Britain's 9 WORST selling cars revealed – including £80k Fast and Furious-inspired motor & ‘king of weird' retro classic
BRITAIN'S least popular cars in terms of sales have been revealed.
One of the losers to make it to the list includes a super rare Fast and Furious-inspired MG.
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9
The Vauxhall Adam Rocks was taken off sale after three years in 2018
Credit: Handout
Vauxhall Adam Rocks
But first, let's kick things off with the Vauxhall Adam Rocks, which had the makings of a nippy little motor.
However, after just three years, the car manufacturer revealed that they were taking it off the market.
Launched for the UK market in early 2014, it used the standard Adam's platform but added a rugged flair.
The car had 15 mm of raised ride height, plastic cladding, skid plates and a retractable fabric sunroof that folded in just seconds to give a semi‑convertible experience with SUV styling cues.
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Rocks models started from about £14,695 for the base 1.2-litre version, rising to around £16,695 for the turbo‑charged 1.0‑litre Ecotec unit with around 113 bhp.
Mercedes R-Class
9
This Mercedes-Benz R 350 was said to be ahead of the SUV boom curve
Credit: Getty
Mercedes pitched the R‑Class as a 'grand sports tourer'.
It was spacious enough for up to seven occupants and packed with luxury touches.
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Engine options ranged from smooth petrol and diesel V6 units to rare V8s, including a short‑lived R 63 AMG with a 6.2 litre V8 producing over 500 hp—making it one of the fastest seven‑seat vehicles ever.
Yet, despite these impressive details, the R‑Class struggled on the market.
Its shapeshifting identity—neither true SUV nor comfortable minivan—left buyers uncertain.
Fast and the Furious legends meet for the first time in franchise's history
The model, priced from around £44,620, withdrew from the UK market in late 2013.
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MG XPower SV-R model
9
The MG XPower SV-R is a Fast & Furious-inspired, super rare MG dubbed slightly mad
Credit: Jam Press/DM Historics
Inspired by the Fast and Furious films, the XPower SV-R can do 0-60mph in just five seconds, and has a 4.6 litre V8 325 bhp engine.
Unveiled in the early 2000s, the SV‑R was built on the Qvale Mangusta platform, created by McLaren F1 designer Peter Stevens with aggressive styling, wide arches, prominent air intakes, and a carbon‑fibre and aluminium body.
The asking price when new was approximately £82,000–£83,000 for the SV‑R variant.
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Unfortunately, that price proved a major obstacle: MG Rover couldn't sell more than a handful of units.
Only 82 cars in total were built between 2003 and 2005 (including prototypes and standard SVs), with as few as nine SV‑R units reportedly sold to actual customers before the company collapsed in April 2005.
Lotus Europa
9
This is a 2006 black Lotus Europa S car
Credit: Alamy
The 2006 Lotus Europa S was a curious detour in Lotus's otherwise razor-focused lineup of lightweight sports cars.
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Introduced as a more refined, road-friendly alternative to the hardcore Elise, the Europa S was based on the same bonded aluminium chassis but featured a longer wheelbase, more comfortable cabin, and a turbocharged 2.0-litre GM-sourced engine producing around 200 bhp.
However, it failed to impress as it lacked the practicality to compete with more luxurious rivals like the Porsche Cayman.
Only around 458 Europa S models and just 48 Europa SEs were produced before the car was quietly discontinued in 2010.
Renault Vel Satis
9
A silver Renault Vel Satis van that's model came in 2002
Credit: Alamy
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This French car lasted just three years in the UK, as sales topped just at 1,000.
Ironically, the Vel Satis was designed as a concept car, but was not the most appealing of vehicles.
It also came at a time when it was up against BMWs, Mercedes and the Ford Scorpio.
The Vel Satis came available with five engine options, and had a squishy nature to it.
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However, it perhaps had too much weight to it, with the centre of gravity to high, and not the greatest to drive.
