Last year was a positive one for the automotive industry, with the UK experiencing its best year for car sales since the pandemic.
More than 1.9 million new cars were registered – but one stood out among the rest. The Ford Puma was the best-selling car in the UK in 2023, becoming the first Ford to top the charts since the Ford Fiesta’s 12-year run ended in 2020.
It fought off stiff competition from the Nissan Qashqai, the Vauxhall Corsa and Volkswagen T-Roc to reach the summit.
However, the market looks like it could be even more hotly contested than ever before in 2024.
So, which cars are the top 10 best-sellers in the UK so far? See the year-to-date list below, starting from January 2024, using data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders:
Best-selling cars in the UK in 2024 so far
1. Ford Puma – 15,054 units
Last year's best-selling car, the Ford Puma, looks set to continue its success into 2024. The crossover still impresses us, thanks to its fun driving dynamics and attractive pricing, and a fun-filled ST variant tops the range.
It may not be the Fiesta we all know and love, but it’s a good, capable alternative nonetheless. It even outsold the Transit and Transit Custom vans, which is no mean feat.
Read our Ford Puma review
2. Nissan Qashqai – 14,555 units
The Nissan Qashqai – the best-seller of 2022 – finished 2023 in second place, but it’s still hot on the heels of the Puma and the Sportage at the start of 2024.
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.
Read our Nissan Qashqai review
3. Kia Sportage - 13,632 units
The Kia Sportage had a good year in 2023, finishing fourth in the UK sales charts. And it has started 2024 strongly, hovering near the top of the table.
Consistency is key for this crossover, which entered its fifth generation at the tail end of 2022, sporting an eye-catching design, on-trend powertrains and strong value for money.
Read our Kia Sportage review
4. Nissan Juke - 11,206 units
The Nissan Juke remains a very popular car among UK buyers, finishing 2023 in eighth place. The 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.
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Why do some consumers still buy new petrol cars which are more expensive overall than EVs and less interesting to drive? It's not logical. They must be the same people who continued to buy horses after the Ford Model T launched.
Just looking at my comment back in 2020 because I have the same feeling today.
Using my own eyes as guidance, I no longer see many newly registered Pumas. In fact when I walk past my local Ford dealership, the number of brand new Puma's on display has reduced dramatically.
Golf making the top 10? It's only one month in but I can't recall ever seeing a 24 plate Golf.
I've seen several A3s, the MG HS remains very popular but where are cars like Toyota Yaris? I see loads of new plate Yaris on the roads. The Clio is another - no mention of it. Hyundai Kona is another - not mentioned. MG4 EV are everywhere.
The article covers the total sales in the UK OK? not just in Aberdeen or wherever you live. Statistics requires profesionals for gathering information and analysis.
Is this a hastily re-hashed article?
Both the Golf and the A3 sections tell us how the A3 now outsells the Golf, yet the Golf is two places higher up the table?
I'm amazed how well the MINI is still selling though, its barely changed since its introduction in 2014, and the imminent new model is definitely no secret.
I'm not because now the Fiesta has gone it will become the default small car of choice for many. When the new one arrives it may go to the top of the charts. I'd like to know where the MG4 ranks now. I see a lot of them about
I'm not because now the Fiesta has gone it will become the default small car of choice for many. When the new one arrives it may go to the top of the charts. I'd like to know where the MG4 ranks now. I see a lot of them about