The Final Mile - Cars That Retired From The UK Market
The Final Mile: Cars that Retired from the UK Market
The UK car buying market is a fickle place. You might be top of the charts one year, only to find yourself right at the bottom of the list in the following 12 months. Once a car starts a downward trajectory, it’s often very tricky for it to climb back up and this, usually, results in a model being discontinued.
There is a number of cars in the UK that soared to heady heights only to be cut down shortly after. Here, we’re going to take a look through the cars that have been killed off in the UK.
Citroen Saxo
Citroen’s Saxo used to be something of a darling among the UK car-buying public. Particularly with younger buyers, the Saxo was an absolute hit while performance versions like the VTS quickly achieved cult status.
But the little Saxo soon fell foul of more modern cars. After going on sale in 1996, it finally tapped out in 2003 - so it was certainly a decent run.
Renault Espace
Big, comfortable, and spacious MPVs were a real hit with families and the Espace was one of the key cars in kicking the whole dream off. The original Espace hit the road back in the mid-1980s, and it was a consistent sight on the forecourts for a number of years.
But as the popularity of SUVs continued upward, the poor Espace started sinking into the background. Finally, in 2021, Renault dropped the axe and killed off the Espace in the UK.
Ford Ka
Ford’s Ka, much like the Saxo, was a true hit with buyers who wanted a low-cost and affordable way of getting about. Its iconic black plastic bumpers gave it a bubble effect, while its inside was surprisingly roomy given its tiny exterior proportions.
It had an incredibly good run, mind you. A second-generation version appeared in 2009 and brought a more modern look, but that didn’t stop the range from being cancelled overall in 2019.
Jaguar XJ
Jaguar’s flagship saloon - the XJ - continued a longstanding range of high-end saloon cars from the brand. Jag had always been well-known for its luxurious saloons and the XJ was a shining example of this.
But even the XJ couldn’t fend off the rising popularity of SUVs. Production ended in 2019 and even though a fully electric version got very close to arriving in dealerships, it was canned at the last minute.
Ford Fiesta
Ford’s Fiesta was a real household name in the UK. Beloved by all types of drivers from L-plate-ditching newbies to runaround-requiring parents, the Fiesta filled a brief for all different types of motorists.
But the push for electrification proved to be the death rattle for the Fiesta. Despite consistently selling well, the Fiesta was discontinued in 2023 as Ford looked to move investment into developing more electric cars.
Vauxhall Zafira
Another ill-fated MPV, the Zafira was, for a long while, a key choice in the Vauxhall line-up. Practical and robust enough to cope with family life, it was a great choice for drivers who wanted a spacious option to get the whole gang from A to B in.
Again, however, it was a car swept away by the SUV craze and it’s why, in 2018, Vauxhall decided to end the chapter on the Zafira.