But there were some positive aspects, such as being insanely comfortable on the interior, and having a well-appointed cabin that was spacious.
Vauxhall Meriva
9
Vauxhall was known to VXR everything including the Meriva
Credit: Check Copyright
Slated for its bland styling, boring driving dynamics and underwhelming interior quality, the Vauxhall Meriva failed to impress.
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Despite clever features like rear-hinged FlexDoors and versatile seating system, the Meriva was often left at the bottom of the pile, as motorists leaned towards SUVs and crossovers.
By 2017, Vauxhall quietly replaced it with the more SUV-like Crossland X, marking the end of the Meriva's run.
It was given a 178bhp turbo engine in the Meriva OAP-mobile, and achieved 272 sales in four years.
Chevrolet SSR
9
The Super Sport Roadster started manufacturing in 2003
Credit: The Super Sport Roads
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This is essentially a pickup truck with RWD and has no off-roading ability.
Sales for the Chevvy SSR therefore did not go great, even despite its folding hard-top roof.
It even had factory layoffs due to its lack of success.
Chevrolet admitted defeat of the SSR in 2006, with just 9,000 sales.
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Aston Martin Virage
9
Aston Martin Virage
Credit: Handout
Only 426 Virages were made between 1988 and 1995, but this did not stop music icon Sir Elton John wanting the luxury car.
He forked out £129,950 to get his hands on one, but sold it in 1997.
Sitting between the DB9 and more hardcore DBS, it can be described as a GT two-door coupe with a Jekyll and Hyde personality.
Advertisement
The Virage can go from long-distance cruiser at comfortable speeds well in excess of 150mph, to an out-and-out supercar.
But Aston quietly canned the car 18 months after it launched.
Renault Avantime
9
The Renault Avantime is a grand tourer manufactured by Matra between 2001 and 2003
Credit: Getty
Sales of the Renault Avantime was very low, with only about 450 sold in the UK and 8,557 over the three years it was on the market.
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The company had originally projected sales of 1,500 per year in the UK.
Though with its unique design and rarity, the Avantime could be a future classic.
The car did gain a cult following later, but sales performance was still far below expectations.
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The Irish Sun
21 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Britain's 9 WORST selling cars revealed – including £80k Fast and Furious-inspired motor & ‘king of weird' retro classic
They are not all necessarily bad vehicles BRITAIN'S least popular cars in terms of sales have been revealed. One of the losers to make it to the list includes a super rare Fast and Furious-inspired MG. Advertisement 9 The Vauxhall Adam Rocks was taken off sale after three years in 2018 Credit: Handout Vauxhall Adam Rocks But first, let's kick things off with the Vauxhall Adam Rocks, which had the makings of a nippy little motor. However, after just three years, the car manufacturer revealed that they were taking it off the market. Launched for the UK market in early 2014, it used the standard Adam's platform but added a rugged flair. The car had 15 mm of raised ride height, plastic cladding, skid plates and a retractable fabric sunroof that folded in just seconds to give a semi‑convertible experience with SUV styling cues. Advertisement Rocks models started from about £14,695 for the base 1.2-litre version, rising to around £16,695 for the turbo‑charged 1.0‑litre Ecotec unit with around 113 bhp. Mercedes R-Class 9 This Mercedes-Benz R 350 was said to be ahead of the SUV boom curve Credit: Getty Mercedes pitched the R‑Class as a 'grand sports tourer'. It was spacious enough for up to seven occupants and packed with luxury touches. Advertisement Engine options ranged from smooth petrol and diesel V6 units to rare V8s, including a short‑lived R 63 AMG with a 6.2 litre V8 producing over 500 hp—making it one of the fastest seven‑seat vehicles ever. Yet, despite these impressive details, the R‑Class struggled on the market. Its shapeshifting identity—neither true SUV nor comfortable minivan—left buyers uncertain. Fast and the Furious legends meet for the first time in franchise's history The model, priced from around £44,620, withdrew from the UK market in late 2013. Advertisement