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The Advertiser
17-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Australia has a new cheapest sedan
The MG 5 has lost its entry-level variant as part of a safety update, and with it it has lost the title of Australia's most affordable new sedan. So, which car now wears the title? Until the end of this month, the entry-level Hyundai i30 Sedan is Australia's most affordable sedan, priced at $30,990 drive-away nationwide. This drive-away offer is available until June 30, 2025, or while stocks last, and excludes government, fleet and rental buyers. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Depending on the state or territory, this deal represents a saving of between as low as $1426 (ACT) and as much as $2308 (Victoria). Should this offer not be extended, the title of Australia's cheapest sedan could shift once again in the new financial year. Looking at prices before on-road costs, the i30 Sedan retails at $29,000, which sees it undercut by the Mazda 2 G15 GT at $28,190. Depending on the state and territory, the G15 GT – the only Mazda 2 Sedan remaining – is priced between $31,151 (ACT) and $32,297 (Victoria) The i30 Sedan and Mazda 2 Sedan are priced extremely closely, though they sit in different segments. The Mazda is a light car, measuring just 4360mm long on a 2570mm wheelbase and powered by a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 81kW of power and 142Nm of torque. It's offered exclusively with a six-speed automatic transmission, and offers claimed fuel economy of 5.0L/100km. As it's the top-spec Mazda 2, standard equipment includes a surround-view camera, keyless entry, and leather and suede upholstery. That's on top of features found on the base G15 Evolve hatch, which includes LED headlights, 16-inch alloy wheels, a head-up display, a 7.0-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter. As with all Mazda 2s, it also features a suite of active safety and driver assist technology including forward and reverse autonomous emergency braking (AEB), blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist and rear cross-traffic alert. The Hyundai i30 Sedan measures 4710mm long on a 2720mm wheelbase – larger than the MG 5 – and is powered by a 110kW/180Nm naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and claimed fuel economy of 6.1L/100km. You need to step up to more expensive i30 Sedans to get features like blind-spot assist, rear cross-traffic assist, a surround-view camera and leather upholstery, but the entry-level sedan offers AEB, lane-keep assist and lane centring, a wireless phone charger, and an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Like the Mazda 2, it rides on 16-inch alloy wheels and features LED headlights and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter Other affordable sedans on the market include the Kia K4 S ($32,990 drive-away), Mazda 3 G20 Pure ($31,310 before on-roads or currently $33,990 drive-away), and Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport Hybrid ($32,320 before on-roads). The MG 5 Vibe undercut these vehicles significantly, priced from $24,888 drive-away. The updated Chinese sedan is now offered exclusively in Essence trim, which has copped a $4000 price hike and now rings up at $32,990 drive-away. MORE: Everything Hyundai i30 Content originally sourced from: The MG 5 has lost its entry-level variant as part of a safety update, and with it it has lost the title of Australia's most affordable new sedan. So, which car now wears the title? Until the end of this month, the entry-level Hyundai i30 Sedan is Australia's most affordable sedan, priced at $30,990 drive-away nationwide. This drive-away offer is available until June 30, 2025, or while stocks last, and excludes government, fleet and rental buyers. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Depending on the state or territory, this deal represents a saving of between as low as $1426 (ACT) and as much as $2308 (Victoria). Should this offer not be extended, the title of Australia's cheapest sedan could shift once again in the new financial year. Looking at prices before on-road costs, the i30 Sedan retails at $29,000, which sees it undercut by the Mazda 2 G15 GT at $28,190. Depending on the state and territory, the G15 GT – the only Mazda 2 Sedan remaining – is priced between $31,151 (ACT) and $32,297 (Victoria) The i30 Sedan and Mazda 2 Sedan are priced extremely closely, though they sit in different segments. The Mazda is a light car, measuring just 4360mm long on a 2570mm wheelbase and powered by a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 81kW of power and 142Nm of torque. It's offered exclusively with a six-speed automatic transmission, and offers claimed fuel economy of 5.0L/100km. As it's the top-spec Mazda 2, standard equipment includes a surround-view camera, keyless entry, and leather and suede upholstery. That's on top of features found on the base G15 Evolve hatch, which includes LED headlights, 16-inch alloy wheels, a head-up display, a 7.0-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter. As with all Mazda 2s, it also features a suite of active safety and driver assist technology including forward and reverse autonomous emergency braking (AEB), blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist and rear cross-traffic alert. The Hyundai i30 Sedan measures 4710mm long on a 2720mm wheelbase – larger