The Toyota Hilux is a legendary pickup truck known for its durability and reliability. Sold globally, particularly in Australia, South America, Africa, and Asia, it hasn’t been sold in North America since the 1970s.
The Hilux is renowned for its off-road capabilities and ruggedness, often used in challenging terrains and harsh conditions. It typically offers a range of diesel and petrol engines, with the latest models featuring a 2.8-liter turbodiesel producing around 201 horsepower. The Hilux can tow up to 3,500 kg and has a payload capacity of about 1,000 kg. Its reputation for indestructibility has made it a favorite for both work and leisure use.
The Lotus 340R is a rare, limited-edition sports car produced by British manufacturer Lotus Cars in 2000. Only 340 units were built, mainly sold in the UK and Europe. It's an extreme, lightweight, open-top two-seater based on the Lotus Elise.
The 340R features a distinctive skeletal body design with no doors or roof, emphasizing its track-focused nature. Powered by a 1.8-liter Rover K-Series engine producing 177 horsepower, it can accelerate from 0-60 mph in about 4.4 seconds. Weighing just 701 kg, the 340R exemplifies Lotus' philosophy of "adding lightness" for superior handling and performance.
The TVR Tuscan is a British sports car produced by TVR between 1999 and 2006. Primarily sold in the UK and Europe, it embodies the raw, uncompromising nature of TVR's designs. The Tuscan features a striking, curvaceous body and a distinctive clamshell bonnet.
The Tuscan is powered by TVR's own straight-six engine, with various versions ranging from 3.6 to 4.0 liters, producing between 350 and 400 horsepower. The car weighs around 1,100 kg and can accelerate from 0-60 mph in about 4.2 seconds. Known for its challenging handling and lack of driver aids, the Tuscan offers a pure, analog driving experience that's become increasingly rare in modern sports cars.
The Aston Martin Virage name has been used for two distinct models. The original Virage was produced from 1989 to 2000, while a modern version was briefly reintroduced from 2011 to 2012. Sold globally but in limited numbers, it's a luxury grand tourer.
The modern Virage bridged the gap between the DB9 and DBS in Aston's lineup. It featured a 6.0-liter V12 engine producing 490 horsepower, allowing for a 0-62 mph time of 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 186 mph. The Virage offered a blend of performance and luxury, with a handcrafted interior and advanced technology for its time.
The Land Rover Defender is an iconic off-road vehicle with a history dating back to 1948. While the original model ceased production in 2016, a new generation was introduced in 2020. Sold globally, it's particularly popular in Europe, Africa, and Australia. The new Defender retains its predecessor's legendary off-road capabilities while offering modern comfort and technology.
The Defender is now available in 90 (short wheelbase) and 110 (long wheelbase) versions. Engine options include a 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel, a 3.0-liter six-cylinder diesel, and a 5.0-liter V8 petrol, with power outputs ranging from 200 to 518 horsepower. The Defender offers advanced off-road technology, including configurable Terrain Response and wade sensing.
The Toyota Sera was a unique sports car produced exclusively for the Japanese market from 1990 to 1996. Its design was ahead of its time, with gull-wing doors that opened upwards and forwards, reminiscent of butterfly wings. The Sera is based on the Tercel platform and is powered by a 1.5-liter inline-four engine producing 108 horsepower.
Despite its sporty appearance, it was more of a stylish commuter car than a high-performance vehicle. The Sera featured a glass roof and canopy, giving it an airy, spaceship-like interior. While never officially exported, some units have found their way to other countries through the used car market, making it a cult classic among JDM enthusiasts.
The Nissan Patrol is a full-size SUV with a long history dating back to 1951. It's widely sold in the Middle East, Australia, South Africa, parts of Asia, and South America, competing with the Toyota Land Cruiser. Known for its ruggedness and off-road capabilities, the Patrol is popular in regions with challenging terrains.
The current generation, also known as the Y62, is available with a 5.6-liter V8 petrol engine producing around 400 horsepower in some markets, while others offer a 4.0-liter V6. It features advanced four-wheel-drive systems, hydraulic body motion control, and can tow up to 3,500 kg. The Patrol offers a blend of luxury and off-road prowess, with a spacious interior and modern technology.
The Bentley Azure Mark II is a luxury convertible produced from 2006 to 2009, following the first-generation Azure. Sold in limited numbers worldwide, the Azure Mark II is based on the Arnage platform and features a power-folding soft top.
