MG Marvel R
The MG Marvel R is an SUV, similarly sized to the HS that we get in the UK. The Marvel R is offered in mainland Europe, but differs from the HS, as it comes exclusively in all electric guise, with up to 250 miles range. The Marvel R has a clean modern design, with flush fitting door handles, and a smooth front, with the obvious absence of a grille given its electric powertrain. Like the IONIQ 5, it features ‘vehicle-to-load- meaning that the Marvel R can be used as a power source to charge standard home appliances, or even other electric vehicles. The Marvel R is incredibly stylish, and a really good electric offering, but for now, this isn’t available in the UK.
Honda Ridgeline
If you were to think about what Honda sells, most would say the Civic, the CR-V and the Jazz at the very least, but what would you say if we told you that in the USA, Honda sells a full-size pickup truck? The Honda Ridgeline is made to go off road yet it still retains the Honda essence thanks to its smart features, like its multifunction tailgate, storage under the flat bed, and split rear seats, that incorporate the functionality of the Magic Seats we see on the Honda Jazz. The Ridgeline is designed exclusively for the US market so unfortunately we don’t think this will ever make an appearance in our showrooms.
Hyundai Staria
Hyundai have been a roll with their designs recently, with all their latest models looking incredibly futuristic. So when Hyundai went about replacing their Starex (or as we know it the i800) for South Korea, they took a really unique approach, making it almost sci-fi with it’s design, to make it stand out against competitors.
The Staria is actually very elegant, even outside of the context of vans, and with the choice of cargo, people mover and even luxurious lounge models, this is really like nothing else we have in the UK. Hyundai have even released a camper version of this with space for four people to sleep, a kitchen and adjustable roof height so that you can stand up completely once inside.
The Staria comes with a variety of features, including the Pixel lighting seen on the IONIQ 5, digital driver and infotainment system like on the Tucson, and seating for up to 11 passengers, across four rows. Hyundai discontinued the i800 in 2019 after 11 years in production, and in theory, the Staria could be an ideal rival for the Renault Traffic or Nissan Primastar and we really hope Hyundai think the same.
Renault Twingo ZE
In 2019, we said bon voyage to the iconic Renault Twingo, but in other markets, it lived on and now is available as an all-electric city car, with a 22kWh hour battery which gives it a range of up to 155 miles range, perfect for any city dweller! The Twingo ZE comes equipped with navigation, and all the other creature comforts that we are used to, wrapped up in a compact stylish package. We know in our hearts this model probably won’t make it to the UK, but we would love it if it did!
Mazda Flair Crossover
The Mazda Flair Crossover is a tiny SUV sold in Japan, to fit within the ‘Kei’ category of cars, where if models fit within size and engine size constraints, owners are eligible for a variety of tax and insurance benefits. Kei cars make up over a third of car sales in Japan, and 5 of the 10 best selling cars in Japan last year fit into this category.
The Flair crossover is just 3.4m long and has a raised right height to make it look more rugged. It has up to 64hp thanks to a 660cc engine which can reach 60mph in 13.1 seconds, quite impressive for such a small engine. Inside the Mazda Flair Crossover has a funky interior and space for four adults and a few small bags, although it is quite small it’s actually quite well packaged.
As unique as this looks, it isn’t even remotely likely that we would ever see this in the UK, as being realistic, it probably wouldn’t suit the needs of the general British public, but somehow, we still wish it would!
Although we wish these models would make come to the UK, we still have an incredible range of vehicles in the UK, why not check them out here.
