In memoriam: the cars that died in 2019

More than 50 models of cars sold in the UK ceased production in 2019.

Some have been replaced but many have gone forever… Such is the pace of change that it seems no sooner are some cars introduced than they're consigned to the annals of history. Most cars are replaced on a five- or six-year model cycle, but some of the models canned in 2019 have been around a lot longer than that – one was introduced a massive 20 years ago, albeit with a facelift here and there along the way.

That one we're not too upset about losing but of the 55 axed cars here, some corkers have gone to the great showroom in the sky:

Abarth 124 Spider

When Fiat killed off the 124 Spider earlier this year, the Abarth take on the same formula initially remained on sale – only to be pulled shortly after. FCA wouldn't say why, and with the UK being the biggest market in the world for Abarth's products as a whole it wasn't necessarily because of poor sales volumes. More likely was fluctuating exchange rates ensuring that the Abarth 124 Spider was no longer profitable to sell here. BEING REPLACED? No

Alfa Romeo 4C

The 4C initially promised so much, with its lightweight and stiff carbon fibre bodyshell and its mid-mounted turbocharged engine. Launched in 2013 in coupé form, a spider edition followed in 2015 and while they were enticing on paper, dynamically they fell short, with things not helped by optimistic pricing. Improvements were incorporated along the way, but the 4C could never compete with the Lotus Elise and Porsche Boxster/Cayman. Now the 4C is no more and Alfa is set to spend its cash on developing new SUVs instead of sports cars. BEING REPLACED? No

Alfa Romeo Mito

Although the final Alfa Romeo Mitos were made in 2018, you could still buy one from stock well into 2019; this was never a car that troubled the biggest sellers in the UK. The Mito looked enticing on paper: zesty engines, sharp looks, great handling, but the reality never quite lived up to those expectations. So when it slipped away altogether earlier this year, we didn't lose too much sleep over it, even though we gave it 3.5 stars overall. BEING REPLACED? No

Audi A6 Allroad

Here's a fun fact for you: when this generation of A6 Allroad was launched, it was this car that Audi's wealthiest customers bought, rather than a more expensive A8 or R8. And why wouldn't you? This was a car that had it all: a luxurious interior, acres of space, powerful engines, fabulous build quality and understated looks so the world didn't know you'd lavished £70k+ on your car by the time you'd splashed out on a few choice options. BEING REPLACED? Yes

Audi RS6 Avant

Audi is the master when it comes to devastating on-paper ability, but disappointing reality, and nowhere is this more apparent than with the RS6. It's ludicrously fast, fabulously usable and hugely expensive to buy and run – but not engaging enough for those of us who really savour exquisite handling. With 605bhp on tap in Performance guise the RS6 isn't lacking in the grunt stakes – but a kerb weight of 1950kg is never going to allow pin-sharp dynamics. That's why we proclaimed that "it remains the difference between the merely memorable and the truly marvellous". We recently drove the new model, which impressed us. BEING REPLACED? Yes

Bentley Continental Flying Spur

An all-new (third-generation) Bentley Continental Flying Spur has just hit the road, which means its predecessor is no more. Launched in 2013, the second-generation Bentley Flying Spur initially came only with a 6.0-litre W12 engine and with 616bhp on tap it was the most powerful four-door Bentley ever offered by the factory. For those who didn't need quite that much power there was a 500bhp twin-turbo V8 available within a year. If you fancy lording it up over your neighbours, used example prices now start at a mere £55,000. BEING REPLACED? Yes

BMW 1 Series

With the introduction of an all-new front-wheel drive 1 Series this year, the outgoing second-generation 1 Series marked the end of an era. Here was a rear-wheel drive compact hatch which was superb to drive and came with some fabulous engines, but that rear-drive layout meant that cabin space was pretty compromised. There were some seriously desirable six-cylinder editions available though, which is why some second-generation variants – such as the M135i and M140i – are bound to become very collectible. BEING REPLACED? Yes

BMW 3 Series

The king is dead – long live the king. A new generation of 3 Series is a momentous occasion, so when we got the seventh take on BMW's multi-talented compact exec, the previous one had to be axed. Even when it met its end the 3 Series Mk6 led the way when it came to driving pleasure, while it packed most of the comfort and safety tech that demanding buyers now expect. So while the new car is even more impressive in many ways, a second-hand 3 Series Mk6 is the perfect used buy. BEING REPLACED? Yes

