Canada’s car scene has always been a mix of American muscle and European practicality, but there’s a long list of machines that never made it to Canadian showrooms. Some were too quirky, others too expensive, and a few were simply overlooked by automakers. Looking back, these cars could have thrived here, given Canada’s love for performance, utility, and unique character.
Ford Escort RS Cosworth (1992–1996)
This was Ford at its wildest, a road-going rally car complete with an outrageous whale-tail spoiler. Powered by a turbocharged 2.0 liter inline four and paired with all-wheel drive, the Escort RS Cosworth was a serious performance machine. Built for homologation so Ford could go racing, it excelled on gravel and in the snow. Canadians would have loved it not just for its rally pedigree but because it was built for harsh conditions. Imagine blasting across a frozen lake in Alberta or threading through Quebec’s rural backroads — this car would have felt at home.
Renault 5 Turbo (1980–1986)
Take a humble economy car, shove the engine behind the driver, add a turbocharger, and you get the Renault 5 Turbo. This hot hatch was pure insanity for the era, with flared arches and a mid-engine layout that made it a proper pocket rocket. Canada missed out, but it would have been perfect for city streets and tight canyon-style roads. While our market got dull econoboxes, Europeans got this riotous little toy. It’s small size and turbocharged punch would have made it an underground legend in Canadian cities like Montreal and Vancouver.
Lancia Delta Integrale (1987–1994)
The Delta Integrale was the king of rally, winning six World Rally Championship titles. It had boxy styling, flared wheel arches, and an aggressive stance that made it instantly recognizable. More importantly, it came with all-wheel drive and turbocharged power that made it fast and incredibly capable in poor weather. For a country where half the year is snow and ice, this car would have been a dream daily driver. Subaru and Mitsubishi didn’t arrive with their turbo all-wheel drive cars until later, so Canada could have been years ahead of the curve with the Integrale.
Nissan Skyline GT-R (1989–2002)
The R32, R33, and R34 Skylines were technological marvels, featuring the RB26DETT twin-turbo inline six and ATTESA all-wheel drive system. Known as Godzilla, these cars dominated racing and became cult icons worldwide. Canada never got them officially, but enthusiasts now import them under the 15-year rule. Back in the 90s, they could have been game-changers on Canadian streets, offering Japanese precision against American muscle. With their ability to handle all-weather conditions, they would have made brilliant alternatives to Mustangs or Camaros, while being far more advanced mechanically.
Peugeot 205 GTI (1984–1994)
This little hatch was often considered the best hot hatch of all time. Light, nimble, and brimming with character, the Peugeot 205 GTI was adored in Europe for its razor-sharp handling. In Canada, it would have been a natural rival to the Volkswagen Golf GTI. Its playful personality would have been perfect for spirited drives in Ontario’s cottage country or tearing through British Columbia’s mountain roads. Canadians missed out on the French flair and personality that made the 205 GTI so beloved by enthusiasts worldwide.
Toyota Century (1967–present)
The Toyota Century has always been Japan’s understated Rolls-Royce, hand-built with meticulous craftsmanship and, in later years, powered by a silky V12. It’s not flashy, but its refinement and status are unmatched. In Canada, this would have been the ultimate sleeper luxury car for those who didn’t want to shout about their wealth. Imagine gliding down a snowy Toronto street in total silence, wrapped in wool upholstery and surrounded by understated opulence. It would have appealed to executives who wanted something different from the usual German sedans.
Fiat Panda 4×4 (1983–2003)
The Panda 4×4 wasn’t glamorous, but it was brilliant. Cheap, cheerful, and surprisingly capable, this little box on wheels could handle snow, mud, and gravel better than many SUVs. In rural Canada, it would have been a hero car, carrying skiers to the slopes or farmers across muddy fields. Its simplicity made it nearly indestructible, and its low running costs would have been ideal for Canadians wanting a reliable winter runabout without breaking the bank. This was the kind of car that could have become a cult classic in snowy provinces like Quebec and Alberta.
Alpine A110 (1961–1977)
Before Alpine returned in modern times, the original A110 was a lightweight sports car that punched above its weight. With its rear-engine layout and curvy design, it was a rally winner and a dream car for enthusiasts who loved nimble handling. In Canada, this could have been a fantastic rival to Porsche’s 911 during the 70s. Quebec, with its strong French influence, would have been the perfect market for the A110, giving locals a stylish and unique sports car that felt exotic yet attainable.
Holden Commodore HSV (1988–2017)
Australia’s Holden Commodore HSV was the definition of a four-door muscle car. Big V8 power, rear-wheel drive, and brash styling made it perfect for straight-line fun and sideways antics. Canada, with its love of V8s, would have welcomed this car with open arms. It could have stood toe-to-toe with Dodge Chargers and Chevy Impalas, but with a uniquely Australian twist. As a daily driver with plenty of power and space, it would have made a strong case as the ideal Canadian muscle sedan.
Honda Beat (1991–1996)
The Honda Beat was a kei car roadster designed for pure driving fun. Its tiny three-cylinder engine revved like mad, and the whole car weighed less than most motorcycles. Canadians might have dismissed it as a toy, but enthusiasts would have fallen for its charm. Imagine buzzing around Vancouver or Toronto in this tiny convertible — it would have been impossible not to smile. With cheap running costs and Honda reliability, it could have been an affordable way for young enthusiasts to experience open-top fun.
Citroën DS (1955–1975)
The Citroën DS was so advanced it looked like it had landed from the future. With hydropneumatic suspension, disc brakes, and unmatched comfort, it redefined what a car could be. Canadians never saw it officially, but it would have been perfect for cross-country road trips. Its ability to smooth out rough roads and glide through harsh winters would have made it ideal for Canada’s long-distance highways. Add in its stunning design, and it would have turned heads everywhere from Montreal to Vancouver.
Volkswagen Scirocco (2008–2017)
Canadians got the Golf GTI and later the Golf R, but the sleek and sporty Scirocco never came across the Atlantic. With its coupe styling and GTI performance DNA, it could have offered something more stylish and exclusive than a hatchback. Young Canadian buyers looking for something different from the mainstream would have snapped these up. It was essentially the cool European cousin of the GTI, and its absence left a gap in the VW lineup that never quite got filled.
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Car loans are one of the most common ways people fund car purchases. Like any other kind of loan, car loans can have certain features that can be regarded as an advantage or a disadvantage to the borrower. Understanding all essential facts about car loans and how they work to ensure that you get the best deal for your financial situation is essential. Here are 25 shocking facts about car loans that most drivers don’t realize:
25 Facts About Car Loans That Most Drivers Don’t Realize
