When it comes to cars there aren’t that many makes in Australia that start with the letter ‘O’.
Infact, we can only think of 8 examples, some of which are no longer available and one of which hasn’t officially been released yet!
Struggling to think of what they are? Well, allow us to enlighten you.
Skoda Octavia
The Skoda Octavia is a popular mid-size car that has been available in Australia since the early 2000s. It is a part of the Volkswagen Group and is known for its practicality, comfort and affordable pricing.
Available in both sedan and wagon body styles, the Octavia provides plenty of versatility and space for passengers and cargo. It offers a range of engine options including a 1.4-litre and 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, as well as a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine. These engines are mated to either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic transmission, which provides smooth and responsive gear changes.
One of the key selling points of the Skoda Octavia is its practicality and spacious interior. Offering ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers, it also has a large trunk with plenty of storage space.
In addition, the interior is well-appointed, with comfortable seats and a range of features such as climate control, a premium sound system, and a touchscreen infotainment system.
In terms of driving experience, the Skoda Octavia is known for its smooth and comfortable ride. It offers responsive steering and a well-tuned suspension system that helps to absorb bumps and provide a stable and confident driving experience.
Honda Odyssey
Since it launched down under in the late 90s, the Honda Odyssey has developed a strong following.
A popular choice for families and those wanting a vehicle with plenty of room and features, the current generation has a stylish and modern exterior design and can accommodate up to eight passengers.
Powered by a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, the vehicle incorporates a range of safety features, including a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. All of which helps to keep passengers safe and secure on the road.
It also has some other terrific features like tri-zone climate control, a rear-seat entertainment system, and a power-sliding rear door, that are designed to make driving easier and the ride more comfortable overall.
Lotus Omega
Although it was never officially sold in Australia, a handful of Lotus Omega vehicles were imported to our shores by private collectors who were impressed by its high performance and rarity.
Also known as the Lotus Carlton in some markets, this high-performance sports sedan was produced by the British automaker Lotus in collaboration with General Motors (GM) between 1990 and 1992.
It was actually based on the Vauxhall Carlton/Opel Omega, which was a mid-size sedan that GM produced in Europe. Essentially Lotus took the standard Carlton/Omega and extensively modified it to create a high-performance sports sedan.
This car was fitted with a 3.6-litre inline-six engine that was heavily modified to produce 377 horsepower and 419 lb-ft of torque. This made it capable of propelling the car from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds, making it one of the fastest sedans of its time.
In addition, the Lotus Omega also had a number of other performance upgrades, including a lowered and stiffened suspension, larger brakes, and wider tires. It had a top speed of over 170 mph, which was remarkable for a sedan at the time.
Kia Optima
Sadly, the Kia Optima was discontinued in 2020 and replaced with the Kia K5.
But for the decade before that, it was a very popular mid-size sedan that was seen as an affordable, value-for-money and comfortable ride.
Characterised by sleek styling, the vehicle was known for its suite of safety features which included airbags, traction control, stability control, and anti-lock brakes. Some of its higher-spec models were equipped with additional extras like blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Able to seat five passengers, the Optima offered two engines in the Aussie market. The base engine was a four-cylinder 2.4-litre engine, while the higher-spec models were equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine. Both were matched with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Depending on the trim level, it also had a notable touchscreen infotainment system, climate control, leather upholstery, and a panoramic sunroof.
Subaru Outback
Aussies have had a love affair with the Subaru Outback ever since it was introduced to the market in the mid-90s.
A versatile and capable SUV that can handle a variety of driving conditions, it is known for its all-wheel drive capability and spacious interior.
Designed for up to five passengers, the current generation of the Subaru Outback came out in 2021 and is available with two engine options, both of which have continuously variable transmission (CVT). Its base is a 2.5-litre four-cylinder, while the higher-spec models come with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine.
The Outback has received a five-star safety rating from the Australian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP). On account of features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring.
It also boasts a touchscreen infotainment system, climate control, leather upholstery, and a panoramic sunroof among some of its more notable interior features.
Mitsubishi Outlander
The Mitsubishi Outlander is a popular SUV in Australia that is highly regarded for its spacious interior, fuel efficiency, and safety features.
Sold since the early 2000s, it comes in both petrol and hybrid models and can seat up to seven people. So it is ideal for both families or businesses.
Featuring a modern and sleek design, which includes LED headlights and taillights, alloy wheels, and a panoramic sunroof, the vehicle boasts a comfortable and spacious cabin. It also has technology that includes an infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Another vehicle with a five-star ANCAP safety rating, the Outlander incorporates lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking as part of their protection measures.
Oxford Morris
Older readers, especially those who moved to Australia from the UK might remember the Oxford Morris.
Also known as the Morris Oxford, it was a popular car model that was produced by the British automaker Morris Motors Limited from the 1910s until the 1970s.
The Oxford Morris was known for its classic styling, with a boxy shape and chrome accents that gave it a timeless look. It was offered in a variety of body styles over the years, including sedans, coupes, and wagons, and was powered by four and six-cylinder engines.
Although it was never officially sold in Australia, that didn’t stop a hardcore of private owners from importing this iconic car for their collection of classic vehicles.
Fisker Ocean
Marketed as a sustainable and environmentally friendly option, the Fisker Ocean is an upcoming electric SUV from the American automaker Fisker Inc. It is expected to be available in Australia in the near future.
Designed with a sleek and modern exterior, it will be powered by a lithium-ion battery pack and electric motors, which are expected to provide a range of over 400 km on a single charge. The vehicle will also be equipped with fast-charging capabilities, allowing it to charge up to 80% of its battery capacity in just 30 minutes.
One of the key selling points of the Fisker Ocean is its focus on sustainability and eco-friendliness. The vehicle will be built with recycled and sustainable materials, such as recycled polyester and carpeting made from recycled fishing nets. It will also feature solar panels on the roof, which will help to generate energy and reduce the need for charging.
The vehicle is also expected to have a spacious interior and a range of advanced technology and luxury amenities including an infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. It will also have heated and ventilated seats, as well as a panoramic sunroof for sunny days.
When released, the Fisker Ocean is expected to compete with other electric SUVs in the Australian market, such as the Tesla Model X and the Jaguar I-PACE.
