Perhaps your New Year’s resolution was to finally get a new car. Well, allow us to steer you in the right direction.
As more and more auto brands flood the Australian market, some cars are increasingly finding themselves trying to keep above water.
Not every car can sell as well as a Toyota Prado or HiLux, but some of these vehicles are selling well below what we’d expect. That means you can buy something you won’t see on every street corner, and potentially score a good deal in the process.
For this exercise, we looked at models that had market share within their respective VFACTS segment of less than five per cent, and for which fewer than 2000 examples were delivered between January 1 and November 30, 2025.
CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal.
They also had to be on sale for the whole year, ruling out any recent entrants or discontinued vehicles.
We also weeded out older models confirmed to be replaced by new generations next year, as well as any sports cars, full-size vans, or any models that compete in the Upper Large SUV over $120k and Upper Large car over $100k segments as defined by VFACTS.
That still left us with a huge list of unfairly overlooked vehicles… and perhaps a few where we understand why Australian buyers might be reluctant to take the plunge.
But never mind those, let’s look at the models you need to start buying in 2026.
Max Davies: Cupra Leon
It’s undeniably a niche model, but the Leon is a solid choice if you want something unique with a bit of character.
Yes, you could just save the hassle and go for a Volkswagen Golf instead – you’d save some money that way. But the Leon is a good-looking alternative from a brand that is clearly very comfortable with its identity, and for that it’s commendable.
Plus, the Leon has just received a substantial update, giving you more reasons to buy one than ever.
Fans of the old Golf R Wagon are now catered for with the addition of the Leon Sportstourer VZx, and we like that the Volkswagen Group is one of the few automotive entities still holding onto wagons.
The only downside is that the new Leon is fairly pricey, but the sheer amount of choice across the range means there should be something for everyone, at least more so than its predecessor.
MORE: Explore the Cupra Leon showroom
Alborz Fallah: Any Genesis
I have long said, and I will keep saying it, go to your Genesis showroom, have a look at their cars, and you will be blown away by how good they are.
Also, not that it should be said, but if you are thinking about buying a Chinese car but have this strange predisposition to it because of some political or ideological reason, just go drive one and tell me how quickly you changed your mind based on merit.
MORE: Explore the Genesis showroom
Sean Lander: Skoda Karoq
I’m a little bit biased here because I actually bought one in 2025, but it is a fantastic little SUV.
Make sure you get the 110TSI because it’s punchy and economical (currently running 5.9L/100km in ours with mostly highway driving), has good tech but no intrusive safety aids, and Skoda dealers are open to doing deals to move stock.
MORE: Explore the Skoda Karoq showroom
Paul Maric: Any Genesis
Anything Genesis. It’s so strange to me that, despite the level of luxury and upmarket feel you get when driving a Genesis, more premium car buyers don’t flock to the brand.
They are relatively well-priced for what you get and have high-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 be making sound buying decisions, as there aren’t too many ‘indie’ vehicles that I feel the need to advocate for. With that said, I went in to bat for the Genesis GV70 last year and stand by that, while the Skoda Enyaq also deserves better.
Updated for 2025, the electric Enyaq SUV is now far better value than it was before, undercutting rivals such as the BYD Sealion 7, Tesla Model Y, and Kia EV5 in base trim. Indeed, for less than $55,000 drive-away you get a refreshingly approachable European EV with a long list of standard equipment and Volkswagen Group backing.
Yet, just 313 deliveries were recorded to the end of November. Meanwhile, BYD has sold in excess of 10,000 Sealion 7s, and Kia EV5 sales tallied 4541.
I’m not in the market for an Enyaq myself, but potential buyers should consider spending up for the Sportline and optional Ultimate Package ($5000), as the addition of adaptive suspension goes a long way to addressing an otherwise choppy ride. Otherwise, the Enyaq is easy to live with and wanting for little.
MORE: Explore the Skoda Enyaq showroom
Damion Smy: Renault Megane E-Tech
We’re yet to receive the Euro update, so a low-ball offer at a dealer could score you a great electric hatch with solid EV range and a handsome, distinctive design. Don’t give in to boring; there’s a bargain to be had.
MORE: Explore the Renault Megane E-Tech showroom
William Stopford: Any Genesis
Okay, the G70 is a bit old and a bit cramped, but it’s still fun. The GV60 is a pricey but accomplished EV, it’s just a bit… ugly.
As for the GV70, GV80 and G80, their combination of refinement, build quality and luxurious accommodations is hard to beat. Then there are the capable petrol and electric powertrains. All that’s missing is a hybrid, and that’s in the pipeline.
The aftersales package you get with Genesis vehicles is excellent, it’s just finding a dealer that can be a problem. But Genesis is finally opening up retail locations with franchise partners, which should help it gain some volume. Its sales have been trending upwards apart from a disappointing 2024, but had it not tried to be different with this agency model it could have grown here more quickly.
In the meantime, buy a Genesis and you’re getting one of the best-kept secrets in our market.
MORE: Explore the Genesis showroom
James Wong: Cupra Leon
Yes, I’m dying on this hill.
Small cars still matter, and the Leon remains one of the best of the bunch. Sporty handling, a driver-focused cabin and European tech create a premium compact car experience for still-mainstream money.
For not much more money than a top-spec Mazda 3 you can get something more distinctive, more efficient, and more tech-laden. Cupra’s bold colour choices are also something that’s increasingly lacking in mainstream cars.
Come early 2026, the Leon will be the only small passenger car to offer a plug-in hybrid drivetrain option, one with around 120km of EV range. If you’re looking for something that’s electrified but isn’t an EV or a Toyota Corolla Hybrid, the Spanish hatchback shapes as a fun alternative.
MORE: Explore the Cupra Leon showroom
Ben Zachariah: Honda Accord
There are plenty of excellent vehicles that I’m surprised aren’t more popular in the sales charts, like the Volkswagen Amarok, the KGM Musso, and the Ford Mustang Mach-E, but I’m astonished more people aren’t buying the Honda Accord.
It arguably sits somewhere between the Toyota Camry and Lexus ES, offering a premium interior, great ride, lovely powertrain, and slick styling. The lack of heated seats is dumb, though, and is the only plausible explanation for its 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 easily lives up to its promise of delivering similar levels of luxury, technology and refinement to its Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q7 sister models, for much less money.
But with Touareg production ending, if you’re in the market for a relatively affordable large five-seat German premium SUV you should act fast.