BMW 6 Series

As long as you didn't mind losing a packet of cash in depreciation, the BMW 6 Series made a great buy with its stylish lines, efficient diesel engines and wonderful dynamics. You could choose between two- or four-door coupés, or there was a stylish convertible, all of which came only with BMW's silky smooth sight-speed automatic transmission. The coupé was priced from £60k when it arrived in 2011, but prices now start at just £12,000 for an early car with 80,000 miles on the clock. BEING REPLACED? Yes – indirectly by the new 8 Series

BMW X6

When BMW introduced the original X6 there were plenty of raised eyebrows. How could BMW produce something with such awkward styling and how could it expect to sell any as a result? Yet the X6 proved massively popular, and this year we got a third take on the model, which means the second-generation X6 that arrived in 2014 has now been consigned to the history books. Great to drive, beautifully built and with some superb engines the X6 had plenty going for it, and at least in second-generation form it was more pleasing to the eye than before. BEING REPLACED? Yes

Citroën C4 Spacetourer

You can still buy a seven-seat Citroen Grand C4 Spacetourer, but the five-seat version was axed in May thanks to the arrival of the more SUV-like (and less MPV-like) C5 Aircross. The C4 Spacetourer was launched way back in 2013 as the C4 Picasso, but in summer 2018 the name change came as Citroen opted to ditch its long-standing Picasso moniker. Just a year later though, the five-seater was dropped leaving the Grand C4 Spacetourer to soldier on alone. BEING REPLACED? Yes – indirectly by C5 Aircross

Ferrari 488

Sometimes all of the stars align and a perfect car arrives on the scene – or as close to perfect as it's realistically possible to get. The 488 was one of those cars with its brilliant twin-turbo V8, superb balance, brilliant handling and utterly accessible devastating performance. Now the 488 is history but we won't mourn its passing as its replacement the F8 Tributo is little more than an overhauled 488 – and somehow Ferrari has managed to make it even better. BEING REPLACED? Yes – by F8 Tributo

Fiat 124 Spider

For more than a decade virtually all of Fiat's UK sales have been of 500 derivatives, but in 2016 something fresh and exciting was added to the company's price lists – a two-seater convertible closely related to the Mazda MX-5. Borrowing the 124 Spider tag that Fiat had last used in 1985, the new drop-top promised much. But it failed to deliver thanks to a bodyshell that lacked stiffness, an unsettled ride and a disappointing interior. Despite this the 124 sold reasonably well in the UK and across Europe, but its turbocharged 1.4-litre engine fell foul of European emissions regulations so it was killed off. BEING REPLACED? No

Fiat Fullback

It's interesting how much difference to sales a badge can make. While the Mitsubishi L200 is one of the most popular pick-ups in the UK, Fiat just couldn't gain any traction in the market with its rebadged L200, the Fullback. Maybe it was because the Fullback wasn't as refined, or as plush inside – perhaps it was the pricing which wasn't competitive. Whatever it was Fiat didn't sell enough Fullbacks to warrant keeping it on sale and the plug was pulled in April. BEING REPLACED? No

Ford C-Max

There was a time when car makers couldn't make enough MPVs, with some marques offering micro-MPVs, mini-MPVs, mid- and full-sized MPVs – buyers wanted them all. Then along came the SUV and spoiled the party, and after 16 years of C-Max sales (the original car was the 2003 Focus C-Max) Ford has canned its compact MPV to focus instead on its all-new Kuga. Which is rather a shame, as we're big fans of the C-Max and its even more practical bigger brother, the Grand C-Max. BEING REPLACED? No

Ford Edge

Just a few months after the Edge was facelifted, Ford pulled it from UK showrooms because it was selling so poorly. Developed for US buyers, the Edge wasn't the right product for Brits who between them bought just 1700 examples of this generously proportioned SUV in the whole of 2018. We won't particularly mourn its passing as the Edge was perfectly good at what it did, but rivals did the same thing better. BEING REPLACED? No

Ford Ka+

It's getting ever harder to turn a profit at the lower end of the market, with city cars costing more and more to make, but buyers not prepared to pay for the ever-lengthening list of equipment that's now demanded by legislators. As a result we're likely to see fewer brands offering city cars and one that was killed off this summer was Ford's titchiest model, the Ka+. Ford chose to ditch the Ka+ and to introduce a new entry-level Fiesta instead, to take its place. BEING REPLACED? Yes – indirectly by Ford Fiesta Trend

