Ever have that feeling after you’ve unwrapped all of your presents that one thing was lacking?
We really feel a bit of bit like that on the finish of 2025. The Australian auto market acquired loads of presents within the form of latest autos from a raft of manufacturers, however some thrilling autos weren’t despatched our manner wrapped with a giant bow.
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Some examples embody:
- Acura RSX
- BYD Racco EV
- Cadillac Escalade iQL
- Cadillac Optiq-V
- Deepal L06
- Exeed ES GT
- Infiniti QX65
- Jeep Cherokee
- Kia Telluride
- Mitsubishi Destinator
- Mitsubishi Grandis
- Nissan Elgrand
- Ram Dakota
- Tata Sierra
- Volkswagen ID. Unyx 8
- Volvo XC70
- Yangwang U9 Observe Version
Listed below are the autos revealed throughout 2025 that we’re a bit bummed we received’t be seeing right here.
Paul Maric: Kia Telluride
I had the prospect to drive an older Telluride within the US earlier within the 12 months and was fairly impressed with the package deal.
The one we examined had all-terrain tyres and was good enjoyable to drive with loads of house inside. It’s solely inbuilt left-hand drive, so sadly we are able to’t get it, however I’d like to see it right here as a result of I feel it’d promote nicely.
MORE: 2027 Kia Telluride is the distinctive Hyundai Palisade cousin Australians can’t have
Alborz Fallah: None
None, we’ve sufficient vehicles and types!
Marton Pettendy: Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X
Just like the ZR1 on which it’s primarily based, the range-topping ZR1X is produced solely in left-hand drive, which is a disgrace given the eighth-generation Corvette shouldn’t be solely the primary mid-engined instance of the enduring American supercar breed, however was additionally speculated to be the primary world Corvette.
It’s an incredible pity too, given the ZR1X shouldn’t be solely the right flag-bearer for the sensible C8 Corvette vary however, due to its all-wheel drive twin-turbo V8 hybrid powertrain pumping out at least 932kW, it’s claimed to hit 60mph (97km/h) in lower than two seconds and canopy the quarter-mile in below 9 seconds.
That places probably the most highly effective manufacturing Corvette ever in elite hypercar territory, for a fraction of the value you’ll pay for an equal Ferrari.
MORE: 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X is a twin-turbo V8 hypercar delivering over 900kW
James Wong: Lexus IS facelift
Sure, this is perhaps a random one from me, however the newest Lexus IS addresses all my prior gripes with the outdated one and I actually want it was nonetheless bought right here.
A variety of younger professionals – ahem, like myself – need to purchase one thing a bit of good, participating and aspirational however don’t essentially need to step into a giant family-sized SUV, and don’t have the funds for one thing like a BMW M3.
Additional, the common BMW 3 Sequence and Mercedes-Benz C-Class now begin from the $90,000-$100,000 mark, which if you happen to ask me is frankly ridiculous.
A brand new Lexus IS with the provision of a hybrid powertrain ranging from $70,000 would have had a loyal following if Lexus spent the cash adapting it for Australia’s new aspect influence rules, which have been the core cause the nameplate was killed off again in 2021.
Even higher, a small run of the stonking (pre-facelift) V8-powered IS500 Final Editions would have been an effective way to ship off the nameplate.
Anyway, we miss you, come again.
MORE: Lexus IS not useless but as ageing sedan will get yet one more facelift
William Stopford: Renault Twingo and Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X
I’m going to select two wildly completely different vehicles right here. One is an apex predator supercar with an electrified twin-turbo V8 powertrain, the opposite is an adorably retro electrical metropolis automotive.
I’m referring in fact to the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X and the Renault Twingo.
The ZR1X is the most popular C8 Corvette but, and it’s onerous to think about GM topping this.
GM is admittedly making an attempt to show the Corvette belongs within the supercar huge leagues with the likes of Ferrari, and this 932kW ZR1X is the ne plus extremely of the C8 Corvette vary.
Then there’s the Twingo. As a rule, I don’t look after retro design. It tends to field producers right into a nook – I bought bored with Mini’s retro schtick round 15 years in the past, for instance.