MG XPower SV-R model 9 The MG XPower SV-R is a Fast & Furious-inspired, super rare MG dubbed slightly mad Credit: Jam Press/DM Historics Inspired by the Fast and Furious films, the XPower SV-R can do 0-60mph in just five seconds, and has a 4.6 litre V8 325 bhp engine. Unveiled in the early 2000s, the SV‑R was built on the Qvale Mangusta platform, created by McLaren F1 designer Peter Stevens with aggressive styling, wide arches, prominent air intakes, and a carbon‑fibre and aluminium body. The asking price when new was approximately £82,000–£83,000 for the SV‑R variant. Advertisement Unfortunately, that price proved a major obstacle: MG Rover couldn't sell more than a handful of units. Only 82 cars in total were built between 2003 and 2005 (including prototypes and standard SVs), with as few as nine SV‑R units reportedly sold to actual customers before the company collapsed in April 2005. Lotus Europa 9 This is a 2006 black Lotus Europa S car Credit: Alamy The 2006 Lotus Europa S was a curious detour in Lotus's otherwise razor-focused lineup of lightweight sports cars. Advertisement Introduced as a more refined, road-friendly alternative to the hardcore Elise, the Europa S was based on the same bonded aluminium chassis but featured a longer wheelbase, more comfortable cabin, and a turbocharged 2.0-litre GM-sourced engine producing around 200 bhp. However, it failed to impress as it lacked the practicality to compete with more luxurious rivals like the Porsche Cayman. Only around 458 Europa S models and just 48 Europa SEs were produced before the car was quietly discontinued in 2010. Renault Vel Satis 9 A silver Renault Vel Satis van that's model came in 2002 Credit: Alamy Advertisement This French car lasted just three years in the UK, as sales topped just at 1,000. Ironically, the Vel Satis was designed as a concept car, but was not the most appealing of vehicles. It also came at a time when it was up against BMWs, Mercedes and the Ford Scorpio. The Vel Satis came available with five engine options, and had a squishy nature to it. Advertisement However, it perhaps had too much weight to it, with the centre of gravity to high, and not the greatest to drive. But there were some positive aspects, such as being insanely comfortable on the interior, and having a well-appointed cabin that was spacious. Vauxhall Meriva 9 Vauxhall was known to VXR everything including the Meriva Credit: Check Copyright Slated for its bland styling, boring driving dynamics and underwhelming interior quality, the Vauxhall Meriva failed to impress. Advertisement Despite clever features like rear-hinged FlexDoors and versatile seating system, the Meriva was often left at the bottom of the pile, as motorists leaned towards SUVs and crossovers. By 2017, Vauxhall quietly replaced it with the more SUV-like Crossland X, marking the end of the Meriva's run. It was given a 178bhp turbo engine in the Meriva OAP-mobile, and achieved 272 sales in four years. Chevrolet SSR 9 The Super Sport Roadster started manufacturing in 2003 Credit: The Super Sport Roads Advertisement This is essentially a pickup truck with RWD and has no off-roading ability. Sales for the Chevvy SSR therefore did not go great, even despite its folding hard-top roof. It even had factory layoffs due to its lack of success. Chevrolet admitted defeat of the SSR in 2006, with just 9,000 sales. Advertisement Aston Martin Virage 9 Aston Martin Virage Credit: Handout Only 426 Virages were made between 1988 and 1995, but this did not stop music icon Sir Elton John wanting the luxury car. He forked out £129,950 to get his hands on one, but sold it in 1997. Sitting between the DB9 and more hardcore DBS, it can be described as a GT two-door coupe with a Jekyll and Hyde personality. Advertisement The Virage can go from long-distance cruiser at comfortable speeds well in excess of 150mph, to an out-and-out supercar. But Aston quietly canned the car 18 months after it launched. Renault Avantime 9 The Renault Avantime is a grand tourer manufactured by Matra between 2001 and 2003 Credit: Getty Sales of the Renault Avantime was very low, with only about 450 sold in the UK and 8,557 over the three years it was on the market. Advertisement The company had originally projected sales of 1,500 per year in the UK. Though with its unique design and rarity, the Avantime could be a future classic. The car did gain a cult following later, but sales performance was still far below expectations.
