These are the seven most underrated cars which no one is buying, but you should

There are loads of really good cars out there which get overlooked in favour of other models, but really are worth considering. Here are seven of the most underrated cars on sale in the UK right now.

Here at Carwow, we’ve thoroughly tested pretty much every new car on sale, so we know a thing or two about what makes a good one. However, a car being good doesn’t necessarily make it popular.

Some of the best cars on sale are overlooked by drivers. This could be down to things like brand loyalty, brand awareness or dealer network coverage.

We’ve picked seven cars which, while not as popular as alternatives, are still well worth looking at.

Remember, you can buy a brand new or used car right here on Carwow. And you can sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.

1. Genesis GV60
2. Honda Civic
3. Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
4. Mazda 3
5. Subaru Forester
6. Suzuki Swift
7. Renault 4

1. Genesis GV60

The Genesis GV60 is mechanically very similar to the Hyundai Ioniq 5, but it’s got a much posher interior and it looks awesome as well. Despite this, more than two and a half times more people have enquired about a Hyundai Ioniq 5 though Carwow this year compared to the GV60.

This could be down to the way you buy a Genesis. Whereas Hyundai has a large dealer network, Genesis sells cars directly to consumers online. Don’t let this put you off though, because the GV60 is a comfy and luxurious electric car which costs about the same as a top-spec Ioniq 5.

2. Honda Civic

In many ways, the Honda Civic is a better car than the Volkswagen Golf. It’s nicer to drive, with agile handling and comfy suspension, has a really solid interior with logical controls and it’s got a really big boot.

However, so far in 2026 almost four times more people have enquired about a Golf through Carwow than a Civic. The price might come into this. The Honda is only available as a hybrid, whereas the VW can be had with a more basic petrol engine. As such, the Golf costs about £5,000 less to buy. We reckon it’s worth paying the premium if you can stretch to it.

3. Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio

If you’re after a stupidly fast, loud and lairy saloon car, your first thought might be to go for a BMW M3. It’s a fantastic car, but for a bit of Italian flair you really should consider the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio.

It has a 2.9-litre V6 engine which sounds epic, and it’s a really handsome thing as well. Alfa’s reputation for reliability may be a turn-off though, and it’s also not as practical as an M3 thanks to the cramped rear seats. That’s why the BMW M3 is over six times more popular through Carwow than the Alfa, but as a heart-over-head purchase we’d take the Giulia.

4. Mazda 3

You don’t have to buy a German car if you’re after something posh and stylish – the Mazda 3 is one of our favourite premium hatchbacks. The interior is much nicer than it is in the Mercedes A-Class, with better material quality and nicely-damped switchgear.

It’s also better to drive than an A-Class, and it’s quite a bit cheaper as well. Despite this, the A-Class is over three times more popular through Carwow than the Mazda 3. It just goes to show how far a posh German badge will get you.

5. Subaru Forester

When the rally-bred WRX-STI went off sale back in 2018, a lot of people forgot about Subaru. It’s still selling cars in the UK though, and the Forester is a rather good one. It’s really comfortable over long distances, and it can handle itself off-road far better than most family SUVs thanks to standard four-wheel drive – an increasingly rare feature.

It does feel a bit dated inside though, and Subaru’s sparse dealer coverage doesn’t help with brand awareness. It’s also around £10,000 more expensive than a Kia Sportage, which is probably why enquiries on the Kia are 90 times what they are for the Subaru. But if you want something simple, solid, reliable and capable off-road, the Forester is a great choice.

6. Suzuki Swift

News editor Jamie Edkins spent four months living with a Suzuki Swift, and by the end he was rather smitten with it. You get loads of equipment as standard, including heated seats, adaptive cruise control and wireless phone mirroring, all for less than £20,000.

It also averaged more than 60mpg during his time with it, so it’s super-cheap to run. The MG3 is twice as popular through Carwow though, possibly thanks to the fact it has a more modern-feeling interior and a more powerful hybrid engine.

7. Renault 4

Calling the Renault 4 underrated may sound a bit harsh, because it is one of the best electric cars you can buy. We’ve called it underrated because it lives in the shadow of the slightly smaller, and equally brilliant Renault 5.

The Renault 5 is around twice as popular on Carwow as the 4, but both cars are pretty much identical under the skin. If you want more rear legroom and a bigger boot, choose the Renault 4.

Car change? Carwow!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.

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