Maybe your New Year’s resolution was to finally buy a new car. Well, let us guide you in the right direction.
As more car brands flood the Australian market, some cars are increasingly trying to stay afloat.
Not every car sells as well as a Toyota Prado or HiLux, but some of these vehicles sell well below our expectations. This means you can buy something you don’t see on every street corner and potentially get a good deal.
For this exercise, we looked at models that had less than five percent market share in their respective VFACTS segment and for which fewer than 2,000 units were shipped between January 1 and November 30, 2025.
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They also had to be on sale all year round, excluding new arrivals or discontinued vehicles.
We also eliminated older models confirmed to be replaced by new generations next year, as well as any sports cars, full-size vans, or any models competing in the Upper Large SUV over $120,000 and Upper Large Car over $100,000 segments as defined by VFACTS.
That still left us with a huge list of vehicles that were unfairly overlooked… and perhaps a few that we understand why Australian buyers might be hesitant to take the plunge.
But anyway, let’s take a look at the models you need to buy from 2026.
Max Davies: Cupra Leon
It’s undoubtedly a niche model, but the Leon is a good choice if you want something unique with a bit of character.
Yes, you could save yourself the trouble and opt for a Volkswagen Golf instead – you’d save some money that way. But the Leon is a good-looking alternative from a brand that’s clearly very comfortable with its identity, and for that it’s commendable.
Plus, the Leon has just received a major update, giving you more reasons than ever to buy it.
Fans of the old Golf R station wagon will now get their money’s worth with the Leon Sportstourer VZx, and we think it’s good that the Volkswagen Group is one of the few automobile companies that still sticks to station wagons.
The only downside is that the new Leon is quite expensive, but given the wide range across the range there should be something for everyone, at least more than its predecessor.
MORE: Explore the Cupra Leon showroom
Daily Sparkz: Some Genesis
I’ve said it for a long time and I will say it again and again: go to your Genesis showroom, look at the cars and you will be blown away by how good they are.
It shouldn’t be said, but if you’re thinking about buying a Chinese car but have this strange predisposition to do so for political or ideological reasons, just drive one and tell me how quickly you changed your mind based on its merits.
MORE: Explore the Genesis showroom
Sean Lander: Skoda Karoq
I’m a little biased here because I actually bought one in 2025, but it’s a fantastic little SUV.
Make sure you get the 110TSI because it’s powerful and economical (we’re currently doing 5.9L/100km, mostly on the motorway), it has good technology but no intrusive safety aids, and Skoda dealers are open to offers to move stock.
MORE: Discover the Skoda Karoq showroom
Daily Sparkz: Every Genesis
All Genesis. It’s so strange to me that despite the level of luxury and upscale feeling you get when driving a Genesis, more premium car buyers don’t flock to this brand.
They’re relatively cheap for what you get and have quality interiors that don’t aim to remove every button in sight.
Why people don’t buy more of them is strange to me.
MORE: Explore the Genesis showroom
Josh Nevett: Skoda Enyaq
Australians seem to make informed purchasing decisions as there aren’t too many “indie” vehicles out there for me to champion. With that in mind, I chose the Genesis GV70 last year and am sticking with it, while the Skoda Enyaq also deserves better.
Updated for 2025, the Enyaq electric SUV now offers far better value for money than before, outperforming rivals such as the BYD Sealion 7, Tesla Model Y and Kia EV5 in base trim. In fact, for less than $55,000 driven away, you get a refreshingly accessible European electric vehicle with a long list of standard features and the backing of the Volkswagen Group.
Nevertheless, only 313 deliveries were registered by the end of November. Meanwhile, BYD has sold more than 10,000 Sealion 7s, and sales of the Kia EV5 totaled 4,541.
I’m not in the market for an Enyaq myself, but potential buyers should consider spending on the Sportline and the optional Ultimate package ($5,000), as the addition of adaptive suspension goes a long way toward handling an otherwise bumpy ride. Otherwise, the Enyaq is easy to live with and costs little money.
MORE: Discover the Skoda Enyaq showroom
Damion Smy: Renault Megane E-Tech
We haven’t received the Euro update yet, so a great deal from a dealer could get you a great electric hatch with solid EV range and an attractive, distinctive design. Don’t get bored; There’s a bargain.
MORE: Explore the Renault Megane E-Tech showroom
William Stopford: Every Genesis
Okay, the G70 is a bit old and a bit cramped, but it’s still fun. The GV60 is an expensive but accomplished electric vehicle, it’s just a bit… ugly.
As for the GV70, GV80 and G80, their combination of sophistication, build quality and luxury features is hard to beat. Then there are the powerful petrol and electric drives. All that’s missing is a hybrid, and that’s being planned.
The after-sales package that you get with Genesis vehicles is excellent, only finding a dealer can become a problem. But Genesis is finally opening retail locations with franchise partners, which should help the company gain some volume. Barring a disappointing 2024, sales showed an upward trend, but if the company hadn’t tried to be different with this agency model, it could have grown faster here.
In the meantime, if you buy a Genesis, you’ll be getting one of the best-kept secrets in our market.
MORE: Explore the Genesis showroom
James: Cupra Leon
Yes, I’m dying on this hill.
Small cars are still important, and the Leon remains one of the best of the bunch. Sporty handling, a driver-focused cabin and European technology create a premium compact car experience for still average money.
For not much more money than a top-of-the-line Mazda 3, you can get something more distinctive, more efficient and more tech-rich. The Cupra’s bold color selection is also increasingly missing from mainstream cars.
From the beginning of 2026, the Leon will be the only small car to have a plug-in hybrid drive option and an electric range of around 120 km. If you’re looking for something that’s electrified but isn’t an EV or Toyota Corolla Hybrid, the Spanish hatchback is a fun alternative.
MORE: Explore the Cupra Leon showroom
Ben Zachariah: Honda Accord
It surprises me that many excellent vehicles aren’t more popular on the sales charts, like the Volkswagen Amarok, KGM Musso and Ford Mustang Mach-E, but I’m amazed more people don’t buy the Honda Accord.
Arguably somewhere between the Toyota Camry and the Lexus ES, it offers a premium interior, great ride, a nice powertrain and elegant design. However, the lack of heated seats is stupid and the only plausible explanation for the poor sales.
MORE: Explore the Honda Accord showroom
Marton Pettendy: Volkswagen Touareg
The Volkswagen Touareg is undoubtedly the most underrated new model on sale in Australia today.
Launched in 2018, the third-generation Touareg lives up to its promise of offering similar levels of luxury, technology and sophistication as its sister models, the Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q7, for significantly less money.
However, with Touareg production coming to an end, you’ll want to act quickly if you’re looking for a relatively affordable large five-seat premium German SUV.
MORE: Explore the Volkswagen Touareg showroom
