Don’t be afraid to look beyond the mainstream brands – you might find a car that perfectly suits your needs.
In this article…
At cars2buy, we know the allure of well-established car brands. Your BMWs, your Volvos, your VWs, your Toyotas… Decades at the pinnacle of automotive innovation and reliability have made these names household staples. However, in the vast world of automobiles, there’s more to discover beyond these industry titans.
According to YouGov, brands like DS, Cupra, Abarth, Smart, and Dacia currently rank as some of the least popular in the UK. But don’t let their underdog status fool you. These manufacturers are revered elsewhere for good reason, and it’s time we delve into the qualities that make each one stand out.
DS Automobiles
Emerging from the legendary design of the original Citroën DS, the DS brand has carved its niche as a purveyor of premium vehicles with a global presence. It shot to fame in 2010 when the DS 3 was heralded as the “Car of the Year” by Top Gear, setting a precedent for the brand’s blend of French luxury and sports agility. Since then, it has continued to refine this as well as enter EV territory with the DS 4 and DS 7. Plus, finding an ugly DS is harder than finding the Loch Ness monster.
Compare DS DS 3 Lease Deals
Cupra
Since spinning off of Spanish automaker Seat in 2018, Cupra has become a best-kept secret amongst the automotive world. In 2022, it claimed the title of the UK’s fastest-growing car brand, and the brand has continued to elbow itself through the competition. Cupra’s range, known for its high sports performance and angular styling melded with practical daily use, draws from a rich rallying and touring car heritage. Offering vehicles with sporty designs and exhilarating driving experiences, Cupra is a must-have, or at least must-consider, for those seeking a family car with an edge.
Compare CUPRA Formentor Lease Deals
Abarth
Much like Cupra, Abarth takes the essence of sportiness to a niche audience, but with a distinct flair. Renowned for creating quintessential hot hatch action, Abarth’s models beef up the power inside Fiat models, and its Abarth 500 is the stuff of legend. It’s fitting that Abarth’s logo bears a black scorpion because though Abarths are diminutive in size, they can provide quite the sting.
Compare Abarth 500 Lease Deals
Smart
Smart revolutionised urban mobility with its microcars in the mid-2000s, celebrated for their affordability, fuel efficiency, and compact design. But these vehicles are not just about economical city driving. They also boast an award-winning approach to safety, featuring the ‘Tridion’ safety cell technology that provides enhanced protection in collisions. For city dwellers or those looking to reduce their carbon footprint, Smart is the original and still one of the best.
Compare Smart Forfour Lease Deals
Dacia
Since making its UK comeback in 2010, Dacia has evolved from being the go-to brand for budget-friendly options to challenging more established competitors. With models like the Dacia Jogger, the Romanian manufacturer is stepping up its game, offering affordability without compromising on quality or performance. Dacia’s ambition is further exemplified by its participation in the Dakar Rally, signalling a brand that’s confident in its capabilities and ready to cause a ruckus in the market.
Compare Dacia Duster Lease Deals
In venturing beyond the well-trodden path of mainstream car brands, you uncover a world rich with innovation, distinctive design, and exceptional value. The underdogs of the UK car market, brands like DS, Cupra, Abarth, Smart, and Dacia, each offer something unique, whether it’s luxury with a French twist, sporty practicality, compact power, urban efficiency, or unbeatable affordability.
At cars2buy, we celebrate the diversity and richness of the automotive world by showcasing these lesser-known gems alongside the industry giants. Our platform is designed to guide you through the myriad of options available, ensuring that you find a vehicle that not only meets your needs but also introduces you to the pleasures of driving something a little different. Delve into the world of these remarkable car brands with us, and you might just find your perfect match. Explore the variety, embrace the uniqueness, and maybe, just maybe, you’ll discover a car that not only suits your needs but also captures your heart.