The Ford Fiesta was the UK's most-registered new car once again in 2019, although demand fell from 95,892 units in 2018 to 77,833 units last year.
That largely reflects pent-up demand for the new model 12 months ago, although the overall level of new car registrations fell by 2.3% across the year.
Notably, while the Fiesta outsold the second-placed Volkswagen Golf by more than 30,000 units in 2018, the gap was less than 20,000 in 2019, despite the latter model being in its run-out year. The Ford Focus took second place.
You can read about the overall new car registration levels for 2019 here. A brand-by-brand breakdown highlighting the winners and losers of 2019 is also available here.
Britain’s best-selling cars of 2019
1. Ford Fiesta - 77,833 units
Britain’s perennial favourite continues to top the charts, despite pressure from lower-priced rivals and the temptations of cheap PCP finance rates for some premium models. Little wonder, though, because it has a 4.5-star Autocar road test verdict, scoring well for ride, handling, interior quality and a smooth engine range.
2. Volkswagen Golf - 58,944 units
Set to be replaced early in 2020, the Mk7 Golf is going out on a high, thanks to the model's perennial popularity and some tempting discounts for canny buyers as dealers looked to run out stock levels.
3. Ford Focus - 56,619 units
A return to form for the Focus, which was just fifth in the charts last year having been replaced during the course of the year. Registrations were up in 2019, thanks in part to it impressing our road testers with its driving dynamics, strong and economical engine range and quality for the price.