However I can’t ignore simply how on fireplace Renault’s design crew has been, first with the 5 and 4 and now this. And kudos to Renault for mining many years apart from the Nineteen Sixties for design inspiration… even when it makes me really feel outdated that the Nineties at the moment are lengthy sufficient in the past to be thought-about retro.
It’s nice to see an organization giving its most reasonably priced EVs real aptitude and allure. Now simply carry them right here, Renault…
MORE: 2026 Renault Twingo is an lovely, reasonably priced EV however Aussies could miss out
Ben Zachariah: Toyota LandCruiser FJ
My preliminary reply to this query was the Toyota Crown Property PHEV, however my hope is Toyota Australia will ultimately carry this in; whereas not bringing the infant LandCruiser – generally known as the FJ – to Australia looks like a horrible oversight.
In a four-wheel-drive-obsessed market that may’t get sufficient of the Suzuki Jimny, Toyota might have owned the section and cemented some model loyalty into a wholly new era of outdoor-loving Australians.
MORE: Toyota LandCruiser FJ child off-roader’s Australian launch held again by HiLux engine
Damion Smy: Nissan Micra
The Nissan Micra is a superb alternative for the model right here – particularly given there’s no affirmation we’ll see the bread-and-butter variations of the sensible Renault 5 it’s primarily based on.
Even when it was priced above cheaper Chinese language rivals, absolutely Nissan has extra model fairness… and it’s not a Leaf. I’ll have a Peugeot e-208 GTI although, thanks.
MORE: 2026 Nissan Micra overview: Fast drive
Josh Nevett: Peugeot e-208 GTi
I like a scorching hatch as a lot as the following fanatic, and the upcoming Peugeot e-208 GTi is an thrilling tackle the system.
I imply, simply take a look at it!
Every little thing concerning the exterior design is eye-catching. The proportions? Nuggety. The wheels? Retro-cool proper all the way down to the best element. I like the entrance and rear lighting, too.
Transferring inside, there’s a set of body-hugging bucket seats, a pretend suede steering wheel, and Peugeot’s inventive cockpit format. It’s a very particular house for an entry-level mannequin.
And it’d be incorrect to imagine that the e-208 GTi is all present and no go, as this little pocket rocket packs a 209kW/345Nm electrical motor, with energy despatched to the entrance wheels solely by way of a limited-slip differential – merely pretty.
Now, I get that compact efficiency vehicles aren’t promoting like they used to, however the e-208 GTi is one among few EVs that would really woo rusted-on ICE addicts. As such, it’s a disgrace we received’t see it in Australian showrooms.
MORE: Peugeot e-208 GTi unveiled: French scorching hatch goes electrical
Sean Lander: Ford F-150 Lobo
I miss avenue utes. Certain, the F-150 is a bit larger than a Falcon or Holden ute, however it retains the ethos alive. And it comes with a correct V8 – none of this turbo nonsense.
MORE: Ford F-150 Lobo: Lowered V8 ‘avenue truck’ revealed
Max Davies: Mitsubishi Xforce hybrid
Bit out of left area with this one, however I can’t assist however really feel the Xforce hybrid would’ve made loads of sense.
By now, everyone knows that the Mitsubishi ASX has been changed with a heinously costly Renault Captur clone, dramatically shifting the nameplate away from its reasonably priced SUV roots.
As an alternative, I’d reasonably Mitsubishi had re-engineered the Xforce hybrid and introduced it right here as the brand new ASX. Sure, the petrol Xforce was revealed in 2023, however the hybrid solely broke cowl in March this 12 months.
Constructed for Southeast Asian markets, the Xforce hybrid hasn’t been delivered to Australia as a result of it wouldn’t meet native requirements. Its supposed abroad markets have extra lenient security and emissions rules than we do.
Nonetheless, it’s a Mitsubishi-designed and engineered mannequin, it’s the best dimension to be an ASX substitute, AND it’s hybrid, which might make a lot sense for Mitsubishi to supply as a rival to the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid and Honda HR-V e:HEV.
Constructing it in Southeast Asia might additionally imply a a lot decrease asking value than the Renault ASX we’ve as a substitute.
MORE: Mitsubishi reveals one other hybrid SUV, however it received’t come to Australia
