When it comes to determining the best car of the 21st century, it presents a significant challenge. As we approach 2025, we embarked on a quest to find the answer. Defining what constitutes a great car and narrowing it down across the vast car industry, from electric city cars to powerful hypercars, is no easy task. Since 2000, numerous important and influential new cars have shaped and defined not only our current driving experiences but also those of the next 25 years. With this in mind, we took a comprehensive look back at all the remarkable cars of the 21st century and compiled this list. It is by no means definitive and has a distinct Australian bias, but this is the lineup we arrived at.

Discover the Automotive Gems of the 21st Century

25. 2011 Nissan Leaf

Electric vehicles have firmly established their presence in the automotive landscape, and a large part of that can be attributed to the Nissan Leaf. Although it was not the first all-electric vehicle, its launch in 2011 made it the first series production EV. It demonstrated that electric cars could be a viable option for those seeking a cleaner and greener mode of transportation. The Nissan Leaf has played a crucial role in popularizing electric vehicles and has left an indelible mark on the automotive industry.The design and functionality of the Nissan Leaf have made it a popular choice among eco-conscious consumers. Its practicality and range have made it a reliable daily driver, while its electric powertrain offers a smooth and quiet driving experience. The Nissan Leaf has paved the way for the development of more advanced electric vehicles and has become a symbol of the shift towards sustainable transportation.

24. 2017 Hyundai i30 N

Hyundai has witnessed remarkable growth in the past 25 years, and the third-generation i30 hatchback, which arrived in 2016, was a game-changer for the South Korean brand. This was the platform for Hyundai's first proper performance model, the 2017 i30 N hot hatch. The development of the i30 N was a long-term endeavor that began with Hyundai's announcement to join the World Rally Championship in 2014.The i30 N has proven to be a catalyst for a major transformation in the way Hyundai is perceived. Its performance capabilities, combined with its stylish design, have attracted a loyal following. The success of the i30 N has led to the introduction of other performance models within the Hyundai lineup, such as the i30 Sedan N, Kona N, i20 N, and Ioniq 5 N. These models have positioned Hyundai as a serious contender in the performance car market and have set a new standard for the brand.

23. 2007 Nissan GT-R

Despite leaving Australian showrooms in 2021, the Nissan GT-R continues to be produced in Japan and is scheduled to do so until 2025. This remarkable longevity alone earns it a place on this list. However, the GT-R has made the cut for many other reasons as well.When the R35 generation of the iconic 'Godzilla' first arrived, it made a huge impression. Its design, resembling a Japanese muscle car more than its predecessors, turned heads on the road. Under the hood, the twin-turbo V6 engine packed a powerful punch, delivering exceptional performance. The all-wheel drive system provided amazing grip, allowing the GT-R to handle with precision. The Nissan GT-R has put Hyundai in the same league as Porsche and Ferrari, proving that a Japanese brand can compete at the highest level of performance.

22. 2010 Lexus LFA supercar

Lexus is renowned for producing sensible luxury cars and SUVs, but to celebrate its 20th anniversary, the company decided to create one of the world's most iconic supercars. The development of the Lexus LFA took more than five years, with the company leveraging its Formula 1 team to create an incredibly technologically advanced and fast machine.Although the LFA has a front-engine layout, it possesses all the key attributes of a supercar. Built around a carbon fibre tub, it offers exceptional rigidity and lightweight construction. The 4.8-litre V10 engine produces an impressive 412kW and 480Nm of torque, delivering exhilarating performance. Only 500 examples were produced over a two-year period, but the Lexus LFA has left an indelible mark on 21st-century motoring. Its unique design and performance have made it a highly sought-after collector's item.

21. 2012 Volkswagen Golf

Like the Nissan Leaf, the Volkswagen Golf Mk7 is not an exceptional car in isolation but rather its wide-ranging impact on the automotive world that makes it significant. Underneath its conservative hatchback body lies the MQB architecture, which has transformed the industry.The MQB architecture is a flexible vehicle platform that allows Volkswagen Group to scale it up or down depending on the model. This has enabled the sharing of components across a vast array of models, saving billions in development costs. The MQB architecture has led to the development of a range of new options, from the compact Volkswagen Golf to the larger Passat wagon and Atlas large SUV, as well as multiple Audi, Skoda, and Seat models. The Golf Mk7 has been at the forefront of this transformation, setting a new standard for quality and performance in the compact car segment.