In a short time, everything can change, especially when we talk about the automotive world. A series of launches have stood out for various reasons in the last 10 years in the Brazilian market. But are you able to remember which were the most important cars of the decade?

If you don't remember which ones they are, no problem. We've put together a list of what are considered the most important cars of the decade, whether due to technology, sales figures, or even their role in changing consumer behavior. Check it out. 

Check out the most important cars of the decade and find out why they're on this illustrious list. 

You might be wondering why the Chevrolet Onix is on the list of the most important cars of the decade. Well, let's see. 

Introduced in 2012 with the intention of replacing the Corsa, the Onix literally broke the hegemony of two dominant models of the time, the Volkswagen Gol and the Fiat Palio, leading GM to become the market leader from 2015 onwards, something that hadn't happened since the golden years of the Monza (1984 to 1986). 

The Onix, in all its models (including the entry-level ones), featured the MyLink multimedia system and remained dominant even with the arrival of the second-generation Ford Ka and the Fiat Argo. new generationIt comes equipped with a new platform, engine, and features never before seen in its segment, designed to maintain its leadership for a long time. 

It was through Caoa that Hyundai became known in Brazil, even when it imported models like the Azera, Sonata, and i30, but it was also in 2012, with the brand's official arrival in the country, that things started to improve for the automaker. 

The debut as a national manufacturer came with the HB20, a model that was developed exclusively for the Brazilian market, with the intention of beating the leaders of the time: Volkswagen Gol, Honda Fit, and Fiat Palio. 

With a unique design, excellent finish, and construction never before seen in an entry-level model, the HB20 quickly proved its worth and rapidly became the market's second-largest seller. Although it remains one of the most important cars of the decade, the model has been losing momentum in recent years.

Here we have another example of a remarkable little car on the list of the most important cars of the decade. The Renault Kwid debuted under the banner of a compact SUV, aiming to be different. 

The Indian project from the French automaker was a perfect fit for the Brazilian market, bringing features such as raised suspension, side airbags, a multimedia center, and a trunk with almost 300 liters of capacity to the most affordable segment in Brazil. 

The 1.0-liter 3-cylinder engine with 70 horsepower is another highlight. With low fuel consumption and good performance due to its low weight, the Kwid is revolutionary because it's cheap to buy and maintain. In 2019, it was the fourth best-selling car here, easily beating its main competitor, the Fiat Mobi.

Launched in 2014, the up! brought a refined model with a high level of safety to the subcompact segment. However, this came at a higher price than its competitors, and Brazilians were unwilling to pay it. 

However, in 2015, with the debut of the 1.0 TSI engine – with turbo and direct injection – the story changed. The combination of power and fuel economy earned the German automaker's subcompact a legion of fans.

As a bonus, the engine proved to be such a successful decision that it spread to other models, such as the Polo, Virtus, and even the famous T-Cross. After Volkswagen, other automakers opted to follow the same path and launched their 1.0 turbo models.

After discussing the smaller cars, it's time to move up in size when it comes to the most important cars of the decade, and with that, we arrive at the Fiat Toro. 

The Fiat Toro was born from the platform of an SUV combined with the practicality of a pickup truck. A different model, which ended up creating a new segment in the country, which will gain competitors in the coming years, since Ford and Volkswagen have already announced launches to challenge it.

The model is produced on the same platform as the Jeep Renegade and Compass. With a unibody structure, the Toro innovated in the tailgate opening, with two leaves and side opening. Another point that helped win over customers was the variety of versions, such as 1.8 and 2.4 flex engines; front-wheel drive; 2.0 turbodiesel engine; 4x4 drive and 9-speed automatic transmission. 

Before the HR-V, only the Renault Duster and Ford EcoSport competed in the compact SUV segment. 

Until Honda decided to innovate, and using the Fit as a base, the HR-V emerged, with great appeal in terms of interior modularity, making use of what it calls the Magic Seat; the model is a benchmark in interior space. 

Furthermore, the finish and design also draw attention, in what is considered one of the most important cars of the decade. In 2018 it underwent a restyling process and in 2019 it gained a 1.5 turbo gasoline engine, equipped with a CVT automatic transmission. A sales leader since its launch, the HR-V dethroned its "siblings" Fit and Civic to become Honda's flagship car in the Brazilian market. 

The Jeep Compass makes our list of the most important cars of the decade based on a rather unusual marketing criterion: it's a mid-size SUV that outsold a compact car.

Even though it is (naturally) more expensive, the Compass managed to leave its platform sibling, the Renegade, behind and showed that even with higher prices, a well-finished design and a family-oriented focus can indeed attract buyers. 

The Compass was responsible for placing the brand back among the most desired by Brazilians, in addition to achieving a market share in its segment that surpassed that of the 50%.

Here we have a model that originated as a concept car from the British manufacturer and pleased many people right away, which is why it arrived in stores in 2011 with few changes compared to its initial design. 

The Range Rover Evoque is among the most important cars of the decade for its impactful design, making it a status symbol both in Brazil and worldwide. 

In a short time, the Evoque became the object of desire for the upper class and a constant presence in the parking lots of luxury establishments. Its impact was so great that it ended up setting the standard for subsequent Land Rover models. Recently, it received a new generation, with only slight visual changes. 

Our list of the most important cars of the decade couldn't be complete without a classic, could it?

Despite consecutive SUV launches, the Corolla has remained a strong contender among the Brazilian middle class. Over the last decade, the "Corollão" (a term of endearment for the Corolla) has frequently ranked among the top 10 best-selling cars in Brazil, even surpassing smaller and much cheaper models. 

Last year, the model received a new generation. Much more modern and with hybrid technology, it became the first flex-fuel hybrid car produced in Brazil (and consequently in the world). 

Currently powered by a combustion engine that accepts ethanol or gasoline, the sedan also features batteries that power its electric motor, reducing fuel consumption. Because of this ecological (and economical) aspect, the Corolla has become even more desirable. 

2019 was a landmark year regarding the electrification of automobiles in Brazil, but it was in 2013 that the BMW i3 made its mark on history and entered the list of the most important cars of the decade. 

With its futuristic look, the model "flaunted" its carbon fiber structure, 20-inch wheels with thin tires, and a combustion engine solely for recharging batteries. It's important to note that the i3 was never cheap, and even today the German model commands exorbitant prices. 

Currently sold without a combustion engine, the i3 features an electric motor capable of generating 170 horsepower, in addition to maintaining the version with the generator, a two-cylinder, 647 cc engine that does not have the function of moving it, thus remaining a 100% electric vehicle.

Launched in 2010, the Nissan Leaf became the first electric vehicle in history to surpass 400,000 units sold, establishing itself as a global leader in change towards more sustainable mobility worldwide. 

The second generation of the Leaf was launched in 2017 and gained momentum in terms of performance and range. However, the model impresses in terms of acceleration, since it has excellent torque, combined with a quiet cabin while driving. 

The Nissan Leaf has three driving modes: Normal, Eco, and Regenerative, which reverses the engine's function to decelerate and recharge the battery. The energy recovery system is activated by a button. Fun and easy to drive, the model is a great option for urban mobility, as it almost eliminates the need for a brake pedal.  

Since its launch, Nissan estimates that the more than 400,000 Leafs sold have already driven over 10 billion kilometers, which would be enough to save almost 4 million barrels of oil per year. 

It's self-evident why the Nissan Leaf is on the list of the most important cars of the decade, isn't it?

After discovering which cars were the most important of the decade here in Brazil, how about accessing a list that's the complete opposite of what we just showed you? We're talking about a list of the worst cars ever sold in Brazil. If you're curious to find out which ones are these lemons, just... click here.