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We're a nation of car lovers, no doubt about it. But that doesn’t mean we'll lap up any old automobile that the car giants foist on us.

Indeed, despite benefitting from years of designing and engineering, then being sent out into the big wide world supported by gaggles of clever marketing people, some cars just don't make it.

Here are ten of the worst-selling cars in the UK – some of which are actually quite good.

MG 3


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OK, this one isn’t so good. The Chinese-built MG-3 delivers good handling, but suffers in pretty much every other department. The 6 and GS models, however, have impressed motoring journalists a lot more. There are about 5,000 MG3s on UK roads.

SsangYong Turismo


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The Turismo is big – 5 x 2m big, in fact. That makes it very good at carrying people. It’s also very good value: £18k for an entry-level model. On the downside, the Turismo (formerly the Rodios) isn’t from the most glamorous of auto stables, and the acceleration and handling present even less to write home about. There are thought to be less than 1,000 of these in Britain.

Mitsubishi i-Miev


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This was one of the first all-electric cars that could deal with day-to-day driving. Now, it’s been overshadowed by better EVs such as the Nissan Leaf. Also badged as the C-Zero by Citroen and the iOn by Peugeot, you may have spotted the i-Miev or its sisters scooting around London.

Maserati Quattroporte


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A Maserati, you might think, is never going to sell in huge numbers – because it's mightily expensive. But this one, despite having four doors fitted (Maseratis generally have two), has failed to capture much of the luxury saloon market. A few hundred remain on these shores.

Subaru BRZ


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Built in conjunction with Toyota – who managed to sell many more of its GT86 model – the BRZ is considered a genuine driver’s car, offering bucket loads of agility and balance. However, it isn’t terribly quick – one of the reasons there are just a few hundred of these on UK roads.

Lotus Evora


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Lotus undoubtedly make some of the country's finest cars, but interior build quality often lets their range down – especially considering the invariably high asking price. Unless you’re a die-hard Lotus fan, you’re better off spending your cash on something more refined.

Toyota Landcruiser


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These Japanese-built off-roaders are tough old beasts, and as such they keep their value extremely well. However, they have fallen out of favour with UK buyers, where the home-made Range Rover and a gaggle of continental SUVs have proven far trendier. But the Landcruiser remains a very good car.

Great Wall Steed


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The Chinese have locked on to Europe's huge SUV market (as they have their own), but so far the Range Rover Sports and BMW X3s of the continent have little to fear. The Great Wall Steed lags behind the competition by several furlongs, but you can’t help turn your head when you see that entry-level price tag: £14,000!

Hyundai Genesis

 
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Hyundai have built some decent cars over the years, but the Genesis is not one of them. This petrol guzzler coughs out more emissions than your average sports car and its interior seems very dowdy – particularly when you regard the £50k list price. There are thought to be 20-odd of these on our roads.

Infiniti Q70

 
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It was built to take on the big shiny saloons of BMW and Mercedes – but is inferior in almost every regards. Its only plus-point is its unusualness. After all, have you ever heard of an Infiniti?