Cars that have been named after famous locations

What cars have been named after different countries, cities, and islands?

Your name is important – it's what identifies you and makes you, well, you. The same goes for cars.

All we need to mention are models like Golf, Beetle or Polo, and you instantly know we're talking about Volkswagen.

But when it comes to naming their vehicles, manufacturers take different approaches. German brands like Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz follow a consistent alphanumeric system. Think A-Class, A1, 1 Series, and so on.

Others use names as an opportunity to create more character or pay tribute to the history and heritage that have shaped the vehicles we drive today.

Inspiration for a new model can come from the location where it was built, the birthplace of a manufacturer, or simply a famous backdrop that captures the spirit of the car.

We've scoured the internet to find both modern cars named after places, and some classics from years yonder.

So, fasten your seatbelts as we take you on a global tour of cars that have borrowed their names from famous locations around the world.

Modern cars named after places

First up, let's explore models you can actually lease today.

These modern vehicles don't just borrow cool location names – they pack in the latest tech and advanced safety features, offering driving experiences that keep you firmly in the present day.

CUPRA Formentor

The CUPRA Formentor takes its name from the breathtaking Formentor peninsula on the Spanish island of Majorca – a rugged, dramatic landscape that perfectly matches this car's personality.

Even after breaking away from SEAT, CUPRA has kept up the tradition of naming models after Spanish locations.

They even filmed the Formentor at Cap de Formentor ahead of its launch – talk about staying true to your namesake! The stunning clifftop roads and Mediterranean backdrop couldn't be more fitting for this stylish SUV that's absolutely bursting with Spanish flair.

As CUPRA's first standalone model, they needed to make a statement.

And the Formentor definitely delivers.

Those sharp lines and bold stance turn heads just as much as the coastal views of its namesake.

Want to bring a bit of Spanish sunshine to your driveway? You can get behind the wheel with an affordable CUPRA Formentor lease deal that won't have you sweating over your monthly payments.

CUPRA have a tendency to name their cars after Spanish locations, like SEAT.

Just look at the CUPRA Tavascan (a Spanish village near the border of France), or the CUPRA Terramar (Autódromo de Sitges-Terramar racetrack near Barcelona, paying homage to its racing heritage).

Hyundai Tucson

One of Hyundai's most popular models, the Tucson takes its name from the second-largest city in Arizona – a place known for its striking desert landscapes and vibrant sunsets.

Given there's no obvious connection between Hyundai and Arizona, some might view this as simply a clever marketing move from the Korean manufacturer.

But the name does capture the SUV's adventurous spirit and robust character perfectly.

You can't argue with the results. The Tucson has established itself as one of the best mid-size SUVs on the market, offering an excellent blend of space, performance and practicality for everyday adventures, whether that's tackling the school run or heading off the beaten track.

With a Hyundai Tucson lease deal, you can experience all this SUV has to offer with fixed monthly payments and flexible terms.

All the freedom of the Arizona desert, without the scorching heat or cacti to worry about.

Hyundai Santa Fe 

Named after the capital of New Mexico, the Hyundai Santa Fe was born when the Korean manufacturer wanted to capture the spirit of adventure for their first SUV launch.

This spacious seven-seater comes with off-road capabilities that nod to its Southwestern namesake – a region known for its rugged landscapes and pioneering spirit.

But if you opt for the current generation Santa Fe as your next Hyundai lease, you'll discover it's evolved into something far more refined. The plush, comfortable driving experience feels more luxury cruiser than rough-and-ready off-roader, though it still has the capability when you need it.

It's part of Hyundai's strategy of naming their SUVs after famous travel destinations – a fitting approach for vehicles designed to take you places.

Another example is the compact Hyundai Bayon, named after the French city of Bayonne.

Kia Sorento 

Though slightly different in spelling, it's widely believed that the South Korean manufacturer has paid tribute to the charming Italian coastal town of Sorrento with this popular SUV.

Beyond the name, there's no obvious connection linking Kia to Sorrento – a town steeped in Greek mythology and known as the Land of the Sirens.

Those mythical creatures were famous for luring sailors with their irresistible songs, which might explain Kia's thinking.

We can't say for sure, but Kia might have wanted to capture some of that "legendary power of attraction" for their SUV. And we must say, it is a rather attractive vehicle, especially for a family-friendly seven-seater that doesn't compromise on style.

The best part?

When you lease the Sorento, it costs less than a week in the Italian sun thanks to affordable monthly payments.

Plus, with all that space this seven-seater provides, it's perfect for packing up the family and heading off on your own Mediterranean-inspired adventure – no passport required.

Nissan Qashqai

The Nissan Qashqai may be challenging to pronounce (it's "cash-kai" if you're wondering), but there's a fascinating story behind its unusual name.

Named after the Qashqai people – a semi-nomadic tribe from Iran known for their beautiful handwoven carpets and textiles – this crossover was designed to capture their nomadic spirit and independence.

Nissan coined the term "urban nomad" when launching the Qashqai, believing their customers shared a desire to cross boundaries between city living and outdoor adventures.

It's a fitting concept for a vehicle that cleverly combines the compact practicality of a hatchback with the elevated driving position and versatility of an SUV.

The Qashqai has since become one of the most successful crossovers on the market, appealing to drivers who want a car that adapts to different environments – whether navigating city streets or venturing further afield.

And while it’s not directly named after a place, we feel it deserves a place on this list all the same.

With a Nissan Qashqai lease, you can embrace your inner nomad without the long-term commitment. All the freedom of movement, with predictable monthly payments.

Though unfortunately, your Qashqai won't come with any handwoven carpets included.

