question posed more and more automakers trying to offer the maximum of benefits and various, even contradictory. For some, the "all-in-one", simple solution marketing, claims little imagination. Among others, on the contrary, he signed the return to fanfare of a creativity without pillar capable to give birth of masterpieces, as once the 2CV, pioneer in the art of mixtures. Or as this superb concept car Peugeot 908 RC - at the last world - calling the qualities of a bolide (300 kph) and a limousine. Here is our selection of the most original creations. We have tiered models based on the number of roles that they endorse, two, three, or more.

Two in one...: Monospace sedan: Dodge Caliber

The American Golf. Can be born in America, celebrating its one-hundred years and not have conquered all roads of the world... To finally a reputation in Europe, the Dodge brand - since it is in question - has not equivocated: "We designed a car for the Europeans," to shout in chorus engineers! Result: the Caliber and its 4.40 m in length. It is close to the size of a VW Golf simple and offers a line with this daring reluctantly giving this compact sedan speeds of virile monospace, or even 4 x 4 driving which Arnold Schwarzenegger would have its place. To look at and try. The Caliber also offers a comfortable cabin for five persons and their luggage, what brings the the PT Cruiser of Chrysler. Will it meet the same success as his compatriot Handling - without large if not brilliant - and equipment - especially its 458 watts stereo! -argue in its favour. Add a signed diesel engine... VW (2.0 l TDI 140 ch whose reputation is more to do) and an aggressive price (20 490 euros for the SXT model, the most luxurious), there is what is let. Only shadow, lack of care in the Interior. Plastic scratched a nail, small happiness of furniture Assembly... It is in America, and in America, we like change of car every two years. Then, finish... Advice: take not lovers of Audi and Lexus on board!

Coupé convertible: Mazda MX5 RodsterCoupé

A Japanese at the zenith. Originally, there are the Mazda MX5. This Japanese two-seat - and two convertible only - became legendary from birth, in 1989. It reinvents before the world the Triumph of the 1960s. And widespread popularity of convertibles adopting a "hard" roof instead of a simple capote, history, winter came, to propose the joys of the Coupe.

The icon thus jumped way and presented this summer in London a roof nor cloth but made in a material also resistant than steel, as light as a feather. And range in the trunk in 12 seconds! Icing on the cake, unlike many of its congeners forced to inflate the trunk back to accommodate their "hard" roof, the Mazda MX5 RoadsterCoupé retains its silhouette of convertible. A small miracle that requires engines (1.8 l - our favorite - or 2 l, both powered to gasoline), a supplement of 1 600 euros to become owner from the "simple" convertible, making a total of 22 700 euros for the 1.8 l.

Smart cities 4 x 4: Polo Cross

Baroudeuse boulevards. In available large wheels, orange paint - on models for the press in any case - and plastics way Jeep protections, the "small" VW Polo Cross appears to be dressed to survive in a raid Paris-Beijing. Seems only - it is also certainly some-, because it is only a look, a simple look "scribe". Result, have led this Polo as is a Rolex Professional Explorer, without ever leaving the beautiful neighbourhoods! This is called the snobbish, and it works. As a watch of Swiss watchmaker, the small Polo was built with care. Its engines (choose the 1.9 TDI 100 HP, as voluntary as Bursar) had long ago made their evidence and the interior finishing is resilient. On the price, they start at 15 910 euros, or that of a banal Renault Clio. Then why deprive himself of originality

Three in one...: sedan Break Monospace: Fiat Croma

Life is beautiful. She was born in the shadow of Audi, BMW and other Alfa Romeo. Discrete, Fiat Croma No doubt. However, this car since a season become the flagship of the Italian brand conceals multiple assets. Starting with his body. Hesitating between the chic break (how Audi A4) and the MPV, the Croma provides a space for living in the more hospitable and are better finished for prices between 20 000 and 35 000 euros, or on average 10,000 less than the competition. And will not be concluded that savings were performed on the engines and equipment. The three engines diesel (1.9 120 ch, ch and 2.4 200 ch 150 1.9) are identical to those of his cousin the Alfa 159. Equipment, it includes a beautiful screen GPS and (chic) series on finishing Collezione leather. For the rest, nothing to report. Bad languages say that "taxi drivers is there are not deceived" by adopting For those who reproach him its lack of personality, Fiat stylists work to a lifting of the front.

All in one, or almost...: Limousine Break "Fireball" Monospace: Mercedes class R

Revolutionary. As our friends in Quebec, "the R class, it looks like a Mercedes class B in which it would have blown inside." False step. Externally, the object gives the impression of a monolith hesitating between 4 x 4, the big break, the MPV. So it is far, far from the streamlined line of a prestige sedan... And yet, this is luxury automobile which is at issue here. 54 500 118 500 Euros, leather throughout, 6-cylinder minimum (224 to 518 ch!). No doubt, the gear is for the wealthy. Only hope that they are as vast as the portfolio spirit. Because need audacity to barter a spirited driving limousine for this "mini-bus" huge wheel, whose length ("Long" version 5.16 m) transforms any parking lot on the way of the cross. Still this phenomenal cabin overlooking the asphalt. A true loft on four wheels, high ceiling (height 1.65 m) offering six seats on three rows (of real stands!) and a decoration that rivals the best of contemporary hotel. Not to mention the silence of operation of the bloated equipment (if you pick from the options) and the welfare class R offers to its passengers. A star to follow.