As 2025 draws to a close, one car continues to dominate Britain’s roads.
The Ford Puma remains the UK’s best-selling car, comfortably maintaining its lead in the sales charts. Should it hold this position through to year’s end, it will secure its crown for a second consecutive year - a remarkable achievement in such a competitive market.
After all, the industry remains volatile as manufacturers and consumers alike navigate ongoing economic issues, the Electric Car Grant and the new Chinese models arriving here. None of those grace this list, but for October, the Jaecoo 7 actually outsold the Nissan Qashqai.
In September 144,948 new cars were registered - a 0.5% year-on-year increase. EVs saw a slight uptick in sales, while petrol declined - although the latter is still the most popular fuel type among new car buyers. So which models are driving Britain’s car market in 2025? And can any of them rival Ford’s formidable crossover? Here’s the definitive rundown of the UK’s top 10 best-selling cars of the year so far, according to the latest SMMT data.
1. Ford Puma – 45,949 units
The best-selling car of 2024 has proved so popular again this year that it has been glued to the top sales spot since February.
The Puma appeals because it's engaging to drive and attractively priced, plus it offers the option of a hot Puma ST variant.
The arrival of the electric Ford Puma Gen-E should give it an additional boost, although sales for that car are counted separately.
Read our Ford Puma review
2. Kia Sportage – 42,164 units
The Kia Sportage finished fourth in the 2024 sales charts, and we suspect the people of Seoul will be thrilled to see the SUV consistently cling to second place through most of the year.
Variety plays a big part in the Kia's appeal: it's available with mild-hybrid, full-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains.
Read our Kia Sportage review
3. Nissan Qashqai – 35,250 units
The Nissan Qashqai was the UK's best-seller in 2022, but it has since been outpaced by rivals. It finished second overall in 2023 and third in 2024.
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That's a first, Autocar not including battery powered versions for the model, diesel and petrol powered versions are treated equally so why not Battery power.
Anything to do with Tesla?, remember they were excluded in the past because they don't pay towards SMMT.
Current popular cars are Kia Hyundai and BMW(1series) and that was a quick 15mins survey went out for a walk today and the Ford Puma isn't that popular here, for instance in the period of time mentioned I counted 11 BMW,8 Kia and 3 Hyundai.
So the Hyundai Tucson is "arguably the most premium option on the list".
Volkswagen might have something to say about that ....