SEAT Ibiza

The SEAT Ibiza borrows its name from Spain's famous party island and has been bringing Mediterranean vibes to UK roads since 1985.

SEAT loves naming cars after Spanish hotspots – the Ibiza followed both the SEAT Malaga and SEAT Marbella – but neither has the same catchy ring to it.

With a SEAT Ibiza lease, you're getting a sporty hatchback with as much character as its namesake. It's survived nearly four decades in the fiercely competitive small car market, proving this little party-starter has serious staying power.

Want some Spanish sunshine in your daily drive? A SEAT Ibiza lease puts this vibrant hatchback within reach – no sun cream necessary.

And the Ibiza isn't your only option for bringing a slice of Spain to your driveway.

You can also lease the SEAT Leon (named after the Spanish city of León) and the SEAT Arona (inspired by the vibrant town on Tenerife).

Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback takes its name from Australia's remote, vast region known for its rugged terrain and sparse population.

Originally introduced as a trim package for the Legacy, the Outback eventually became its own model line. The name reinforces Subaru's image as a vehicle capable of handling less-traveled paths, similar to how Australia's Outback region requires off-road capability.

This robust and rugged SUV handles anything and everything you throw at it with ease. Whether you're planning a family holiday or heading off-road, the Outback's versatility shines through.

With competitive boot space (561 litres) and the ability to tow up to 2000kg, there's little this vehicle cannot do.

It's a vehicle that lives up to its adventurous namesake – ready to take you beyond the city limits, even if your own personal "outback" is just a muddy campsite in Wales.

Leasing makes this bad boy more attainable too, with predictable monthly payments and zero depreciation worries.

So, why not take a look at a Subaru Outback lease?

Blast from the past: Older cars named after places

Bentley Mulsanne

Bentley chose to be quite specific with the Mulsanne, naming it after the legendary Mulsanne Straight – a near four-mile stretch of the famous Le Mans racing circuit in France.

What makes this even more special is that when not hosting high-speed motorsport, sections of the Mulsanne Straight function as a public road. Imagine your daily commute taking place on the same tarmac where racing history was made!

The name pays tribute to Bentley's remarkable success at Le Mans, where they've claimed victory six times. Such an achievement deserves recognition of the highest order, and the Mulsanne delivers just that.

This flagship Bentley sedan represented the pinnacle of luxury, with meticulously hand-crafted materials and a design that provided unrivalled levels of refinement.

The perfect marriage of racing heritage and opulent comfort – a fitting tribute to one of motorsport's most iconic locations.

Kia Rio

The Kia Rio's name has a bit of a disputed origin.

While many assumed it was named after Rio de Janeiro, Brazil's vibrant coastal city, Kia has actually revealed it takes inspiration from the Spanish and Portuguese word "rio," meaning river.

This aquatic connection refers to how the styling lines of the car's body flow fluidly – much like a river coursing through a landscape. It's a fitting name for a vehicle with such smooth, uninterrupted design.

We've already established Kia's creative approach when it comes to naming their models, and the Rio is no exception. These distinctive names add an element of character and flair to their vehicles, helping them compete against more premium rivals.

As one of the smallest and most efficient models in their lineup, the Rio served as a popular compact choice until its discontinuation in 2023

Alfa Romeo MiTo       

The Alfa Romeo MiTo showcases Italian cleverness even in its name, which is a brilliant portmanteau of Milano (Milan) and Torino (Turin), representing where the car was designed and assembled, respectively.

This compact Alfa also has a linguistic trick up its sleeve, as "mito" in Italian means "myth" or "legend" – a fitting nod to the brand's storied heritage.

Originally codenamed "Junior" during development, the MiTo name was ultimately chosen to appeal to a younger audience while honoring two significant Italian automotive cities.

Though production ended in 2019, the MiTo remains a distinctive example of how a car's name can capture not just geographic locations, but the very essence of a brand's identity and history.

Interestingly, Alfa Romeo has now released a new compact model actually called Junior – bringing that original codename full circle in their lineup.

Photo credit: Matt, Flickr

Ferrari Portofino

The Ferrari Portofino takes its name from a picturesque fishing village on the Italian Riviera, renowned for its stunning beauty, luxury, and timeless elegance.

Unveiled at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, this grand tourer succeeded the California T as Ferrari's entry-level convertible.

The name change marked a new chapter for the Italian manufacturer, moving away from the California connection while staying true to the tradition of naming Ferraris after iconic locations.

Just like its namesake village that blends natural beauty with sophisticated charm, the Portofino combines breathtaking performance with everyday usability – as much as any Ferrari can be considered "everyday," that is.

The connection between car and village is clear: both represent the epitome of Italian style, both turn heads wherever they go, and both are unfortunately out of reach for most of us mere mortals.

Image credit: Ferrari of Fort Lauderdale

Honorable mentions: More geographic namesakes

We've only scratched the surface of cars named after places – there are many more geographic namesakes that have graced our roads over the years. From iconic classics to lesser-known models, car manufacturers have drawn inspiration from locations worldwide.

Here are just a few more that deserve a mention:

• Volvo Amazon
• Volkswagen Brasilia
• Cadillac and Oldsmobile Calais
• Dodge Daytona 
• Ford Everest
• Renault Floride
• MG Gloster
• Austin Hampshire and Hereford
• Grumett Indiana
• Lamborghini Jarama 
• Ford F-150 King Ranch
• Daewoo and Pontiac LeMans
• Chrysler New Yorker
• SEAT Ronda
• Plymouth Savoy 
• Lincoln Versailles
• Chrysler Wimbledon
• GMC Yukon