8 International Cars That Would Be a Great Fit in Canada

Foreign automotive markets are incredible in how different they are from our own here in Canada. Drivers in different countries have wildly different needs and tastes, and their markets must reflect that. There are plenty of reasons why Canadians get the cars we do, but if you have ever wondered about cars that exist across the Atlantic and wish that they were sold here, here is a list of 8 vehicles that might be a great fit if they made their way to Canada.

Mahindra XUV700

The mid-sized crossover SUV from Indian brand Mahindra was first launched in 2021 and has built a name for itself by offering features, technology, and performance at a competitive price. Wireless phone charging, a 12-speaker Sony-branded sound system, stop-and-go functionality for the adaptive cruise control system, a 360-degree camera, and a blind spot camera are some highlights.

The SUV can be optioned in five or seven-seat configurations and is powered by either a 2.0-litre turbo engine rated at 200 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque or a 2.2-litre diesel engine delivering 180 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are available with a six-speed manual and automatic transmissions, with some variants offering all-wheel drive. With a price tag ranging from $23,317 to $39,582 when converted from its Indian price, and available in five trims, the XUV700 could serve as a great rival for the Honda Passport, Kia Sorento, and the Mitsubishi Outlander.

Tata Punch.EV

EVs are not known for being the most affordable, but that’s exactly where the Punch EV comes in, as it has the potential to address the affordability issue while being a great city car that offers great range. Built and manufactured by another Indian brand, Tata Motors, the Punch EV comes with two battery sizes, with the standard variant getting a 25-kWh pack, while  the long-range version gets 35 kWh. Power output with the long-range version is rated at 122 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque.

Tata Motors claims a range of 315 km and 421 km for the standard and long-range versions, respectively, as per testing conducted by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI). The Punch EV does not skimp on features; in its highest trim, it comes with two 10.2-inch digital screens, a 360-degree camera, front ventilated seats, blind spot monitoring, an electronic parking brake with auto hold, an air purifier, auto wipers, and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror. The Punch EV’s prices range from $22,028 to $25,293 once converted.

Hyundai Creta

When it comes to the subcompact crossover segment, we already know of the Kia Seltos and its immediate rival the Hyundai Kona. But the Seltos actually shares its platform with the Hyundai Creta/iX25. Sold in various countries, the second-generation Creta showcases what the Korean automaker does best, which is offering an eye-catching design and plenty of convenient features.

Some of these include the dual 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment screen and gauge cluster, powered driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control, onboard air purifier, electronic parking brake, two-step adjustable rear seat backrest, pillows for the rear seat headrests, and rear sunshades. If it did make its way into Canada, the Creta would likely sport the same two engine and drivetrain choices as the Seltos. The first is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder rated at 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, and the second is a 1.6-litre turbo developing 195 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque.

Toyota Fortuner

The Toyota Fortuner is a mid-sized SUV built on the Hilux pickup truck platform and is available in both rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive configurations. Sold in more than 15 countries, the Fortuner is an old-school ladder-on-frame SUV that offers seating for seven passengers and a suite of available features that cater to comfort and convenience.

The Fortuner also gets the GR (Gazoo Racing) treatment with a revised suspension, all-black alloy wheels, and GR badges on the grille, fenders, and trunk lid. The SUV comes with two powertrain options, the 2.7-litre gasoline engine rated at 166 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque, and the 2.8-litre diesel delivering 204 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Upon conversion, prices for the Fortuner start at $54,670 and go up to $84,167.

Peugeot 5008

Considering that Canada has a French market, it’s surprising that French cars are not available here. The 5008 could be just the right option for our SUV-loving nation. The rather stylish SUV boasts three individual seats in the middle row, a feature rarely seen in its class, where our market generally prefers captain’s chairs in the second row.

Other noteworthy features of the 5008 in its top-spec GT trim include a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, LED headlights, rear picnic tables, rear blinds, and several sporty cosmetic enhancements. Prices for the SUV upon conversion start from $52,902 and go up to $59,531. A special mention also has to be made for the E-5008, which, as the name suggests, is the electric version of the SUV.

Citroen C5 Aircross

Another French SUV that would look good on the roads here is the C5 Aircross. It shares its mechanicals and the same engines with the Peugeot 5008 but also gets an additional mild and plug-in hybrid powertrains.

The stylish design is complemented by the interior, which has clever sliding seats that can accommodate five passengers. Some noteworthy features include a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, keyless entry, heated front seats, adaptive cruise control, dual-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof. Prices for this SUV after conversion start from $37,068 and go up to $53,640.

BYD Seal

It’s hard to imagine a car that can disrupt the reputation that the Tesla Model 3 has built for itself over the years, but China’s BYD Seal has some impressive specs that could give the popular Tesla some competition. The sedan gets three electric powertrain options. The first is the Dynamic trim that features a 61.4-kWh battery pack sending power to a single, rear-mounted motor to produce 204 horsepower and 228 lb-ft of torque. Next is the Premium trim with a larger 82.6-kWh battery, which, when combined with the rear-mounted motor, develops 312 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. The dual-motor, all-wheel-drive Performance trim has the same battery pack as the Premium trim and is rated at 540 hp and 494 lb-ft of torque.

Its interior is also unique, with an emphasis on minimalism. The party piece is the 15.6-inch touchscreen that can be swivelled into portrait mode with the touch of a button. Range figures are equally impressive, with Dynamic, Premium, and Performance trims offering claimed figures of 510, 650, and 580 km, respectively.

Alpine A110

The Alpine A110 is a French answer to the Porsche Cayman. This sports car echoes the spirit of its rally-winning predecessor from 1973 and offers a thrilling driving experience wrapped in a lightweight, aerodynamic design. Available in four trims, the sports car is equipped with a turbocharged 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. In its base guise, the powertrain is rated at 252 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. Meanwhile, GT, S, and R Turini versions get an uprated version that develops 300 hp  and 251 lb-ft of torque.

Upon a price conversion, the standard car starts at around $93,627, while the GT ($112,528) includes unique alloys, six-way adjustable leather-trimmed comfort seats and gloss carbon fiber interior trim. The S ($115,964) and R Turini ($150,000 to 170,000) variants are more performance-focused with individual chassis setups, with the R also featuring adjustable dampers, Michelin Cup2 track tires and R-specific Brembo brakes. In its most powerful and sporty iteration, the A110 can accelerate to 100 km/h from a standstill in just 3.9 seconds.