Ever have that feeling after you’ve unwrapped all of your presents that one thing was lacking?
We really feel a bit bit like that on the finish of 2025. The Australian auto market obtained loads of presents within the form of recent automobiles from a raft of manufacturers, however some thrilling automobiles weren’t despatched our method wrapped with an enormous bow.
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Some examples embrace:
- 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 automobiles revealed throughout 2025 that we’re a bit bummed we gained’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 bundle.
The one we examined had all-terrain tyres and was good enjoyable to drive with loads of area inside. It’s solely in-built 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 believe it’d promote effectively.
MORE: 2027 Kia Telluride is the distinctive Hyundai Palisade cousin Australians can’t have
Alborz Fallah: None
None, we have now sufficient automobiles 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 is just not solely the primary mid-engined instance of the enduring American supercar breed, however was additionally imagined to be the primary world Corvette.
It’s an important pity too, given the ZR1X is just not solely the proper flag-bearer for the sensible C8 Corvette vary however, due to its all-wheel drive twin-turbo V8 hybrid powertrain pumping out a minimum of 932kW, it’s claimed to hit 60mph (97km/h) in lower than two seconds and canopy the quarter-mile in underneath 9 seconds.
That places essentially the most highly effective manufacturing Corvette ever in elite hypercar territory, for a fraction of the worth 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 could be a random one from me, however the newest Lexus IS addresses all my prior gripes with the previous one and I actually want it was nonetheless offered right here.
A number of younger professionals – ahem, like myself – need to purchase one thing a bit good, partaking and aspirational however don’t essentially need to step into an enormous family-sized SUV, and don’t have the finances 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 in case you ask me is frankly ridiculous.
A brand new Lexus IS with the supply 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 facet influence laws, which had been the core motive 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 a good way to ship off the nameplate.
Anyway, we miss you, come again.
MORE: Lexus IS not useless but as ageing sedan will get one more facelift
William Stopford: Renault Twingo and Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X
I’m going to choose two wildly completely different automobiles 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 well liked C8 Corvette but, and it’s exhausting to think about GM topping this.
GM is actually attempting 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 acquired 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 staff has been, first with the 5 and 4 and now this. And kudos to Renault for mining a long time aside from the Sixties for design inspiration… even when it makes me really feel previous that the Nineteen Nineties at the moment are lengthy sufficient in the past to be thought of retro.
It’s nice to see an organization giving its most reasonably priced EVs real aptitude and attraction. Now simply convey them right here, Renault…
MORE: 2026 Renault Twingo is an cute, reasonably priced EV however Aussies might 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 convey this in; whereas not bringing the newborn LandCruiser – often known as the FJ – to Australia looks as if 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 good 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, certainly 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 really like a sizzling hatch as a lot as the subsequent 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 in regards to the exterior design is eye-catching. The proportions? Nuggety. The wheels? Retro-cool proper right down to the best element. I really like the entrance and rear lighting, too.
Shifting inside, there’s a set of body-hugging bucket seats, a pretend suede steering wheel, and Peugeot’s artistic cockpit format. It’s a really particular area for an entry-level mannequin.
And it’d be improper 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 automobiles aren’t promoting like they used to, however the e-208 GTi is certainly one of few EVs that might really woo rusted-on ICE addicts. As such, it’s a disgrace we gained’t see it in Australian showrooms.
MORE: Peugeot e-208 GTi unveiled: French sizzling hatch goes electrical
Sean Lander: Ford F-150 Lobo
I miss avenue utes. Certain, the F-150 is a bit greater 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 subject with this one, however I can’t assist however really feel the Xforce hybrid would’ve made numerous 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 somewhat 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 dropped at Australia as a result of it wouldn’t meet native requirements. Its meant abroad markets have extra lenient security and emissions laws than we do.
Nonetheless, it’s a Mitsubishi-designed and engineered mannequin, it’s the appropriate measurement to be an ASX alternative, 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 have now as a substitute.
MORE: Mitsubishi reveals one other hybrid SUV, however it gained’t come to Australia