Drivers to see iconic Ford, Honda and BMW models face the axe in 2026 in blow to millions

Hemma Visavadia

By Hemma Visavadia


Published: 24/12/2025

- 06:00

Updated: 24/12/2025

- 09:26

Several car brands have announced plans to remove popular models from circulation next year

Drivers have been warned that several of the UK's most popular and recognisable cars will disappear next year as manufacturers move away from traditional models in response to tougher regulations, electrification targets and changing consumer demand.

According to Auto Express, well-known models including the Ford Focus, Honda Civic Type R, BMW Z4, Volvo V90, Volkswagen Touran, Jeep Wrangler and Alpine A110 are all set to be withdrawn from sale within the next year.


The move marks the end of an era for many drivers, with family hatchbacks, estate cars and affordable sports cars increasingly replaced by SUVs and electric vehicles.

The Ford Focus, one of the UK's best-selling cars for more than two decades, stopped production in November.

Launched in the late 1990s as a replacement for the Ford Escort, the Focus became known for combining practicality with strong handling and value.

Its removal follows the earlier discontinuation of the Ford Fiesta and Mondeo, meaning Ford will no longer offer a traditional family car in its European range.

The Honda Civic Type R, widely regarded as one of the most capable hot hatchbacks ever produced, has also reached the end of the road.

The high-performance petrol model, which features a manual gearbox and front-wheel drive, has fallen victim to rising prices and stricter emissions regulations. While demand remains strong among enthusiasts, Honda has ended sales as it shifts towards electrified models.

BMW Z3 and BMW Z4BMW will be ending production of the BMW Z4 | BMW

Sports car fans will also lose the BMW Z4, BMW's two-seat roadster. First introduced in 2002, the Z4 has offered rear-wheel drive and petrol power throughout its lifespan.

BMW revealed it will now focus on electric vehicles and larger models, leaving little space for niche sports cars in its future plans.

The Alpine A110, praised for its lightweight design and engaging driving experience, will also be discontinued in its current form.

Alpine has confirmed that its future models will be electric, bringing an end to the petrol-powered A110 that helped relaunch the French brand in 2017.

Volkswagen Tiguan

The Volkswagen Tiguan will no longer be available in 2026

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VOLKSWAGEN

More practical vehicles are also being affected, such as the Volvo V90, the Swedish manufacturer's final large estate car, which will be withdrawn despite offering strong comfort, space and efficient plug-in hybrid engines.

Volvo said it would continue its shift towards SUVs, ending a long-standing tradition of estate cars that dates back to the 1950s.

The Volkswagen Touran, once a popular choice for families needing space and flexibility, is another casualty.

Compact MPVs like the Touran have steadily lost ground to SUVs, even though they often offer better interior space and practicality. Volkswagen now favours SUV-based alternatives for family buyers.

Jeep Wrangler

The Jeep Wrangler will be removed from European markets next year

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STELLANTIS

Other models like the Jeep Wrangler, one of the most recognisable off-road vehicles in the world, will also be withdrawn from the European market.

Jeep cited safety and emissions regulations as the main reasons for the departure, with the tougher rules making continued sales difficult.

Auto Express editor Paul Barker said the cars are disappearing "not because drivers stopped loving them, but because the market has changed".

He said: "Manufacturers are under huge pressure to meet emissions targets and fund electrification. That has pushed them towards SUVs and electric vehicles, while many characterful and practical cars are being squeezed out."

Auto Express has urged motorists who want one of these models to act soon, warning that once production ends, the cars will only be available on the used market.