Jaguar XJ

When the original Jaguar XJ arrived in 1968 it shook up the luxury car segment in a big way. It offered grace, pace and space at an affordable price, and over the next 51 years it continued to offer something different from the more obvious German contenders that became the default choice in the segment. Now the Jaguar XJ is no more – until it's reinvented in 2020 as an electric-only luxury saloon. Although whether or not it will be called the XJ remains to be seen… BEING REPLACED? Yes – but not until 2020

Kia Carens

After the previous two generation of Carens, this third-generation seven-seater MPV was from another era with its decent dynamics, roomy cabin and relatively appealing shape. After all, there's only so much you can do to make a box on wheels look attractive, but Kia's lead designer Peter Schreyer did a decent job and while the Carens won't go down in history as a landmark car, it's one that will make a great used buy for a few years yet. BEING REPLACED? No

Kia Optima

The D segment is a notoriously difficult one to crack as it's dominated by the German holy trinity of the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and Mercedes C Class. Fewer and fewer buyers are choosing a D segment saloon or estate nowadays – instead they're taking the SUV option, yet against this backdrop Kia introduced the Optima in 2015, in saloon and estate forms. At first there was diesel power only, but a plug-in hybrid followed soon after, but the Optima is now gone and while Kia is set to introduce an all-new Optima, it won't be coming to the UK. BEING REPLACED? No

Kia Venga

If your life depended on it, could you hand-on-heart say when you last saw a Kia Venga? On sale for almost a decade, this micro-MPV is one of those invisible cars that sold reasonably well for its maker, but if one drove past it simply wouldn't register. That's not to say it was a bad car though; it was just that in typical Kia fashion it did the job perfectly well but with little in the way of excitement. Which to be fair, is a strategy that has kept plenty of other brands going for decade after decade… BEING REPLACED? No

Maserati GranTurismo

After a production run of a whopping 12 years the Maserati GranTurismo is finally no more. It still looked fabulous even after being on the market for so long, but despite such a lengthy lifespan Maserati never really sorted some of the minor annoyances that rankled; the weird seating position, the adjustable damping and the slightly disappointing interior quality. But this was a Maserati that was great to drive overall, and a magnificent grand tourer, which is why it's a guaranteed future classic. BEING REPLACED? Yes – but not until 2020 or 2021

Maserati GranCabrio

It's not just the GranTurismo that's been killed off this year – its open-topped sibling the GranCabrio has been axed too. A gorgeous four-seater GT convertible, the GranCabrio seemingly had it all: style, a glamorous badge, a stirring soundtrack, performance, luxury. What more could you need? Well, a bigger boot wouldn't have gone amiss, along with a bit more torque and sharper handling. But the GranCabrio was a magnificent beast all the same. BEING REPLACED? Yes – but not until 2020 or 2021

Mazda 3

When we first drove the third-generation Mazda 3 in 2013 we said: "The new Mazda 3 is a perfect fit for enthusiasts. Its blend of brisk performance and energetic handling will be deal-clinchers for Mazda regulars who like to get a bit more but pay a bit less, and those buyers will be delighted with the economy, practicality and style also on offer. This is a car that deserves to bring new customers to the brand". So its demise in 2019 is no cause for celebration despite an all-new Mk4 Mazda 3 taking its place (which we also love). Still, you can now buy a Mazda 3 Mk3 from just £5000. BEING REPLACED? Yes

Mercedes-Benz CLA

The Mercedes CLA is one of those odd cars that doesn't have a very high profile yet they're all over the place. For those who reckon a C-Class is a bit too big, the CLA was just the job with its compact saloon and estate configurations, upmarket interior, a choice of petrol or diesel engines and slick manual or automatic gearboxes. But this was a car that was never as good to drive as it should have been and it was always priced optimistically – yet buyers lapped up the CLA all the same. BEING REPLACED? Yes

Mercedes-Benz GLS

What started out as the second-generation GL-Class in 2012 became the GLS in 2016, to fit in with Mercedes' new naming strategy. Sitting at the top of the German brand's ever-expanding SUV range, the seven-seat GLS started at almost £80,000 by the time it was axed earlier this year. Now you can buy a low-mileage example for less than half that, while a second-generation GL starts at just £25,000 – but you'll need deep pockets to run one. BEING REPLACED? Yes