The Azure Mark II is powered by a 6.75-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 450 horsepower, enabling a 0-60 mph time of 5.6 seconds - impressive for a car weighing nearly 2.7 tons. The Azure offers supreme comfort with a hand-crafted interior featuring premium leather, wood veneers, and a Naim audio system. Its exclusivity and craftsmanship make it a collector's item among luxury car enthusiasts.
The 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS was a pivotal model in Porsche's history, but notably, it was not officially sold in the United States. The most famous is perhaps the 1973 Carrera 911 RS, but modern versions continue the tradition.
Primarily marketed in Europe, this homologation special was built to meet motorsport regulations. Its 2.7-liter flat-six engine produced 210 horsepower, and the car featured distinctive elements like the "ducktail" spoiler and lightweight construction.
The Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion is a fuel-efficient variant of the popular Polo supermini, primarily sold in Europe. Introduced in 2006, the BlueMotion models focus on maximizing fuel economy and reducing emissions. The latest generation Polo BlueMotion typically features a 1.0-liter three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine or a 1.6-liter turbodiesel, both optimized for efficiency.
These engines are paired with modern technologies like start-stop systems, regenerative braking, and aerodynamic improvements. The Polo BlueMotion can achieve fuel consumption as low as 3.4 liters per 100 km (about 69 mpg) in some diesel versions. Despite its eco-focus, it retains the Polo's reputation for solid build quality and refined driving dynamics.
The Alpine A110 is a sports car produced by the Renault-owned Alpine brand, reviving a nameplate from the 1960s and 70s. Primarily sold in Europe, it's a lightweight, mid-engined coupe designed to compete with cars like the Porsche Cayman.
The modern A110 features an aluminum chassis and body, weighing just around 1,100 kg. It's powered by a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 252 horsepower in the standard version and up to 300 horsepower in the A110S variant. The car can accelerate from 0-62 mph in as little as 4.4 seconds. Known for its agile handling and driver engagement, the A110 has received critical acclaim for offering a pure sports car experience.
The Dacia Duster is a budget-friendly compact SUV produced by Romanian car manufacturer Dacia, owned by Renault. It's widely sold in Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia, known for offering rugged practicality at an affordable price point. The Duster is available in both front-wheel and all-wheel-drive configurations.
Engine options typically include small capacity petrol and diesel engines, with recent models offering a 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder petrol and a 1.5-liter diesel. Power outputs range from about 90 to 150 horsepower. While basic in some aspects, newer Dusters offer modern features like touchscreen infotainment systems and advanced driver assistance technologies, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious buyers seeking SUV practicality.
The Genesis G70 Shooting Brake is a wagon variant of the G70 sedan designed specifically for the European market. As part of Hyundai's luxury brand Genesis, it combines premium features with practical estate car utility. The Shooting Brake maintains the G70's sporty character while offering increased cargo space.
The Shooting Brake’s engine options typically include a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol and a 2.2-liter diesel, with power outputs ranging from about 200 to 250 horsepower. Meanwhile, the interior features high-quality materials and advanced technology, including a 10.25-inch infotainment screen. The G70 Shooting Brake competes with European premium wagons, offering a blend of luxury, performance, and practicality in a distinctive package.
The Ford Puma reintroduced in 2019, is a compact crossover SUV sold primarily in Europe. Unlike the original Puma of the late 1990s, a small coupe, the new Puma is based on the Fiesta platform but offers increased ride height and interior space. The newer design features distinctive high-mounted headlights and a coupe-like roofline.
The Puma is available with a range of engines, including a 1.0-liter EcoBoost petrol engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing up to 155 horsepower. A performance-oriented ST version offers a 1.5-liter engine with 200 horsepower. The Puma is known for its practicality, including an innovative "MegaBox" for additional storage.
The Mitsuoka Roadster, also known as the Himiko, is a unique sports car produced by Japanese manufacturer Mitsuoka. It's primarily sold in Japan, with limited availability in the UK. The Roadster is based on the Mazda MX-5 but features a dramatically restyled body that evokes classic British sports cars of the 1960s.
The Mitsuoka Roadster utilizes the MX-5's 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing around 160 horsepower. The car offers a power-retractable hardtop, leather interior, and wood trim for a luxury touch. While it shares the MX-5's renowned handling characteristics, the Mitsuoka Roadster is significantly longer, giving it a distinctive presence. However, it's an exceedingly niche product, which is why so few are available.
