5 Cars You Probably Didn't Know Existed

Words by Rob McSorley

In the UK we may have a broad and varied number of cars to choose from but there are a lot of cars that are never sold over here. We have a look at 5 models that you may not have ever seen before that have been on sale outside the UK for some time.

1. Mitsubishi Colt Plus

What do you get if scale up a Mitsubishi Colt to 70%? The Colt Plus of course. Launched in Japan in 2004 the Plus sat above the regular five door Colt but offered quite a bit more interior space for passengers along with a larger boot. Its styling shares a lot with the hatch on which it’s based but looks more bulbous. Its interior was quite different going without the circular air vents and vertically stacked heater controls. There was also the option of a powered tailgate with an obstacle sensor. Interestingly Mitsubishi offered a hot version of the Colt Plus called the Turbo which had a 143 bhp petrol engine and racy styling which included a bonnet scoop and more aggressive bumpers. The Plus was never sold in the UK but it would have made an interesting rival to the Vauxhall Meriva.

2. Chinese Citroen C2

You may be thinking that we have made a mistake as the Citroen C2 was sold in the UK but in China the C2 is an entirely different machine. Essentially a thoroughly reworked Peugeot 206 the Chinese C2 had very different styling which echoed the rest of Citroen’s range with familiar twin chrome grill bars that incorporate the two chevrons. The rear was also unique from the 206 with the numberplate moved down to the bumper and larger, clear light clusters fitted which looked like aftermarket items. The interior was little changed with a Citroen steering wheel but nothing more. There was even a VTS version but it was just a styling upgrade without any improvements in performance or handling.

3. Volkswagen Pointer / Logus

Due to the oil crisis both Ford and Volkswagen of Brazil joined forces to form the AutoLatina group which was intended to reduce the cost of new models for both brands by sharing components. Two of the fruits of the alliance were the Pointer hatchback and Logus 3-door saloon which were heavily based on Ford’s fifth generation Escort. Volkswagen did a commendable job of disguising the Ford underneath with all-new sheetmetal and a completely different interior. Only the hardpoints such as the windscreen pillars and wheelbase give the game away. The Pointer and Logus soldiered on until 2000 wher the AutoLatina partnership dissolved.

4. Chevrolet Spin

Launched in 2012 the Spin is Chevrolet’s take on a compact MPV to rival the likes of the Citroen C3 Picasso and is based on the same Gamma II platform as the Aveo. Styled like many of Chevrolet’s other models the Spin is a spacious 5 seater with the option of 2 additional seats in top trim levels. It is designed to replace the ageing Chevrolet Meriva in developing countries and also the larger Orlando. Its interior is similar to that of the Aveo but is much more basic than what we are used to in the UK going without a stereo in the most basic trim levels.

5. Brazilian Ford Ka

Ford’s second generation Ka arrived on the market in 2008 the result of a joint venture with Fiat sharing much with the hugely popular Fiat 500. In Latin America Ford chose a completely different route and launched its own unique Ka replacement. Essentially a heavily revised version of the original Ka the new model grew in size with a higher roofline and more upright rear end designed to give rear seat passengers more space.The interior was also significantly redesigned with more storage and a more modern design although the basic architecture remains the same. It also saw the introduction of a new rear bench that could seat 5 people.

Do you know of any weird and wonderful cars from around the world? Let us know in the comment box below.

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