Mercedes-Benz SLC

Mercedes is credited with inventing the coupé-cabriolet, even though Peugeot was actually first, way back in the 1930s. What Mercedes did do was popularise the format with its 1996 SLK, which in third-generation form became the SLC in 2016. Offered in petrol and diesel guises (the former no longer including a V8 option, sadly), the SLC was no cutting-edge sports car, but for anyone who wanted a drop-top for cruising in style it was just the job. Now you can buy an SLC from just £15,000. BEING REPLACED? No

Mitsubishi L200

A staple part of the Mitsubishi line-up for more than 40 years, the L200 pick-up is a proper workhorse that's great at what it does. Pick-ups have become ever more popular in recent years and to keep buyers happy they've had to become much more sophisticated in every way. They now have to be comfortable, refined, well equipped and good to drive – while still being superb off-road and when towing. The L200 is all of these things and while the L200 that arrived this year is no clean-sheet redesign, it's still seen as a sixth-generation model meaning the L200 Mk5 that was launched in 2015 is now history. BEING REPLACED? Yes

Mitsubishi Shogun

As buyers become ever more demanding and legislation changes at a ferocious rate, some model cycles are getting ever shorter. But Mitsubishi didn't get that memo – the Shogun which has only just been axed, was introduced in 2006, and that was only an updated version of the third-generation car that arrived in 1999. Reliable, rugged and great for towing the Shogun had its fans, but it was too expensive, unrefined and low-tech for us which is why we gave it just two stars out of five. BEING REPLACED? No

Nissan Juke

The Nissan Juke introduced us all to the concept of a B-segment (supermini-sized) SUV, but that was so long ago that it's a segment that seems to have been around forever. However, while the Juke arrived in 2010 it would be another two or three years before the sector really got going – and none of the Nissan's rivals could compete with its out-there styling. What they could beat though was the Juke's plasticky interior, its mediocre driving experience and its disappointing levels of practicality. But the Juke offered good value and the fact that it dared to be different is cause for celebration. BEING REPLACED? Yes

Peugeot 208

Peugeot has built some brilliant small cars over the years, most notably the 205 which was one of the stand-out cars of the 1980s. The 206 and 207 that followed weren't so memorable, but when the 208 arrived in 2012 it showed that Peugeot had got back its mojo. Fun to drive, practical and powered by some great engines, the 208 did really well for Peugeot for seven years. With a second-generation 208 about to hit the road Peugeot is hoping it can repeat the trick, and from our limited time with the new supermini we think it might just have another hit on its hands. BEING REPLACED? Yes

Porsche 911

In an ever-changing world there are always a few constants and the Porsche 911 is one of them. First seen in 1963 we've had eight generations of them so far, with the 992 edition launched earlier this year. That means the 991 was killed off to make way, and by the time it met its demise this edition featured turbocharged powerplants throughout the range – a range that was so convoluted that it was hard to keep up at times. But it didn't matter because there were no duffers, just different levels of brilliance. BEING REPLACED? Oh yes

Range Rover Evoque

When it arrived with its concept car looks in 2011, Land Rover couldn't make Evoques fast enough. Waiting lists grew and grew, desperate buyers were happy to pay over list to get an early car, and this was the sharpest-looking SUV on the block. Land Rover ramped up production and suddenly there was an Evoque on every corner. But while the Evoque's exclusivity soon disappeared that didn't stop it from being very desirable thanks to its plush cabin, go-anywhere ability and those exterior lines. Its replacement is already selling like hot cakes. BEING REPLACED? Yes

Range Rover Evoque convertible

The demise of the first-generation Evoque means the rag-top version has also bitten the dust. Over the years there have been no shortage of cars that have polarised opinions, but somewhere near the top of those that have led to Autocar readers foaming at the mouth (and not in a good way) was the Evoque convertible – a heavy, costly car that wasn't as good to drive as its tin-top siblings. Being in a niche of its own however gave it a certain advantage, and we gave it a generous 3.5 stars all the same. BEING REPLACED? No

Renault Captur

An all-new Captur is about to be unleashed on British buyers, although you'd be hard-pressed to tell the difference between it and the outgoing model. That's not necessarily a bad thing as although the Captur wasn't the sharpest drive around, it was quite a looker, offered decent value and a nicely finished cabin – all things that we expect the second-generation model to focus on. BEING REPLACED? Yes

