Each year, the Australian automotive landscape bids farewell to a host of exceptional vehicles, and the year 2024 was no exception.
While past years have seen a lengthy roster of notable departures, this year’s cuts left a few particularly bitter tastes in the mouths of car enthusiasts.
On one end of the spectrum, we mourned the loss of a delightful small SUV that captured hearts from a well-loved manufacturer. At the opposite end, we said goodbye to a sports car steeped in tradition as a renowned British marque pivots toward a contentious electric future.
And let’s not overlook the departure of a legendary V8—creating yet another void in our hearts. Without further delay, here are the vehicles we’re most saddened to see vanish this year.
Paul Maric: Jaguar F-Type
The Jaguar F-Type was instrumental in reinvigorating Jaguar’s image for modernity.
Inevitably linked with its captivating supercharged V8, the F-Type’s allure remained potent even in the V6 variant, boasting a vocal performance unmatched by today’s competitors.
However, the absence of diligence and investment from Jaguar ultimately sealed its fate as the brand sets its sights on an uncertain all-electric horizon.
Marton Pettendy: Ford Puma
The Ford Puma distinguished itself as the preeminent light SUV available, easily outshining the lackluster EcoSport that it replaced as well as rivals such as the Hyundai Venue and Kia Stonic.
Though economically priced, the Puma outperformed the Toyota Yaris Cross, Volkswagen T-Cross, Renault Captur, Mazda CX-3, and Nissan Juke in driving dynamics.
Yet, despite its merits, the Ford Puma regrettably flew under the radar for Australian SUV aficionados, as the company’s marketing and sales focus leaned heavily toward more lucrative models like the Ranger, resulting in the discontinuation of the Escape this year and the Fiesta and Focus last year.
This strategic pivot has left the Ford Mustang as the sole passenger vehicle in Australia, while the recently shelved Puma Gen-E underscores the company’s retreat from the consumer sector to prioritize commercial offerings.
James Wong: Jaguar F-Type
It takes a remarkable vehicle to resonate with my passion, and the Jaguar F-Type undoubtedly occupied that space.
With a stunning design that is both breathtaking and timeless, the F-Type’s engine notes ignited excitement and passion, providing an accessible slice of supercar enjoyment to those with dreams of grandeur.
Choosing the right color—think British Racing Green paired with Tan—could yield a stunning modern classic, complete with one of the most exhilarating soundtracks known today.
Regrettably, Jaguar’s shift toward an electric-only identity has led to the demise of one of its most distinguished and commercially viable models.
Rest in peace.
Max Davies: Jaguar F-Type
While I’ve never been particularly enamored with the British automotive scene, the news of Jaguar’s departure from its traditional roots in favor of electric luxury vehicles struck a personal chord.
What’s particularly disheartening is the brand’s decision to phase out existing models in favor of unfamiliar electric endeavors.
The F-Type, Jaguar’s last petrol-fueled sports car, represents a significant loss in this transition.
As Jaguar has increasingly shifted toward SUVs—both electric and traditional internal combustion—the F-Type remained a critical reference point, exemplifying the brand’s legacy as an iconic sports car manufacturer.
Combining aesthetic splendor with luxury interiors in both coupe and convertible forms, the F-Type echoed Jaguar’s storied past, further solidified by special editions honoring the legendary E-Type.
It was one of the few more affordable soft-top sports cars available with a V8 engine, revitalizing memories of a glorious automotive era.
The transition toward electrification, while forward-looking, has undeniably thrust Jaguar’s illustrious legacy into obscurity, as I now find myself coveting the cherished images of bygone models amidst my family’s nostalgia for the brand.
William Stopford: Ford Puma
In the competitive realm of light SUVs, the Ford Puma stands out as a remarkable gem. I so thoroughly enjoyed this European marvel that I even recommended it to a family member who went on to purchase one.
Its performance may have been modest, but its charisma was palpable, delivering enjoyable handling that made every drive a pleasure on meandering roads. Boasting a spacious interior, solid technology, and a unique charm, the Puma was truly delightful.
Alas, Ford Australia has seemingly prioritized its commercial vehicle offerings over serving the volume-seeking consumer market, resulting in the Puma’s untimely exit despite a new model teasing European markets and an electric Gen-E variant on the horizon.
Josh Nevett: Jaguar F-Type
While not diving deeply into the ramifications of Jaguar’s controversial rebranding, the retirement of the F-Type signifies a poignant close for the historic British marque.
On a more personal level, it also marks the end of an exceptional vehicle.
Introduced in 2013 as a spiritual successor to the legendary E-Type, the F-Type garnered widespread acclaim for its exquisite design and dynamic driving experience.
With options for both V6 and V8 supercharged engines, it produced sonorous melodies that perfectly matched its captivating visuals—traits that continued until its unfortunate discontinuation.
It’s a car that easily could find its place amongst far pricier exotics, akin to a hidden gem that has now become even more elusive. Though I may have missed my chance to drive one, I’ll keep an eye out for used models while patiently waiting on lottery fortunes.
Jordan Mulach: Jaguar F-Type
The F-Type, regarded as the spiritual successor to the iconic Jaguar E-Type, has concluded its production run this year.
While it never quite encapsulated the essence of its illustrious predecessor, it rekindled Jaguar’s vitality at a time when the brand sought to repackage itself as Britain’s answer to BMW—albeit with mixed results.
While the F-Type wasn’t solely responsible for Jaguar’s challenges, its demise does mark the loss of an intriguing sports car that delighted enthusiasts with a compelling driving experience, no matter the engine option.
Jack Quick: Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series V8
The LandCruiser 70 Series stands as a quintessential icon of rugged off-roading, unparalleled by its contemporary counterparts.
With the discontinuation of its 4.5-litre V8 turbo-diesel engine, we witness a notable shift in the landscape, altering what made the LandCruiser such a beloved choice.
Although it’s now equipped with a variant of the HiLux’s 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine—which brings performance gains—it lacks the character that made its predecessor memorable.
My last encounter with the V8-powered LandCruiser 70 left a lasting impression; it was virtually unstoppable, embodying a spirit of adventure and reliability.
MORE: Everything Ford Puma
MORE: Everything Jaguar F-Type
MORE: Everything Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series
Source:www.carexpert.com.au