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Britain's best selling cars of 2025 so far revealed as hatchback favourite roars back into the lead
This could mark its second consecutive year as the top model TOP CARS Britain's best selling cars of 2025 so far revealed as hatchback favourite roars back into the lead THE BEST selling cars of 2025 so far have been revealed, featuring a hatchback favourite that has roared back into the lead. It comes as car manufacturers have updated their sales figures for the year, determining the current most popular new motors for UK drivers. Advertisement At top of the charts again is the Ford Puma, which has continued to be a UK best-selling car in the last two years. If it maintains this position for the rest of 2025, it could have a second consecutive year as the top model in the country. This is despite slower start to the year than last, but regained its position in February. The broader new car market is also experiencing fluctuations, which can be linked to challenges as well as uncertainty about government incentives. Advertisement However, a definitive list of the top 10 best-selling cars of the year at the moment has been provided through SMMT data. 1. Ford Puma - 30,764 units 10 The Ford Puma hatchback returns to the top of best-selling cars in the UK Credit: PA The Puma has secured the top spot in UK sales since February this year, despite having a slow start to 2025. This may be linked to its appealing features, being engaging to drive, and attractively priced. Advertisement There is also the option of a hot Puma ST variant, and soon arrival of the electric Ford Puma Gen-E. 2. Kia Sportage - 27,494 units 10 The Kia Sportage came in second with its bold new rebrand Credit: PA This family SUV from the Korean automobile manufacturer retained second place for the third consecutive month. At the end of 2022, it entered its fifth generation, and still looks a fresh and modern vehicle. Advertisement Mercedes' new CLA 250+ Sport is its most efficient and intelligent car ever but is spoiled by 'chavvy' feature With mild-hybrid, full-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, the Kia Sportage provides great variety for buyers. 3. Nissan Qashqai - 24,529 units 10 The Nissan Qashqai has been slipping rankings but claimed third place Credit: PA The Nissan Qashqai really peaked in 2022 as the UK's best-selling car. Since then, it has finished in second in 2023, and third in 2024. Advertisement It comes in at third again at the moment, proving to be a continually popular car for buyers. The British-built family crossover provides excellent practicality, no doubt encouraged by the electrified powertrain that was added to its third generation. 4. Vauxhall Corsa - 22,196 units 10 The Vauxhall Corsa also includes an E Elite Premium electric version Credit: Getty The Vauxhall Corsa has been another car that has fallen in the rankings over the past few years, after being the top in 2021. Advertisement Sales of the model fell steadily, to being left completely off the top 10 in 2024. It has, however, been given a facelift, and proves to be performing well again. The new supermini offers great value for money, with strong and economical powertrains, as well as some impressive digital tech. 5. Nissan Juke - 21,604 units 10 The Nissan Juke came in fifth with its 2023 redesign Credit: PA Advertisement The Nissan Juke finished in fourth place in 2024, and has remained a popular car in the UK. The small SUV received a refresh in the middle of 2023, after being on sale with its brand new design from 2020. It subsequently became hybrid powered for the first time. 6. Volkswagen Golf - 18,974 units 10 The Volkswagen Golf is the first from the German manufacturer to make the list Credit: PA Advertisement The Golf is a dependable and efficient car that has been a popular one for some time. It is good all-round family hatchback that has been slowly creeping its way back up the charts. Autocar have considered this Volkswagen a "handsomely understated' designed car that has an effortless look. There are options for drivers to customise their vehicle's interior, though, and the new models can even come with heated seats. Advertisement The German company has provided a wide-reaching technology update, a design revamp, a more powerful GTI hot hatch and a longer-range plug-in hybrid for the model, so it continue to climb in the ranks. 