than the MG 5 – and is powered by a 110kW/180Nm naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and claimed fuel economy of 6.1L/100km. You need to step up to more expensive i30 Sedans to get features like blind-spot assist, rear cross-traffic assist, a surround-view camera and leather upholstery, but the entry-level sedan offers AEB, lane-keep assist and lane centring, a wireless phone charger, and an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Like the Mazda 2, it rides on 16-inch alloy wheels and features LED headlights and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter Other affordable sedans on the market include the Kia K4 S ($32,990 drive-away), Mazda 3 G20 Pure ($31,310 before on-roads or currently $33,990 drive-away), and Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport Hybrid ($32,320 before on-roads). The MG 5 Vibe undercut these vehicles significantly, priced from $24,888 drive-away. The updated Chinese sedan is now offered exclusively in Essence trim, which has copped a $4000 price hike and now rings up at $32,990 drive-away. MORE: Everything Hyundai i30 Content originally sourced from: The MG 5 has lost its entry-level variant as part of a safety update, and with it it has lost the title of Australia's most affordable new sedan. So, which car now wears the title? Until the end of this month, the entry-level Hyundai i30 Sedan is Australia's most affordable sedan, priced at $30,990 drive-away nationwide. This drive-away offer is available until June 30, 2025, or while stocks last, and excludes government, fleet and rental buyers. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Depending on the state or territory, this deal represents a saving of between as low as $1426 (ACT) and as much as $2308 (Victoria). Should this offer not be extended, the title of Australia's cheapest sedan could shift once again in the new financial year. Looking at prices before on-road costs, the i30 Sedan retails at $29,000, which sees it undercut by the Mazda 2 G15 GT at $28,190. Depending on the state and territory, the G15 GT – the only Mazda 2 Sedan remaining – is priced between $31,151 (ACT) and $32,297 (Victoria) The i30 Sedan and Mazda 2 Sedan are priced extremely closely, though they sit in different segments. The Mazda is a light car, measuring just 4360mm long on a 2570mm wheelbase and powered by a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 81kW of power and 142Nm of torque. It's offered exclusively with a six-speed automatic transmission, and offers claimed fuel economy of 5.0L/100km. As it's the top-spec Mazda 2, standard equipment includes a surround-view camera, keyless entry, and leather and suede upholstery. That's on top of features found on the base G15 Evolve hatch, which includes LED headlights, 16-inch alloy wheels, a head-up display, a 7.0-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter. As with all Mazda 2s, it also features a suite of active safety and driver assist technology including forward and reverse autonomous emergency braking (AEB), blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist and rear cross-traffic alert. The Hyundai i30 Sedan measures 4710mm long on a 2720mm wheelbase – larger than the MG 5 – and is powered by a 110kW/180Nm naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and claimed fuel economy of 6.1L/100km. You need to step up to more expensive i30 Sedans to get features like blind-spot assist, rear cross-traffic assist, a surround-view camera and leather upholstery, but the entry-level sedan offers AEB, lane-keep assist and lane centring, a wireless phone charger, and an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Like the Mazda 2, it rides on 16-inch alloy wheels and features LED headlights and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter Other affordable sedans on the market include the Kia K4 S ($32,990 drive-away), Mazda 3 G20 Pure ($31,310 before on-roads or currently $33,990 drive-away), and Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport Hybrid ($32,320 before on-roads). The MG 5 Vibe undercut these vehicles significantly, priced from $24,888 drive-away. The updated Chinese sedan is now offered exclusively in Essence trim, which has copped a $4000 price hike and now rings up at $32,990 drive-away. MORE: Everything Hyundai i30 Content originally sourced from: The MG 5 has lost its entry-level variant as part of a safety update, and with it it has lost the title of Australia's most affordable new sedan. So, which car now wears the title? Until the end of this month, the entry-level Hyundai i30 Sedan is Australia's most affordable sedan, priced at $30,990 drive-away nationwide. This drive-away offer is available until June 30, 2025, or while stocks last, and excludes government, fleet and rental buyers. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Depending on the state or territory, this deal represents a saving of between as low as $1426 (ACT) and as much as $2308 (Victoria). Should this offer not be extended, the title of Australia's cheapest sedan could shift once again in the new financial year. Looking at prices before on-road costs, the i30 Sedan retails at $29,000, which sees it undercut by the Mazda 2 G15 GT at $28,190. Depending on the state and territory, the G15 GT – the only Mazda 2 Sedan remaining – is priced between $31,151 (ACT) and $32,297 (Victoria) The i30 Sedan and Mazda 2 Sedan are priced extremely closely, though they sit in different segments. The Mazda is a light car, measuring just 4360mm long on a 2570mm wheelbase and powered by a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 81kW of power and 142Nm of torque. It's offered exclusively with a six-speed automatic transmission, and offers claimed fuel economy of 5.0L/100km. As it's the top-spec Mazda 2, standard equipment includes a surround-view camera, keyless entry, and leather and suede upholstery. That's on top of features found on the base G15 Evolve hatch, which includes LED headlights, 16-inch alloy wheels, a head-up display, a 7.0-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter. As with all Mazda 2s, it also features a suite of active safety and driver assist technology including forward and reverse autonomous emergency braking (AEB), blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist and rear cross-traffic alert. The Hyundai i30 Sedan measures 4710mm long on a 2720mm wheelbase – larger than the MG 5 – and is powered by a 110kW/180Nm naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and claimed fuel economy of 6.1L/100km. You need to step up to more expensive i30 Sedans to get features like blind-spot assist, rear cross-traffic assist, a surround-view camera and leather upholstery, but the entry-level sedan offers AEB, lane-keep assist and lane centring, a wireless phone charger, and an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Like the Mazda 2, it rides on 16-inch alloy wheels and features LED headlights and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter Other affordable sedans on the market include the Kia K4 S ($32,990 drive-away), Mazda 3 G20 Pure ($31,310 before on-roads or currently $33,990 drive-away), and Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport Hybrid ($32,320 before on-roads). The MG 5 Vibe undercut these vehicles significantly, priced from $24,888 drive-away. The updated Chinese sedan is now offered exclusively in Essence trim, which has copped a $4000 price hike and now rings up at $32,990 drive-away. MORE: Everything Hyundai i30 Content originally sourced from:
7NEWS
17-06-2025
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
Australia has a new cheapest sedan
The MG 5 has lost its entry-level variant as part of a safety update, and with it it has lost the title of Australia's most affordable new sedan. So, which car now wears the title? Until the end of this month, the entry-level Hyundai i30 Sedan is Australia's most affordable sedan, priced at $30,990 drive-away nationwide. Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today This drive-away offer is available until June 30, 2025, or while stocks last, and excludes government, fleet and rental buyers. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Depending on the state or territory, this deal represents a saving of between as low as $1426 (ACT) and as much as $2308 (Victoria). Should this offer not be extended, the title of Australia's cheapest sedan could shift once again in the new financial year. Looking at prices before on-road costs, the i30 Sedan retails at $29,000, which sees it undercut by the Mazda 2 G15 GT at $28,190. Depending on the state and territory, the G15 GT – the only Mazda 2 Sedan remaining – is priced between $31,151 (ACT) and $32,297 (Victoria) The i30 Sedan and Mazda 2 Sedan are priced extremely closely, though they sit in different segments. The Mazda is a light car, measuring just 4360mm long on a 2570mm wheelbase and powered by a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 81kW of power and 142Nm of torque. It's offered exclusively with a six-speed automatic transmission, and offers claimed fuel economy of 5.0L/100km. As it's the top-spec Mazda 2, standard equipment includes a surround-view camera, keyless entry, and leather and suede upholstery. That's on top of features found on the base G15 Evolve hatch, which includes LED headlights, 16-inch alloy wheels, a head-up display, a 7.0-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter. As with all Mazda 2s, it also features a suite of active safety and driver assist technology including forward and reverse autonomous emergency braking (AEB), blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist and rear cross-traffic alert. The Hyundai i30 Sedan measures 4710mm long on a 2720mm wheelbase – larger than the MG 5 – and is powered by a 110kW/180Nm naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and claimed fuel economy of 6.1L/100km. You need to step up to more expensive i30 Sedans to get features like blind-spot assist, rear cross-traffic assist, a surround-view camera and leather upholstery, but the entry-level sedan offers AEB, lane-keep assist and lane centring, a wireless phone charger, and an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Like the Mazda 2, it rides on 16-inch alloy wheels and features LED headlights and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter Other affordable sedans on the market include the Kia K4 S ($32,990 drive-away), Mazda 3 G20 Pure ($31,310 before on-roads or currently $33,990 drive-away), and Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport Hybrid ($32,320 before on-roads). The MG 5 Vibe undercut these vehicles significantly, priced from $24,888 drive-away. The updated Chinese sedan is now offered exclusively in Essence trim, which has copped a $4000 price hike and now rings up at $32,990 drive-away.
