These are the non-UK cars Brits most wish were sold here

The British automotive industry is one of the best in the world - not just where local production is considered, but also the sheer amount of overseas metal we get. But for all its depth and variety, us petrolheads continue to yearn for those select few models we don’t get, and that formed the basis for our latest Question of the Week: which non-UK market car do you wish was sold here?   

As expected, the Japanese contingent took the majority of votes, with the most upvoted comment being Mr T-Bird’s: “The Nissan Z seems like the one that should be available in the UK. It’s the right size for the roads there, and is available with a manual for those country lanes. Most importantly, Nissan sells it as a right-hand drive car in Japan, so it’s not like it needs to be redesigned.”

Elsewhere, the Kei car segment received much favour. Kenji said: “I know this may sound stupid, but what about the Honda S660? Also would love the Toyota Century. The list of desirable Japanese cars just goes on and on.” 

Further support for the cutesy car division came with Shaulan Steenson: “The whole Kei car segment - especially the S660, the Daihatsu Hijet and the Nissan Sakura. And the tax regulations on car sizing that come with them pre-2014.”

How about something from the total opposite side of the spectrum? Peterson has the right approach: “Instead of something good, how about something utterly woeful and deprived of any joy in life? Let's say… the Nissan Altima. Or Sentra.

“I would love to experience what it's like to drive a car specifically designed for the fiscally irresponsible and driving inept populace. Reportedly those cars have a special chip in them which doesn't allow you to join a motorway at speeds higher than 30 and its lane assist instead of keeping you in lane, it takes your sat nav data and will do whatever it takes so that you don't miss your exit. Ever.”

Very good, Peterson. Let’s take a few more options from Great Nihon. “Lexus IS500,” says 86x86. “I can’t believe this car is only £45,000 in Japan. Naturally aspirated, high-revving 5.0-litre V8 with 470bhp-ish in a small rear-wheel drive saloon and no silly body kits. I think this will be a very popular grey import in the future.”

How about something we did actually get here from the start, albeit sorely miss featuring its premature retirement in our market? Pikkle commented: “OK, so the R35 GT-R overstayed its visit maybe just a little (being on sale for 17 years and all), but given its now legendary status, a few more years on our shores wouldn’t hurt, would it? The 2025 model is exclusive to Japan, but I can guarantee it would receive a warm welcome here.”

Want to a few more heart strings tugged? Inventive Username’s vote should do it: “We’ve got a decent selection of stuff at the top end of the market, but the lower end of the performance world is suffering badly at the moment. I believe our chums in Australia are getting a new version of the Hyundai i20N. I would like that to be brought here, please.” 

Unicyclist Periscopes said: “The idea of the Corolla GR makes me grin. I did put my name down for the 2024 Yaris (Ogier version) but was turned down. However, my pick is the coolest car launched in the last decade, and no longer available here: the mighty Suzuki Jimny. It’s the perfect short-distance workhorse, without using too many resources to build.”

By contrast, there weren’t anywhere near as many North American choices as we thought there would be, with one notable exception being Isaac L’s vote: “I knew the answer to this question the moment I read the title. It is, and always has been, the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing. 

“This Cadillac is one of the best looking, best performing, best sounding American cars on sale today. An American super saloon is something we don't get too often, but this, along with the previous CTS-V, shows it can be done superbly. Sure, we have plenty of super saloons at the moment, but I'm pretty damn sure I want this one.”

Drawing things to a close, here’s Andrew Robinson’s request: “The Lucid Air. Why? Because it really is rather good. Top Gear rates the Sapphire version a 10/10 because it is 'without question the best-handling EV on sale'. 

“Why would it work here? Because there’s a gap in the big luxury electric saloon market left behind by Tesla not bothering with a right-hand drive version of the S. If you want a luxury non-SUV with more room than a Taycan, your options at the moment are limited to robbing a bank to buy a Rolls-Royce Spectre, or buying a Mercedes EQS and then robbing a bank to cover the depreciation.”

That’s all for this week folks. As ever, thank you for giving ourselves and fellow readers a humorous, insightful comment section to glance over. We look forward to seeing what the next one brings this Monday.