A lot of that is going to be down to pcp deals. For the average person, if you can put yourself behind the wheel of a perceived better badge that feels a nicer place to be behind the wheel (and let’s be honest, the Germans wipe the floor with the competition on that front) for just a little bit higher monthly payment then you’re going to do so. I believe this is partly why the 370 failed in this country, £300 pcm for a Nissan or £400 pcm for a Cayman/TT/2-series is a no brainer for many.
To have to spend the money to get the car type approved in the UK & Europe when you’re not guaranteed to sell a bucketload, and with the divisive looks that’s probable, it doesn’t make financial sense. I’m sure Nissan UK would love to have a car in that segment, but unless it sells like hot cakes in the US it’s incredibly unlikely to ever happen.