What's hot and what's not? The new car registration data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reveals all, so we've been studying the most recent figures to find out which are the best-selling cars in the UK.
The latest figures show the most popular cars for the year to date in 2023, with some retaining a market stronghold against the odds while others fight their way onto the best-sellers list for the first time.
The Nissan Qashqai finished 2022 as the UK's best-selling car after a year when the automotive industry was blighted by parts shortages and semiconductor production issues. Of the 10 most popular cars in the UK last year, six were crossovers. However, the Qashqai has slipped from the lead spot during 2023.
The top place is currently occupied by another crossover: the Ford Puma. But will the Ford do enough over the rest of 2023 to hold off the likes of the Vauxhall Corsa, Tesla Model Y and Qashqai?
Read on to see the best-selling cars in the UK so far, and how many units they have sold.
Best-selling cars in the UK of 2023 so far
1 Ford Puma – 37,312 units
The Puma is the UK’s best-selling car, as well as Ford’s best-seller on our shores (eclipsing the Transit and Transit Custom sales). The small crossover possesses impressive driving dynamics and attractive pricing, and the model range is topped by a fun-filled ST version. It may not be the Fiesta we all know and love, but it’s a good, capable alternative nonetheless.
2 Nissan Qashqai – 32,582 units
The Qashqai, 2022’s top-selling model in the UK, finished the year to date in September in second place, and the British-built crossover continues to appeal to buyers here through its excellent practicality. Its appeal has no doubt been bolstered by the addition of electrified powertrains for its third generation.
3 Vauxhall Corsa – 30,177 units
The Vauxhall Corsa finished second to the Qashqai in 2022, despite having topped the leaderboard for 10 of the 12 months - and it remains in third place after nine months of this year. Its success is in part due to its PSA-developed underpinnings and mix of petrol, diesel and electric powertrains. A facelifted model featuring Vauxhall’s Vizor front end will arrive later this year.
4 Tesla Model Y – 24,148 units
Tesla’s influence on the UK car market is ever-expanding, driven by the Model Y - the UK’s fourth most popular car in 2023 as of September. The electric crossover first went on sale last February and quickly established itself as the UK’s most popular electric car, available in long-range and rear-wheel drive specifications. January’s price cuts of up to £8000 further bolstered its appeal against more expensive rivals.
5 Kia Sportage – 28,153 units
Consistency is key for the Kia Sportage, which entered its fifth generation at the tail end of last year. It looks like the SUV will once again prove a smash hit for Kia in 2023, thanks to its eye-catching design, on-trend powertrains and strong value for money. It consistently finished in the top 10 last year.
6 Hyundai Tucson – 27,429 units
The Hyundai Tucson is one of the UK’s most popular SUVs and regularly appeared in the top 10 last year. Arguably the most premium option in the top 10, it was renewed in 2021 with a fresh front end that featured a unique, eye-catching lighting set-up. Its plush interior and range of electrified powertrains are attractive propositions for many Brits.
7 Nissan Juke – 25,547 units
The Nissan Juke continues to be a very popular car among UK buyers, finishing September in seventh place. The small crossover went on sale with a brand new design in 2020. Then a facelift arrived in the middle of last year, along with hybrid power for the first time.
8 Vauxhall Mokka – 22,942 units
It should come as no surprise that the Vauxhall Mokka is a hit, given that it’s effectively a Corsa on stilts. It oozes style – especially compared with the previous-generation model – and is competitively priced in both petrol and electric forms. Such is its popularity that is has been in the top 10 of the UK’s best-selling cars since the turn of the year.
9 Mini 3dr/5dr – 22,470 units
Despite its age, the Mini hatchback continues to be one of the UK’s most popular cars. Last year, it finished ahead of key rivals including the Volkswagen Polo and Toyota Yaris. With a versatile line-up of petrol, electric and John Cooper Works performance variants, the Mini can always be relied on for drivability and alluring looks. A hotly anticipated new model will arrive next year.
10 Ford Fiesta – 22,446 units
It’s sad to see the Fiesta’s continued popularity with the knowledge that it has already left the Ford model range, bringing an end to 47 years of production. Its position as one of the UK’s best-selling cars is down to its versatility and all-around excellent driving dynamics, while the ST performance variant still holds up as one of the best hot hatches on the market. It's the final time we'll see it in the top 10.
