5 Unnoticed Cars in the Australian Market

Australia's new car market is flooded with cars that make up less than one percent of their respective sectors.

These five new automobiles don't sell well in Australia, despite the fact that they should, for a variety of reasons.

Some Unnoticed Cars in Australia to Take Note Of:

1. Ford Escape

Ford offers a mid-sized SUV in Australia, which is the country's second-largest category by volume. Even before COVID-19 and the associated component shortages and supply delays, the Escape nameplate was one of the segment's lowest sellers in Australia.

With 1243 sales so far this year, Ford has 1.1% market share. This puts the Honda CR-V ahead of specialist cars like the Citroen C5 Aircross, Jeep Cherokee, Peugeot 3008 and 5008 and SsangYong Korando.

The product itself isn't to fault, nor is Ford's lack of advertising. The redesigned Escape for 2021 has flaws, but it also has strengths.

One of the Escape's main selling points is its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The Mazda CX-5 and Volkswagen Tiguan both offer powerful engines, but only in higher trim levels. Its 183kW and 387Nm torque top the class. All models come with a complete set of safety features.

Flaws? Weak front-wheel drive cars and a gearbox with some low-speed twitches. The inside is plain, despite the high-quality materials, and the front seats aren't for everyone.

This mid-sized family SUV offers the spaciousness and safety you'd expect, but with a turbocharged engine at a lower price.

2. Ford Focus

Since the Focus is a slow seller, Ford has eliminated the Trend and Titanium hatchbacks in 2021 and 2022.

In light of the fact that the current Focus was just debuted in 2019 and has had little marketing support, it almost seems self-fulfilling in its prediction. It's also not surprising given the Fiesta's only ST model.

With 134kW of power and 240Nm of torque, the 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic gearbox are both $30,990 before on-road charges. Its snappy engine and engaging handling have long been recommended, and we hoped the Active would help the new Focus reclaim its sales crown. But alas.

The Focus ST and ST X hot hatches will only be available in 2022, both powered by a 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 206kW and 420Nm. Inside and externally, it now sports a huge 13.2-inch touchscreen entertainment system with wireless smartphone mirroring.

Following the Renault Megane's loss of non-performance trims, it's probable that Focus sales will fall again next year. The Focus had 647 sales so far this year, and a 0.8% market share. Other than the Ioniq and Prius, it's the only one above them.

Even though it's a niche player, the Focus is a quick and fun to drive hot hatchback.

3. Hyundai Ioniq

Few cars on the Australian market have the Ioniq's range of engines. With so many engine choices, the Ioniq is one of the few cars accessible in Australia. For your demands, you may choose a conventional hybrid, a plug-in hybrid, or an all-electric. Conveniently for Tesla, not many Australians have an understanding of what an electric vehicle (EV) is or the benefits.

For this reason, Hyundai has only sold 310 Ioniqs this year, accounting for only 0.4% of all tiny vehicles sold. The ZS EV sold significantly more than Kia's technically similar Niro crossover, which only sold 398. That means the Ioniq's hatchback body design, despite its utility and lack of flash, isn't what buyers want.

These vehicles have a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, an electric motor, and a lithium-ion battery. The PHEV has a 63-kilometer pure-electric range under the NEDC standard, and both systems have 104kW and 265Nm total system output.

With a 38.3kWh lithium-ion battery and a front electric motor, This arrangement produces 100kW and 295Nm total system output.

The hybrid may not be as fuel efficient as a Toyota Corolla, but for the extra cash, you get a better-equipped car that is more comfortable in Premium trim.

The Ioniq has better packing than the Kona Electric, and the plug-in hybrid has just the Niro and the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV as direct competitors. The Kona Electric and the new Ioniq 5 have more buzz than the hatchback range. You can have a self-charging hybrid, a plug-in hybrid, or a fully electric car. Sadly for Hyundai, most Australians have no idea what a plug-in hybrid is, while EVs are a tiny (but increasing) market segment that Tesla dominates.

That means despite the diversity, Hyundai has only sold 310 Ioniqs this year, for a 0.4% market share. MG has sold a lot more ZS EVs, while Kia has sold 398 of its new Niro SUV. The Ioniq's hatchback shape, although practical and attractive, isn't what shoppers want.

The 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine is linked to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, an electric motor, and a lithium-ion battery. The PHEV has a stated 63km pure-electric range under the more liberal NEDC standard, while the EV has 104kW and 265Nm.

Ioniq Electric sports a 38.3kWh lithium-ion battery and a front electric motor. The system produces 100kW and 295Nm.

For the additional money, you get a better-packaged vehicle that's downright luxurious with a Premium trim.

The Ioniq is better packed than the Kona Electric, and the plug-in hybrid has just the Niro and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV as direct competitors. The Kona Electric and the new Ioniq 5 appear to be attracting more attention than the hatchback line.

4. Peugeot 3008 and 5008

Most people loved the Peugeot 3008, especially its attractive, well-appointed cabin. So why isn't this freshly redesigned mid-sized SUV selling well?

The 3008 is selling better than last year, thanks to a nice mid-cycle refresh but still only 861 Peugeot 5008s have been sold this year, accounting for barely 0.7% of the mid-sized SUV sector.

Pricing may be an issue. The posh interior and comprehensive list of standard features help justify a premium above the Korean and Japanese competition, but even the basic 3008 is priced above a comparable mid-sized SUV, while the 5008 is priced above the bigger and more roomy Hyundai Santa Fe.

In addition to the six-speed automatic gearbox, the 3008 and 5008 come standard with a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine rated at 121kW. The 3008 GT Sport gets an eight-speed auto and 133kW/250Nm, while the 3008 GT and 5008 GT get a 2.0-litre turbodiesel with 131kW/400Nm and an eight-speed auto.

However, both the 3008 and the 5008 feature excellent handling, big interiors (albeit the 5008's third row is only for little children), and great showroom appeal with their elegant appearance and interior.

The Peugeot 508 fastback and waggon are the most beautiful mid-sized automobiles on the market... however just 89 Peugeots were sold this year, 0.6% of the dwindling mid-sized automobile market.

5. Renault Koleos

The Renault Koleos isn't the finest mid-sized SUV, but it shouldn't be outsold by the Nissan X-Trail 10-to-1. As a result, the Koleos is the current X-skinnier Trail's twin, sharing its base and engine but sporting a trendier, more European look.

Renault has sold 1200 mid-sized SUVs so far this year, a 1% market share. Its infotainment system is fussy, and its engine may be loud when pushed.

Nobody knows when the South Korean-built X-Trail will be replaced, even though the new X-Trail will share its platform with the revised Mitsubishi Outlander expected in late 2021.

The Koleos line is powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 126kW and 226Nm of torque, linked to a CVT. Any X-Trail driver will recognise that.

If you loved the X-Trail but were told to expect a long wait, consider a Renault dealership. Not a sector leader, but a decent SUV that you may be able to get shortly.

Interested to discover more cars to consider for your purchase?

Here at Motor Matcher, we’ll be able to provide options for you no mater your requirements. If you live in the Melbourne region, it's the best place to buy used cars! Expand your horizons by purchasing one of our new or pre-owned vehicles!

Visit www.motormatcher.com.au to get started on your search.