Daily Mirror
09-06-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
9 cars set to be axed in 2025 including two really recognisable vehicles
As manufacturers respond to new regulations, electrification and changing consumer demand, motorists after these models must act swiftly, otherwise they'll be gone for good A number of the UK's much-loved motorcar models will be axed by the end of the year, marking a huge shift in the automotive landscape. While the UK accelerates its transition over to electric vehicles, certain models are being retired to better align with evolving consumer tastes and make way for newer technology. For years, drivers of electric, zero, or low-emission cars were offered huge cash benefits, such as vehicle tax discounts and exemptions from the 'Expensive Car Road Tax'. While many of these incentives have been cut, which you can learn more about here, Brits are still being encouraged to go for cleaner vehicles. As manufacturers prepare for stricter emissions regulations, here are nine cars confirmed to be discontinued by the end of 2025 — if they haven't been canned already — including some of the most recognisable and iconic brands on the road. 1. Lexus LS After 35 years on sale, the ultra-luxury Lexus LS saloon is being discontinued in the UK due to poor sales. Once hailed as a game-changer when it launched in 1990, the LS helped establish Lexus as a serious competitor to European and American luxury brands. The final generation, the LS 500, launched in 2017 and was updated in 2020. Despite a starting price of over £100,000, only 39 hybrid V6 models have been sold since 2020, with just three last year, leading to its demise in the UK market. 2. Mazda2 Mazda confirmed in February 2025 that the Mazda2 supermini, which has been on sale in its most current iteration for a decade — the earliest version was launched in the UK in 2003 — is no longer available to order. Known for its fun driving experience, the petrol and mild-hybrid versions have been replaced by the Mazda2 Hybrid, essentially a rebadged Toyota Yaris. Mazda cited a shift towards electrification and consumer demand for hybrids as reasons for the change, aiming for all their cars to have some form of electrification by 2030. A Mazda spokesperson told Autocar: "As we move towards increased electrification of our cars, the Mazda 2 Hybrid meets consumer demand in the B-segment and is a step in our journey to ensure all our cars have some form of electrification by 2030." 3. Mazda MX-30 Mazda's first and only electric car, the MX-30, is also being discontinued after just four years. Launched in 2021 as an EV or plug-in hybrid, it struggled due to its limited range of just 124 miles and cramped cabin space. The smaller battery was chosen to reduce weight and emissions but caused range anxiety among drivers. While the fully electric MX-30 is being axed, the plug-in hybrid version remains available in the UK. 4. & 5. Porsche Boxster & Cayman Porsche announced that production of the petrol-powered 718 Boxster and Cayman will end in October 2025. These iconic sports cars have no confirmed electric replacements yet, but an electric successor is expected eventually. Sales in Europe ceased in summer 2024 due to new EU cybersecurity rules, though the UK market continues unaffected post-Brexit. Porsche's head of production confirmed the global end of petrol 718 models by October 2025. 6. Nissan GT-R The Nissan GT-R R35, first unveiled in 2007, has been unavailable in the UK for some time. Production ended in Japan in early 2025, marking the loss of its final market. It was discontinued in the UK and Europe in 2022, and in the USA and Canada in 2024. Nissan's financial difficulties could delay or derail plans for a fully electric GT-R successor, making this a significant moment for fans of the iconic "Godzilla" sports car. 7. & 8. Audi A1 & Q2 Audi shocked the market by announcing the end of production for the popular A1 hatchback and Q2 crossover in 2026. Both are among Audi's cheapest and best-selling models, but neither is sold in the US or China. Audi plans no direct successor for the A1, instead focusing on a new entry-level electric vehicle to serve as an alternative to the A3 and Q3, reflecting the brand's shift toward electrification. Audi CEO Gernot Döllner told Autocar that the manufacturer 'will end production of the A1 and Q2' in 2026, and that there 'definitely will be no successor for the A1'. He added: "We will also see the car that will enter production next year in Ingolstadt [where Audi is based], which will be our entry BEV in the A-segment". 9. Ford Focus ST After 23 years, the Ford Focus ST is being taken off sale in the UK, with production ending in November 2025. The ST could still be ordered as recently as April, but has now disappeared from dealer price lists. Ford said in a statement: "There are no new factory orders available for the Focus ST at the moment, but there are around 170 built and unsold currently available within the UK dealer network. This includes 30 of the special ST Edition variant in Azura Blue." The retirement of these nine models signals a much larger shift in the motoring world. As manufacturers respond to new regulations, electrification, and changing consumer demand, fans still after these models need to act fast, otherwise they'll be gone forever.