Renault Clio

The Clio has always been a very likeable car, even if it hasn't been one of the most reliable. The fourth take on the Clio formula brought a big step forward in quality though, as well as size – which in turn meant this was a car that was more practical than ever. With a wide range that offered something for everyone, whether your focus was on performance or economy the Clio now makes a great used buy – not least of all because it looks just like its replacement. BEING REPLACED? Yes

Renault Twingo

The original Renault Twingo was a brilliant piece of automotive design. Neatly styled, fun to drive, amazingly practical for such a tiddler, it was never imported to the UK. But we got the second-generation car which never inspired like its forebear – and the rear-engined third take didn't light our fire either. Buyers didn't take to it in big numbers either – which is why it's no more. BEING REPLACED? No

Seat Mii

Don't fret if you're desperate to add a brand new Seat Mii to your life – you can still buy one, just not one with a petrol engine. That's because the Mii is being reinvented as an electric-only model (priced from £19,300) but you can buy an early petrol edition from just £2500. Skoda has opted to do the same thing with its Citigo (priced from £20,455 in electric form) and the petrol-engined Volkswagen Up is being phased out too. BEING REPLACED? Yes – but electric only

Seat Toledo

In a bid to streamline its model range as much as possible, Seat anounced in August 2018 that Toledo buyers would now just have to choose between SE and Xcellence trims with no optional extras available. But within weeks of this announcement Toledo production had been ended with the car just about limping into 2019. We're not too upset about the Toledo's demise though – this was a car that was somewhat devoid of character, although it was worthy enough if excitement isn't your thing. BEING REPLACED? No

Skoda Rapid

The demise of the Seat Toledo meant the Skoda version of the same car also bit the dust in 2019. However, while the Toledo came only in fastback form the Skoda was offered as a Spaceback too, which was more of a truncated estate. Just like the Seat, the Skoda Rapid was fine at what it did, but it wasn't a car that stirred the emotions which is why we're not missing it very much so far. BEING REPLACED? Yes – indirectly by the Scala hatchback

Smart Forfour (petrol)

The Smart ForFour has never been a big seller in the UK. The original car shared much with the Mitsubishi Colt and it was sold here between 2004 and 2006. The second take, introduced in 2015, was essentially a Renault Twingo with a load of extra standard kit and some tweaked bodywork. But those weren't enough to make the ForFour desirable and buyers stayed away. Now Smart has opted to can the petrol-engined ForFour and stick only with its electric EQ edition, and something tells us that sales are not going to increase exponentially (or indeed at all) as a result. BEING REPLACED? Continues in electric-only form

Smart Fortwo (petrol)

The third-generation Smart ForTwo is easily the most accomplished of the breed so far, with its decent transmissions, neat styling and perky engines. But five years after it arrived Smart has canned it – at least in petrol form. As with the ForFour you can buy only an electrically propelled Smart ForTwo now (the EQ), a car that has always sold in tiny numbers in the UK thus far. BEING REPLACED? Continues in electric-only form

SsangYong Korando

Believe it or not, but we're on the fourth iteration of the Ssangyong Korando now that an all-new model has hit the road. The previous Korando was launched in 2010 and it represented a big jump forward for Ssangyong, with its monocoque construction – a first for Ssangyong. But this wasn't enough in a segment that's especially demanding, and while both value and usability were trump cards this was a car that always struggled to compete. BEING REPLACED? Yes

Suzuki Baleno

Another small Suzuki that came and went without many people even noticing, the Baleno was a typical Suzuki supermini – easy to drive, great value, practical and reliable. All of the things that appeal to the head rather than the heart. Utterly inoffensive, the Baleno was launched in 2015 in petrol form only, and while it still had some life left in it, Suzuki has canned it to focus on its bigger-selling models instead. BEING REPLACED? No

Suzuki Celerio

The Suzuki Celerio was launched in 2015, and while it was no class leader, it was a rather endearing little thing. Sure it couldn't compete with the mighty (and more costly) Up/Citigo/Mii trio but it was fun to drive, eminently practical for a city car, great value and decently reliable. But it was always a niche seller and Suzuki couldn't justify keeping the Celerio on its books when it sold in such small numbers compared with models such as the Vitara, Swift, Ignis and S-Cross. BEING REPLACED? No