7. MG HS - 11,016 units 10 The MG HS can be also be driven on an electric-only engine Credit: Alamy The MG HS has been described as offering "nothing short of class-leading value for money" to justify its placement on the list. It is available with a petrol engine or as a plug-in hybrid. Advertisement The family crossover also comes with good levels of equipment, including a 10.1-inch touchscreen, 360 degree parking camera and smartphone mirroring capabilities. 8. Volkswagen Tiguan - 17,750 units 10 Volkswagen's Tiguan was the next of the brands popular cars in the UK Credit: PA This is Volkswagen's popular family SUV, that has consistently been one of its best-sellers in the UK. It is a practical and versatile option that gets a wide range of powertrains from petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrids. Advertisement Standard equipment of the vehicle includes a reversing camera, parking sensors, wireless smartphone mirroring and dual digital screens. 9. Peugeot 2008 - 17,605 units 10 The Peugeot 2008 provides generous standard equipment to come in ninth on the list Credit: PA The French firm offers style, frugal hybrid trains and electric options with this model. The Peugeot 2008 also provides generation standard equipment for its price. Advertisement This includes front and rear parking sensors, a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen and active safety braking. 10. Hyundai Tucson - 17,249 units 10 Hyundai's Tucson comes to rap up the top ten of UK car sales Credit: PA This car has been a regular favourite in the UK's top 10 list. The popular SUV is arguably the most premium option on the list, with a eye-catching look and unique lighting arragnement. Advertisement It has plush interior and a range of electrified powertrains for many Brits.
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Huge crisis-hit carmaker to slash MORE jobs amid wave of closures after profits dropped by 90% in one year
LONG ROAD AHEAD Huge crisis-hit carmaker to slash MORE jobs amid wave of closures after profits dropped by 90% in one year A MAJOR carmaker is set to cut more jobs as it struggles to recover from a 90 per cent profit plunge and global plant closures. The Japanese automaker has started crunch talks with union reps over job losses at its European regional HQ in Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France – where it employs around 560 staff. 3 The car manufacturer has confirmed that consultations are underway with staff representatives at Nissan Automotive Europe Credit: Getty 3 The job cuts are part of a massive overhaul pushed forward by new CEO Ivan Espinosa, who took the helm in April Credit: Getty Nissan has confirmed that consultations are underway with staff representatives at Nissan Automotive Europe, which also manages the firm's operations across Africa, the Middle East, India and Oceania. An internal document and emails, seen by Reuters, revealed that the office is facing sweeping changes. A source close to the situation said major restructuring is planned, although full details are still under wraps. The talks are set to wrap up by 20 October, with final announcements expected in November. Managers and union bosses have agreed to look at voluntary redundancies first, before moving to any forced layoffs. 'Conducted with care' In an email sent on 31 July, Nissan's regional vice chair Massimiliano Messina told employees: 'We are working diligently and respectfully with all parties to ensure that this process is conducted with care, transparency and in full compliance with legal requirements.' He added that no concrete decisions had yet been taken. The job cuts are part of a massive overhaul pushed forward by new CEO Ivan Espinosa, who took the helm in April. The plan includes axing around 15 percent of the global workforce, cutting production capacity by 30 per cent and trimming the number of manufacturing sites from 17 to 10. Nissan forced to close down another dealership with customers told in onsite message sales have 'concluded' for good The struggling brand hopes the move will help it claw back 500 billion yen – roughly £2.7 billion – in savings. Closures around the globe In another blow, Nissan announced last week that it would shut down production at its Civac plant in Mexico by March 2026. The company also confirmed it would end vehicle output at its Oppama facility in Japan by March 2028, followed by the closure of its Shonan plant – run by Nissan-Shatai – by 2027. Nissan has been grappling with poor sales in key markets like China and the United States, which has added to the financial strain caused by years of aggressive global expansion. The firm currently employs around 19,000 people across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, India and Oceania – with nearly 60% of those jobs based in Europe. The Sun has approached Nissan for comment.