Scottish Sun
01-06-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Nine cars confirmed for discontinuation in 2025 – including two iconic convertibles & beloved hot hatchback
A saloon that's run for some 35 years has also reached the end of the road INTO THE SUNSET Nine cars confirmed for discontinuation in 2025 – including two iconic convertibles & beloved hot hatchback Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WE'RE almost at the halfway point of 2025 in what's been a whirlwind six months or so in the motoring world. The UK is in the midst of a transition to electric vehicles which comes with new regulations and economic pressures, while the industry continues to adapt to changing consumer behaviour. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up Elsewhere, the Ford Puma remains the nation's favourite motor, Tesla's favouritism is beginning to dip and Nissan's problems are going from bad to worse. We've also had some exciting car releases, from the Alpine A290 hot hatchback and Dacia Bigster SUV, through to the outrageous Aston Martin Valhalla. We've also learned of the demise of some of our favourite models - ready to drive off into the sunset. Here are some of the biggest nameplates reaching the end of their production runs in 2025. Lexus LS 7 Lexus LS 500h Credit: Lexus After some 35 years on sale, the ultra-luxury Lexus LS saloon has finally reached the end of the road after a sustained period of poor sales. Once described as a game-changer when it hit dealerships in 1990, the LS helped establish Toyota's plush sub-brand as a challenger to the elite carmakers of Europe and America. Marketed with a cheaper starting price, four further generations followed, with the final one, the LS 500, launching in 2017 before it was updated in 2020. Before it was removed, the LS range's price tag began at £101,000, rising to £128,000 for the Takumi version. However, just 39 of the hybrid V6-powered saloons have been purchased since 2020, of which just three were sold last year. Mazda2 7 Mazda 2 Hybrid Credit: Matt Vosper After 10 years on sale, Mazda confirmed back in February that its Mazda2 supermini can no longer be ordered. A brief history of the Mazda MX-5 Often praised for being fun to drive, the petrol-powered and mild-hybrid versions of the hatchback have seemingly been replaced by Mazda2 Hybrid - essentially a rebadged Toyota Yaris. Despite two face-lifts in 2019 and 2023, which both added extra tech to the compact car, the car's near ten-year run in UK sales has finally come to an end. Mazda did not explain why the vehicle was cancelled, but a spokesperson told Autocar: "As we move towards increased electrification of our cars, the Mazda 2 Hybrid meets consumer demand in the B-segment and is a step in our journey to ensure all our cars have some form of electrification by 2030." Mazda MX-30 7 Mazda MX-30 Credit: Mazda Mazda also called time on the MX-30 - its first and only electric car - after just a four-year run. Criticised throughout its existence for its limited range and cramped cabin, the subcompact crossover SUV - offered as an EV or plug-in hybrid - was launched in the UK in 2021, with a view of taking on the likes of the Kia Soul EV and Peugeot e-2008. But it was never a popular choice among drivers, largely because of its modest range of just 124 miles. This was down to its smaller battery size, which was chosen to reduce the car's weight - and while this improved its handling and lowered its CO2 emissions during production, it also resulted in persistent range anxiety among drivers. While the fully electric MX-30 has been axed, the plug-in hybrid version remains on sale in the UK. Porsche Boxster/Cayman 7 Porsche 718 Cayman Credit: Posrche Porsche has officially announced the long-anticipated news that production of the petrol-powered 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman will come to an end. While no replacement for the iconic models has been announced, it's assumed an electric counterpart will eventually be released - though details remain scarce and no release date has been confirmed. For now, production is scheduled to continue until October 2025, including for the UK market. Frank Wiesmann, product communications manager for Porsche Cars North America, recently told Road & Track: 'Production for all current 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman variants, including RS models, is scheduled to end in October of this year.' In Europe, sales of the 718 Boxster and Cayman stopped in summer 2024 due to new EU cybersecurity regulations - although the UK market remained unaffected by these EU rules post-Brexit. This led to Porsche's head of production, Albrecht Reimold, confirming in an interview with Automobilwoche that the petrol-powered 718 models will end production globally by October 2025, except in markets already affected by the EU regulations. Nissan