12 cars that died in 2021

There are cars that leave their mark with their appearance, but they do not last forever, and car companies decide to disappear. Here we tell you which 12 cars will cease production by 2022.

2022 is just around the corner and with it comes a lot of uncertainty. There is still a pandemic, supply chain problems, shortages of everything and who knows what else. One thing we can pinpoint is that some of the cars we've been enjoying lately won't be following us into the new year. Why? Because they are dead.

Next, we share with you a list of cars that said goodbye in 2021 and that will never return, or maybe yes, who knows. 

Ford EcoSport

Ford's smallest crossover has never been so good. Even though Ford optimistically called the 1.0-liter engine capable of towing 1,400 pounds, it wasn't a good idea to try it. The EcoSport was not only underpowered, but because of its all-wheel drive system, it didn't make much of a difference. The 1.0-liter three-cylinder model achieved 28 combined mpg, while the 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder version achieved 25 combined mpg.

BMW i3

BMW's first real attempt at an electric car had controversial styling and was available with an optional range extender, basically a trunk-mounted motorcycle engine, that doubled the car's range. Along with the unusual exterior, the car featured a carbon fiber tub to reduce weight, as well as a striking interior that many thought looked like an office. 

Mazda 6

Yes, the Mazda6 left us a few months ago. However, it will reportedly be followed by a straight-six RWD replacement. As part of Mazda's attempt to enter the prestigious market, the front-wheel-drive Mazda6 was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Typical of Mazda, the Model 6 is widely recognized as a mid-size sedan with better handling. Of course, he had his shortcomings, but he was a success with enthusiasts.

Honda Clarity

Designed with our planet in mind, the Clarity was originally available as an all-electric car, a hydrogen fuel cell car or a plug-in hybrid. The FCEV versions and full EV versions left us in 2020, and now only the PHEV remains. Indeed, the Clarity is something like a Chevy Volt, a PHEV with about 50 miles of electric range and a small petrol engine to get the best of both worlds. 

T

It definitely hurts. Yes, the Land Cruiser is leaving the US. Now, just to be clear, all is not lost. However, a truck based on the same Lexus LX platform is still sold in the US.

As for why he doesn't stay, the logic basically boils down to the fact that Toyota is going to make more money selling the LX than the Land Cruiser. SUVs are very popular in North America, and if you are going to ship them here, then most likely they will become massive. The fact that the LX is still on sale here doesn't really change the fact that it's sad to see the Land Cruiser go away after so many years in the States. 

Polestar 1

The Polestar 1 was the first car produced under Volvo's independent Polestar brand and, in particular, it was very heavy. It weighs 5,165 pounds despite being a sleek two-door coupe. That's because, along with a turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, the car was also equipped with a 32 kWh battery pack and electric motors to drive the rear wheels. Total system output was a whopping 619 hp, and its $155,000 base price reflects that. After three years and only units produced, the Supercopa plug-in hybrid says goodbye.

Volkswagen Golf

The VW Golf GTI and Golf R will remain in the US. However, in 2022, cheaper, non-performance-oriented versions of the hatchback will not be sold here. Will be lost? Well, the Golf has never really been popular in America, except for popular versions, and crossovers are getting more popular every year, so the existence of a cheaper Golf was hard to justify. Therefore, no.

Mazda CX-3

Interestingly, the CX-3 is actually based on the outgoing Mazda 2, believe it or not. The chunky little crossover won't survive the year because it's been replaced by the CX-30, a slightly larger car based on the Mazda3 hatchback. The demise of the CX-3 is part of Mazda's aforementioned plan to move into a higher market, and the CX-30, fitted with an optional 2.5-litre very powerful turbocharged engine, is a definite upgrade. The CX-3 is just a casualty of Mazda's leap into the world of basic luxury, and it even has a superb replacement.

Hyundai Veloster

The Veloster N is the vehicle that spawned Hyundai's legendary "N" performance division. Powered by a brilliant beefed-up 2.0-litre engine, it is an enthusiast favorite and great for driving in shift or DCT form. However, as with the Golf, lower versions of the car simply existed. They were ok, not great, nothing remarkable, and so the non-N Veloster is about to leave.

With the Veloster N arguably the most profitable car ever, and with Hyundai's lineup getting better every year, there's no doubt that the smaller versions of the Veloster will make way for more expensive products.

Volvo B60 and B90

Wagons have never been in high demand in the United States, at least not since the huge American-made behemoths of the 60th century. While many now-adult kids may have fond memories of packing the family into a van for a much-needed vacation, they won't buy one as adults. As the last few remaining station wagons left the market, the Volvo V90 and V waited to die. The Swedish automaker is rapidly electrifying its vehicles, and it's no surprise that slow salespeople are falling on the cutting board.

The sedan versions of these cars will survive, so if you really want a low-slung Volvo, you still have options. However, if you want a long roof, you will have to act quickly.

Volkswagen Passat

Another year, another sedan leaves us. The Passat has never been a big winner in any particular category. We still have the Jetta, the Hi-Po Golf and the very attractive Arteon. After all, the Passat was another one of those cars that just didn't do well, and for that reason, it won't be joining us in 2022.

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