15 Cars You Can't Buy In the US But Might See on Your Vacation to Europe
Volkswagen, Honda, Ford and Nissan don't just sell cars in the U.S. When you travel to Europe you are likely to see vehicles wearing familiar branding but whose body styles you don't recognize. Add in a wide array of companies that sell in Europe and not North America, and the vehicle landscape gets more diverse.
Here is a list of some of the vehicles you may see, and even rent, on a European vacation. While none of the vehicles listed are available in the U.S., a few might someday end up in the North American market, even just as collector cars.
Dacia Duster
The Dacia Duster is also sold as the Renault Duster in a variety of markets. It is a subcompact crossover, comparable in size to the Nissan Rogue Sport, with quite a bit to offer for a low price. The 2021 Dacia Duster starts at roughly $19,180 USD.
Renault Clio
The Renault Clio is one of the safest cars in its category thanks to automatic emergency braking with pedestrian sensors, park assist, and other technologies. This supermini has been on the roadways since 1990, entering its fifth generation with the French automaker. The 2021 Renault Clio starts at roughly the equivalent of $22,300 USD in the U.K.
Ford Kuga
The Ford Kuga is a small hatchback that is sold in three electrified variants alongside petrol and diesel versions. It's Ford's best-selling SUV in Europe. Like Ford models in the U.S., the Kuga can be equipped with a large infotainment touch screen and high-quality sound system. The Kuga is one of the most popular vehicles in Europe and costs roughly the equivalent of $36,871 USD in the U.K. to start.
Dacia Sandero
The Dacia Sandero is the cheapest-to-buy car on this list but the compact car comes equipped with a few key features despite its low price, including an adjustable steering wheel, LED headlights and an infotainment system for the mid- and top-tier trim levels. The price remains low as it takes parts from the previous generation of the Renault Clio. A 2021 Dacia Sandero starts at roughly the U.K. equivalent of $13,500 USD.
Peugeot 208
The Peugeot 208 is a versatile hatchback and one of the most popular vehicles in Europe. In 2020 the Peugeot 208 was named the Car of the Year by a panel of 60 automotive experts from European publications. A 2021 Peugeot 208 starts at around the equivalent of $22,100 USD in the U.K.
Volkswagen T-Roc
The Volkswagen T-Roc is a subcompact crossover SUV similar to the Volkswagen Taos. The T-Roc made its worldwide debut in August 2017 as Volkswagen's fourth SUV in the European market. The 2021 Volkswagen T-Roc starts at roughly the equivalent of $31,800 USD in the U.K.
Citroën C3
The Citroën C3 is a supermini car that has been around for a few decades. Citroën is a French brand that is owned its parent company Stellantis, which also owns Jeep, Dodge and Chrysler. The C3 replaced the Saxo in 2002 and is now in its third generation. A 2021 Citroën C3 starts at around the equivalent of $19,500 USD in the U.K.
Fiat Panda
The Fiat Panda is a city car that once set the standard for small car design. The Italian brand developed the small Fiat throughout the late 1970s and it continues along the same path today. The Fiat Panda City Cross Hybrid is the latest variant of the third-generation model, rising to meet emissions demands. A 2021 Fiat Panda starts at roughly $16,300 USD.
Opel Corsa
The Opel Corsa is a Spanish-made supermini car that has been sold under a variety of other brand badges in the past — including Chevrolet — and also spawned various other derivatives. In 1998 the Corsa was the best-selling car in the world selling 910,839 vehicles in four continents. Now it is one of South Africa's most popular four doors . A 2021 Opel Corsa, sold under the Vauxhall badge in the U.K. starts at around the equivalent of $20,400 USD.
Škoda Octavia
The Octavia is a compact family car that is made by Czech car manufacturer Škoda Auto.It is one of the brand's most popular models, selling over five million vehicles since it hit the market in the late nineties. This five-seater sedan is a roomy model with compact dimensions and commuter comfort. A 2021 Skoda Octavia starts at the equivalent of $34,700 USD in the U.K.
Nissan Micra
The Nissan Micra is a five-seater hatchback manufactured and marketed worldwide by Nissan. The low-priced front-wheel drive Micra S, SV and SR are available with a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. Though small in appearance, the tire location makes room for the subcompact hatchback to host a surprisingly large interior. The 2021 Nissan Micra starts at approximately the U.K. equivalent of $19,252 USD.
Dacia Jogger
The Dacia Jogger is the brand's longest available vehicle. It houses a third row, seating up to seven. The popular Romanian brand's crossover-van mashup, offers "the best price/habitability ratio" in the European market. The Jogger name refers to "sport, nature, and positive energy". A 2021 Dacia Jogger starts at the U.K. equivalent of around $17,800 USD.
Fiat 500
The Fiat 500 battery-electric city car was unveiled in March 2020, in Milan, Italy. Thanks to its technology, the new 500 is safer and more city driving-friendly than ever with traffic jam assist. The technology monitors acceleration, braking, and keeps you in the middle of the lane of travel, at any speed or traffic condition. A 2021 Fiat 500 starts at about the U.K. equivalent of $32,300 USD.
Volkswagen Polo
The Volkswagen Polo is one of the most popular vehicles on the list. The daily driver boasts excellent road manners and comfort along with class-leading tech and good use of space. A refreshed version of the car, the 2022 Volkswagen Polo is expected to start at around the U.K. equivalent of $25,000 USD when it arrives on sale later this year.
Cupra Leon
The Cupra Leon is a Spanish made hatchback referred to as a family sports car. The Leon is the fastest off the line getting from zero to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds. A 2021 Cupra Leon starts at the U.K. equivalent of approximately $43,200 USD.
