Experts are warning that some of the most popular cars on the road could soon disappear and go extinct as new car sales reach zero.
A new study looked at the most popular petrol and diesel car models from YouGov and calculated the rate of decline in the number of registrations in the UK.
This was then modelled to see which popular vehicles are in decline or rising, and how long it will take each to get to nearly zero registrations or reach “extinction”.
The data showed that the Hyundai Coupe will be the first to disappear from roads, with registrations expected to drop to zero on August 28, 2026.
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The Hyundai Coupe is believed to be the most popular car to go extinct at the earliest
GETTY
There are just a handful of Hyundai Coupe models available via online car marketplaces, many of which cost less than £4,000.
The South Korean brand ended production of the Coupe, also known as the Tiburon outside of Europe, in 2008, with modest sales throughout its 12 years of production.
The Renault Megane is in second place, with data suggesting that the model will be made extinct on July 7, 2029.
With just five years left before numbers dwindle, the French brand has launched the Megane E-Tech 100 per cent electric as its entry into the electric vehicle market.
The Renault Megane
RENAULT
It comes equipped with a total range of 285 miles, goes 0-62mph in just 7.5 seconds and can charge up to 186 miles of battery in 30 minutes of charging.
Vytas Palovis, Vice President of Growth at Ovoko, said: “Petrol and diesel car models are facing a swift decline as the automotive industry shifts towards electric vehicles.
“With increasing regulatory pressures, stricter emissions standards, and growing consumer demand for eco-friendly options, many traditional fuel-powered cars are likely to see a critical drop in registrations in the coming years and some models may become extinct altogether.”
Surprisingly, the wildly popular Ford Mondeo was ranked as the third most likely model to go extinct, with the rate of decline indicating that it will die on May 24, 2033.
The 2014 Ford Mondeo
FORD
The Ford Mondeo sold over four million models in its 24-year production run, with almost 750,000 of these sales coming from China.
Other popular brands are seen in the top 10 list of car models likely to be extinct soon, including Toyota, Audi, Kia, Mazda and Jeep.
Palovis continued, saying: “Many of these models have become icons, representing decades of automotive design, engineering milestones, and a sense of nostalgia that can’t be replaced by modern alternatives.
“It is bittersweet to witness the gradual extinction of cars that have left such a lasting imprint on driving culture.”
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The 2003 Renault Scenic
RENAULT
The top 10 car models likely to be extinct soon, according to data
- Hyundai Coupe – August 28, 2026
- Renault Megane – July 7, 2029
- Ford Mondeo – May 24, 2033
- Renault Scenic – January 13, 2034
- Ford Ka – February 18, 2035
- Toyota Avensis – August 19, 2037
- Audi A2 – February 28, 2046
- Kia Carens – January 10, 2049
- Mazda 6 – April 18, 2049
- Jeep Cherokee – June 3, 2050