Toyota Auris

After years of Corolla sales Toyota abandoned the brand in 2006 to introduce the Auris instead. Just like the Corollas before it the Auris was inoffensive enough but utterly uninspiring, and the same was true of the second-generation model that arrived in 2012 and was killed off earlier this year – to be replaced by the Corolla, which we’re pleased to report is an excellent car.  BEING REPLACED? Yes – by the new Corolla

Toyota Avensis

Toyota sold three generations of Avensis in the UK over the years, and all of them were decent enough in their own way; dependable, practical, safe and well equipped, but utterly unexciting. Unfortunately for Toyota the Avensis sat in a segment that's been declining for years – a segment crammed with desirable and capable contenders such as the Ford Mondeo, VW Passat, Volvo S60 and more. With sales withering on the vine Toyota finally put the Avensis out of our misery. BEING REPLACED? Yes – indirectly by the Camry hybrid

Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 was the car that invented the modern compact 4x4 segment, way back in 1994. Ever since then Toyota has offered one of these very capable SUVs, and with a new fifth-generation car hitting UK showrooms, the fourth take on the RAV4 has already been canned. Costly but capable – both on the road and off it – the Rav4 makes a cracking used buy if you're looking for reliable go-anywhere family transport. The RAV4 is not one of the world’s best-selling SUVs for nothing. BEING REPLACED? Yes

Toyota Verso

The Toyota Verso was officially axed toward the end of 2018 even though production ended late in 2017, but dealers still held some stock into 2019 because this was such a slow-selling car; little more than 800 were sold in the whole of last year. MPVs falling out of favour have been a problem for some car makers for a while, but the Verso had been virtually invisible since its introduction in 2013 – which was rather a shame because we rather liked it, although it was always going to be overshadowed by the more talented (and higher-profile) Ford S-Max and VW Touran. BEING REPLACED? No

Vauxhall Viva

Earlier this year we were told that the Vauxhall Adam and Viva would be killed off next year – only to be told soon after that the Viva had already been removed from sale. Vauxhall's smallest model, the Viva city car was inoffensive enough – but hardly enough to get buyers excited which is why we opined: "despite its smallest, cheapest model being one of its better recent efforts, you can’t help wondering if the manufacturer has forgotten how to build a bona fide standout prospect". BEING REPLACED? No

Vauxhall Insignia Sport Tourer

Having already axed its pseudo-4x4 Insignia Country Tourer in August, Vauxhall then canned the regular estate just a month later, in a surprise move that shows just how tricky things have become in the D segment. It seems that as well as competition from rivals, potential Insignia Sports Tourer buyers were opting for the Astra Sports Tourer estate instead as it's almost as practical, cheaper to buy and better to drive as it's more compact. BEING REPLACED? No

Vauxhall Adam

Yet another Vauxhall casualty of 2019 was the Adam, which arrived as long ago as January 2013. Based on the Corsa, the Adam was Vauxhall's attempt at a premium supermini so there were lots of opportunities for personalisation and the car looked pretty neat. The interior looked smart but it didn't keep up with the times and lacked an array of tech that buyers now take for granted, and the Adam couldn't cut it dynamically. BEING REPLACED? No

Vauxhall Mokka X

Having built the final Mokka X in June, by November Vauxhall dealers had run out of stock and no new orders were being taken. The Mokka X (and its pre-facelift forebear the Mokka) did pretty well for Vauxhall though, with more than 200,000 sold in seven years, despite it being pretty underwhelming in just about every respect. Which just goes to show how important it is to have the right finance deals in place and a dealer in every town. BEING REPLACED? Yes – but not until 2020

Volkswagen Beetle

You probably don't remember what you were doing on 9 July, but it was a historic day as it was the last day of Beetle production since the first cars were made in 1945. Production of the original rear-engined Beetle (1945-2003) overlapped with that of the New Beetle which arrived in 1998, and then we got the third-generation model in 2011. We were ambivalent about the distinctively styled hatchback and convertible; the Golf on which it was based was better in every way, but this was still a car that stood out from the crowd, was easy (if unrewarding) to drive and featured a high-quality interior.

But will the final Beetles become collectible like the originals have? BEING REPLACED? No

Volvo V40

Volvo did a pretty good job of keeping the V40 reasonably fresh despite its Ford Focus Mk2 underpinnings, but after seven years on sale, time was finally called on this five-door hatch. With buyers much more keen to buy an XC40 instead, the V40 became somewhat redundant, even though it offered something a bit different for safety-conscious families wanting unpretentious transport. But such is the march of progress… BEING REPLACED? No