A new study has revealed that several popular petrol and diesel car models are on the brink of extinction, as the automotive industry continues to shift towards electric vehicles. According to the report from car parts marketplace Ovoko, the Hyundai Coupe is set to become the first to reach ‘extinction’, with its registrations predicted to dwindle to near zero by August 2026.
The study analysed a list of the most popular petrol and diesel car models in the UK, based on data from YouGov. Ovoko calculated the rate of decline in registrations for each model to forecast when they would become almost non-existent on British roads.
The Hyundai Coupe tops the list as the model most likely to disappear first, with its extinction date set for 28 August 2026. This gives the car less than two years before it is expected to vanish from UK roads. In second place is the Renault Megane, which has an estimated extinction date of 7 July 2029, leaving it with just under five years of lifespan. The Ford Mondeo comes third, projected to disappear by May 2033.
Several other beloved models also feature on the list. The Renault Scenic is in fourth place, expected to face extinction by January 2034, and the Ford Ka comes fifth, with a disappearance date set for February 2035. Toyota’s Avensis model, predicted to fade by August 2037, ranks sixth.
The study highlights that some models have more time left before they disappear completely. Audi’s A2, for example, is expected to survive until February 2046, while the Kia Carens and Mazda 6 will likely face extinction in the late 2040s. At the bottom of the list is the Jeep Cherokee, which has an estimated extinction date of June 2050.
Shifting Towards Electric Vehicles
Vytas Palovis, Vice President of Growth at Ovoko, commented on the findings, emphasising the rapid decline of petrol and diesel models as the automotive industry increasingly moves towards electric vehicles. “Petrol and diesel car models are facing a swift decline as the industry shifts towards electric vehicles. With increasing regulatory pressures, stricter emissions standards, and growing consumer demand for eco-friendly options, many traditional fuel-powered cars are likely to see a critical drop in registrations in the coming years,” he said.
Despite the nostalgia attached to many of these models, Palovis noted that the transition is inevitable. “Many of these models have become icons, representing decades of automotive design and engineering milestones. It’s bittersweet to witness the gradual extinction of cars that have left such a lasting imprint on driving culture,” he added.
Top 10 Cars Facing Extinction:
- Hyundai Coupe – 28 August 2026
- Renault Megane – 7 July 2029
- Ford Mondeo – 24 May 2033
- Renault Scenic – 13 January 2034
- Ford Ka – 18 February 2035
- Toyota Avensis – 19 August 2037
- Audi A2 – 28 February 2046
- Kia Carens – 10 January 2049
- Mazda 6 – 18 April 2049
- Jeep Cherokee – 3 June 2050
As the demand for electric vehicles continues to rise, the extinction of traditional fuel-powered cars appears inevitable. The study serves as a reminder of the changing landscape of the automotive world, with iconic models gradually fading from view as the industry moves towards a greener future.