GT-R 7 Nissan R35 GTR Credit: Getty We're cheating here a little, because in the UK, the mighty Nissan GT-R has been unavailable to buy for a little while now. The GT-R R35 was first unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2007 before being updated and facelifted many times, most recently in 2023. However, in February, Nissan announced production of the iconic motor was to end in Japan - meaning it had lost its final market. Nissan had already discontinued deliveries of the R35 in Europe and the UK in March 2022, while Australia and New Zealand lost them even longer ago in October 2021. North America was the second-last to fall, with production wrapping up there in October last year. Furthermore, with Nissan facing financial difficulties recently, plans to have the GT-R's successor be a fully electric model could be derailed. Audi A1 & Q2 7 Audi A1 Credit: Audi We were stunned back in March when Audi revealed they were axing the incredibly popular A1 and Q2 models next year. Both cars, which are big sellers for the German brand - especially the A1 hatchback - are also the two cheapest among their range, but they now reached the end of the road with Audi ready to launch a new entry-level electric car as an indirect replacement. Claimed to sit beneath the top selling Audi Q4 e-tron, the upcoming EV will serve as an alternative to the A3 hatchback and Q3 crossover. Gernot Dollner, Audi's CEO, revealed they "will end production of the A1 and Q2" in 2026 "and there definitely will be no successor for the A1." He added the brand 'will have models in the lower A-segment" and that 'we will also see the car that will enter production next year in Ingolstadt, which will be our entry BEV in the A-segment". Ford Focus ST 7 Ford Focus ST Edition Credit: Ford After 23 years, the Ford Focus ST has been taken off sale in the UK - with production of the hot hatchback set to end in November. The Focus ST had been open for orders as recently as April, but has seemingly disappeared from dealer price lists in an update issued on 26 May. Many of the other variants of the Focus are still available to order, but the ST is no longer one of those - as clicking on the Ford UK's configurer leads to a dead end. Later confirmed by Ford UK to Autocar, there is - at the time of writing - still stock parked up in dealerships across the country. In a statement, the Blue Oval said: 'There are no new factory orders available for the Focus ST at the moment, but there are around 170 built and unsold currently available within the UK dealer network. 'This includes 30 of the special ST Edition variant in Azura Blue.' Better get in fast.
The Irish Sun
01-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Nine cars confirmed for discontinuation in 2025 – including two iconic convertibles & beloved hot hatchback
WE'RE almost at the halfway point of 2025 in what's been a whirlwind six months or so in the motoring world. The UK is in the midst of a transition to electric vehicles which comes with new regulations and economic pressures, while the industry continues to adapt to changing consumer behaviour. Advertisement Elsewhere, We've also had some exciting car releases, from the Alpine A290 hot hatchback and Dacia Bigster SUV, through to the outrageous Aston Martin Valhalla. We've also learned of the demise of some of our favourite models - ready to drive off into the sunset. Here are some of the biggest nameplates reaching the end of their production runs in 2025. Advertisement Read more Motors News Lexus LS 7 Lexus LS 500h Credit: Lexus After some 35 years on sale, the ultra-luxury Lexus LS saloon has finally reached the end of the road after a sustained period of poor sales. Once described as a game-changer when it hit dealerships in 1990, the LS helped establish Toyota's plush sub-brand as a challenger to the elite carmakers of Europe and America. Marketed with a cheaper starting price, four further generations followed, with the final one, the LS 500, launching in 2017 before it was updated in 2020. Advertisement Before it was removed, the LS range's price tag began at £101,000, rising to £128,000 for the Takumi version. Most read in Motors Breaking However, just 39 of the hybrid V6-powered saloons have been purchased since 2020, of which just three were sold last year. Mazda2 7 Mazda 2 Hybrid Credit: Matt Vosper After 10 years on sale, Mazda confirmed back in February that its Mazda2 supermini can no longer be ordered. Advertisement A brief history of the Mazda MX-5 Often praised for being fun to drive, the petrol-powered and mild-hybrid versions of the hatchback have seemingly been replaced by Mazda2 Hybrid - essentially a rebadged Toyota Yaris. Despite two face-lifts in 2019 and 2023, which both added extra tech to the compact car, the car's near ten-year run in UK sales has finally come to an end. Mazda did not explain why the