10 cars not coming to America — yet

Yes, we absolutely must start with this General Motors concept truck. It has been presented at shows nearly all over the world. It's ruggedly cool-looking and the interior isn't rubbish. So guess where it hasn't been shown yet? North America. That's because GM thinks an off-road-ready midsize pickup with this level of style won't fly off dealer lots in the U.S. REALLY!? Are they kidding? It's perfect for those looking for Ford Raptor-esque looks without the Raptor's price tag.

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Wait, didn't the new Civic just come out here in the U.S.? Yes and no: Our European friends are getting a different model Civic, built in the United Kingdom, with some features we'd like to have seen in the U.S.-spec model. The Euro Civic is a 5-door hatchback available with a variety of engine choices, including the 2.2-liter 4-cylinder i-DTEC turbodiesel, but what we really like are the shorter wheelbase, exterior styling cues and slightly more upscale interior.

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Making its European debut at Frankfurt, the DS5 is the third model in Citroen's new DS line. This stylish wagon is powered by a diesel-electric hybrid system — the diesel sends power to the front wheels, the electric to the rear — and can run on electric alone up to just under 40 mph. The DS5 is seated atop the DS line in terms of luxury and options, making this a thoroughly modern and upscale family vehicle.

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Another diesel-electric hybrid wagon making its debut in Frankfurt, the 508 RXH will go on sale in Europe in the spring. Four driving modes will be available, including a "zero-emissions vehicle" mode. It also will develop 200 horsepower and average around 56 mpg. Treat yourself to a look at photos of the RXH's interior and ask yourself: Why don't we get reliable, efficient family cars with this level of forethought and sophistication? Peugeot, find a way to bring the RXH to the States while the usual suspects twiddle their thumbs. Buyers are waiting.

Bing Images: Peugeot 508 RXH

The new Twingo should be coming in 2013. The updates appear to be all cosmetic, indicative of the direction in which new designer Laurens van der Acker will be taking the entire Renault line in the next few years. Under the pretty new face is the same compact — similar in size to the Fiat 500 — that delivers reliable city driving performance and good fuel economy and manages to be both small and not too "toy car" looking at the same time. The French builders are on a serious roll; now if we could just get our hands on their products.

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Don't forget to include the exclamation point whenever you mention the Up! The concept was first displayed at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, and this year we get to see the production model. Built to compete in a crowded European entry-level hatchback market, the Up! is slated to get between 54.6 and 56 mpg, depending on the engine chosen. No word yet on whether VW plans on bringing the Up! to the U.S.; with the engines rated at between 59 and 74 horsepower, we'd be doubtful, except that save for a 68-horsepower natural gas option, the engines are powered by standard gasoline.

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Another vehicle that GM won't be bringing to the U.S. is the Astra GTC. It is a true hot hatchback that would have an immediate place in the American market. Packing a turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine and producing 177 horsepower while mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, the GTC does "small, light, fast" properly without unnecessary back doors or other concessions to the needs of families who will be looking to buy wagons or SUVs anyway. Wide track, 6-speed, turbocharged engine — we need this car.

Bing: Opel Astra GTC

You think the B-Class would be a shoo-in to come to the U.S. Well, it's not — not yet, anyway. The B is the first production model built on Mercedes' new MFA front-wheel-drive platform, which is made to allow for seemingly endless powertrain options and body styles; it can even be made into an all-wheel-drive model. At first blush, the shape seems a bit uninspired, akin to a shrunken minivan or a stretched PT Cruiser. However, the swooping line carrying from the headlights along the bottom of the windows and the angular suggestions of the body molding give the B-Class a strange sense of sport.

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It's unlikely that any production model based off this cool-looking, well-thought-out concept would be nearly as compelling. SsangYong's production models tend to pale in comparison to the concepts said to "inspire" them, which is a shame, given that some of the elements in this crossover would really bring something different to a class that looks increasingly homogenous as the years progress. The exaggerated front fender flares and winged mirrors alone would make a road-going XIV-1 stand out here in the U.S.

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It's a jet-fighter cockpit with four wheels. It's the city car for people with a pulse. OK, it may be impossible to imagine the Urban Concept hitting any streets in any form at all, but we implore Audi to build it. Two electric motors propel the Urban to a limited top speed of 62 mph, and it can be fully recharged in — drum roll — 20 minutes. Imagine how much easier parking would be on a busy street would be, not to mention how much more fun it'd be to get where you are going in this thing.

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James Tate cut his teeth in the business as a race team crew member before moving to the editorial side asSenior Editor of Sport Compact Car, and his work has appeared in Popular Mechanics, Automobile, Motor Trendand European Car. When not writing, Tate is usually fantasizing about a vintage Porsche 911.