Farewell to Some Iconic Cars: A Look at the Models Discontinued in Australia in 2023
Farewell to Some Iconic Cars: A Look at the Models Discontinued in Australia in 2023
What does the future hold for the automotive industry?
2023 is the year that several beloved car models bid their final farewell in Australia. From the Audi TT to the Ford Escape, let’s take a closer look at the cars that have been discontinued this year.
The Audi TT, a beloved sports car, has officially ended its production after 25 years. Although Audi still offers the larger A5 coupe, there’s nothing quite like the nimble and distinctive TT.
Ferrari has replaced its hardtop convertible, the Portofino M, with the Roma Spider. The new model boasts a soft top and promises an equally exhilarating driving experience.
The Ford Escape has bid its final goodbye in Australia, leaving a gap in the mid-sized SUV segment. Despite its popularity in other markets, Ford has decided not to offer a replacement model.
Kia has discontinued the Rio, its long-running light car model, due to a lack of plans for right-hand drive production of its replacement, the K3. Kia will still offer the Picanto and Cerato as affordable small car options.
The future of the Kia Stinger is uncertain as the brand focuses on electrification. The Stinger, often regarded as the right car at the wrong time, may be replaced by an electric sedan in the future.
Mazda has said goodbye to the CX-8 and CX-9 models to make way for new vehicles. The CX-8 will be succeeded by the CX-80, while the CX-9 will be replaced by the CX-90. The brand is shifting towards more premium offerings.
The Mazda MX-30, the brand’s first electric vehicle, has been discontinued after low sales. Despite its unique design and features, the MX-30 failed to make a significant impact in the market.
Mercedes-Benz has ended production of the B-Class and CLS models. The brand is trimming down its range of small cars and focusing on electric vehicles for the future.
Tesla has disappointed its Australian customers by cancelling the updated Model S and Model X models. The company cited left-hand drive production as the reason behind this decision.
Volkswagen is making room for its new electric models by discontinuing several combustion-powered vehicles. The Arteon, Golf Wagon, and Passat will no longer be available in Australia as the brand shifts its focus to SUVs.
- Audi TT production comes to an end after 25 years
- Ferrari Portofino M replaced by the Roma Spider
- Ford Escape exits the Australian market without a replacement
- Kia Rio discontinued with a replacement that won’t be produced in right-hand drive
- Kia Stinger’s future uncertain as the brand focuses on electrification
- Mazda CX-8 and CX-9 say goodbye to make way for new models
- Mazda MX-30 electric vehicle discontinued after low sales
- Mercedes-Benz ends production of B-Class and CLS
- Tesla Model S and Model X no longer available in Australia
- Volkswagen Arteon, Golf Wagon, and Passat discontinued as the brand shifts focus to SUVs
As we bid farewell to these iconic car models, it’s clear that the automotive industry is undergoing significant changes. Electrification and a shift towards SUVs are shaping the future of the industry. While we say goodbye to these models, exciting new vehicles are on the horizon.