vehicle was cancelled, but a spokesperson told Autocar: "As we move towards increased electrification of our cars, the Mazda 2 Hybrid meets consumer demand in the B-segment and is a step in our journey to ensure all our cars have some form of electrification by 2030." Mazda MX-30 7 Mazda MX-30 Credit: Mazda Advertisement Criticised throughout its existence for its limited range and cramped cabin, the subcompact crossover SUV - offered as an EV or plug-in hybrid - was launched in the UK in 2021, with a view of taking on the likes of the Kia Soul EV and Peugeot e-2008. But it was never a popular choice among drivers, largely because of its modest range of just 124 miles. This was down to its smaller battery size, which was chosen to reduce the car's weight - and while this improved its handling and lowered its CO2 emissions during production, it also resulted in persistent range anxiety among drivers. Advertisement While the fully electric MX-30 has been axed, the plug-in hybrid version remains on sale in the UK. Porsche Boxster/Cayman 7 Porsche 718 Cayman Credit: Posrche Porsche has officially announced the long-anticipated news that production of the petrol-powered 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman will come to an end. While no replacement for the iconic models has been announced, it's assumed an electric counterpart will eventually be released - though details remain scarce and no release date has been confirmed. Advertisement For now, production is scheduled to continue until October 2025, including for the UK market. Frank Wiesmann, product communications manager for Porsche Cars North America, recently told Road & Track: 'Production for all current 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman variants, including RS models, is scheduled to end in October of this year.' In Europe, sales of the 718 Boxster and Cayman stopped in summer 2024 due to new EU cybersecurity regulations - although the UK market remained unaffected by these EU rules post-Brexit. This led to Porsche's head of production, Albrecht Reimold, confirming in an interview with Automobilwoche that the petrol-powered 718 models will end production globally by October 2025, except in markets already affected by the EU regulations. Advertisement Nissan GT-R 7 Nissan R35 GTR Credit: Getty We're cheating here a little, because in the UK, the mighty Nissan GT-R has been unavailable to buy for a little while now. The GT-R R35 was first unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2007 before being updated and facelifted many times, most recently in 2023. However, in February, Nissan announced production of the iconic motor was to end in Japan - meaning it had lost its final market. Advertisement Nissan had already discontinued deliveries of the R35 in Europe and the UK in March 2022, while Australia and New Zealand lost them even longer ago in October 2021. North America was the second-last to fall, with production wrapping up there in October last year. Furthermore, with Nissan facing financial difficulties recently, plans to have the GT-R's successor be a fully electric model could be derailed. Audi A1 & Q2 7 Audi A1 Credit: Audi Advertisement next year. Both cars, which are big sellers for the German brand - especially the A1 hatchback - are also the two cheapest among their range, but they now reached the end of the road with Audi ready to launch a new entry-level electric car as an indirect replacement. Claimed to sit beneath the top selling Audi Q4 e-tron, the upcoming EV will serve as an alternative to the A3 hatchback and Q3 crossover. Gernot Dollner, Audi's CEO, revealed they "will end production of the A1 and Q2" in 2026 "and there definitely will be no successor for the A1." Advertisement He added the brand 'will have models in the lower A-segment" and that 'we will also see the car that will enter production next year in Ingolstadt, which will be our entry BEV in the A-segment". Ford Focus ST 7 Ford Focus ST Edition Credit: Ford After 23 years, the Ford Focus ST has been taken off sale in the UK - with production of the hot hatchback set to end in November. The Focus ST had been open for orders as recently as April, but has seemingly disappeared from dealer price lists in an update issued on 26 May. Advertisement Many of the other variants of the Focus are still available to order, but the ST is no longer one of those - as clicking on the Ford UK's configurer leads to a dead end. Later confirmed by Ford UK to Autocar, there is - at the time of writing - still stock parked up in dealerships across the country. In a statement, the Blue Oval said: 'There are no new factory orders available for the Focus ST at the moment, but there are around 170 built and unsold currently available within the UK dealer network. 'This includes 30 of the special ST Edition variant in Azura Blue.' Advertisement Better get in fast.
