Best-selling cars 2023: the UK’s top 10 most popular models

The UK’s new car market saw its ninth consecutive month of growth in April 2023, with 132,990 cars being registered. This was an 11.1 per cent year-on-year increase over April 2022, but numbers are still yet to reach pre-pandemic levels.

A slight shock to the market was a drop in demand for EVs. After a record-breaking March, electric car sales dropped by 1.1 per cent in April. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), manufacturers have now decreased their 2023 EV market share estimate from 19.7 to 18.4 per cent. However, battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) remained the second most popular fuel type in the UK.

After a highly-successful March, Tesla failed to reach the top 10 for car sales in April. Ford, however, found itself at the top of the month’s rankings with 3,570 Pumas sold. The Vauxhall Corsa also continues to prove highly popular with buyers, and is still the country’s best-selling supermini with 3,203 units sold last month.

Customers were keen to snap up the last of the Ford Fiestas, too, with 2,336 being sold only two months before it is planned to be axed from the brand’s lineup. 

Below you’ll find the 10 best-selling cars in the UK for 2023 so far…

The UK’s best-selling cars 2023

1. Vauxhall Corsa
2. Nissan Qashqai
3. Ford Puma
4. Kia Sportage
5. Nissan Juke
6. Hyundai Tucson
7. Tesla Model Y
8. MINI
9. Volkswagen T-Roc
10. Ford Fiesta

1. Vauxhall Corsa - 14,034

Just like in 2022, the Vauxhall Corsa is seemingly locked in a battle with the Nissan Qashqai for top position in the sales charts. The fact that the UK’s current best-seller is a supermini should also go some way to quash concerns about the death of the small car, even though the smaller city car segment has seen a major decline.

2. Nissan Qashqai - 13,611

Last year’s best-selling car once again finds itself high in the UK’s new car sales charts. The British-built Nissan Qashqai still holds its reputation as one of the country’s favourite SUVs, and is managing to see off a huge amount of competition.

3. Ford Puma - 13,128

As April’s best-selling car, the Puma crossover continues to be Ford’s top performer. The Ford Puma is an SUV sibling to the Fiesta, with both cars sharing the same underpinnings. The Fiesta’s imminent demise could mean that the Puma will see a further sales jump in the months to come, as customers will be searching for an alternative.

4. Kia Sportage - 12,632

Kia is continuing its attempts to move up market and the latest Sportage is clear evidence of that process in action. The fifth-generation Sportage’s eye-catching styling, comfortable ride and up-to-date technology mean that this model has come a very long way from its utilitarian roots, and it’s far more appealing to buyers as a result.

5. Nissan Juke - 12,590

Nissan’s quirky crossover has long been a sales success for the brand, and the second-generation model is continuing this trend. Although sales slightly dropped in April, the Juke still follows closely behind the top-selling Qashqai.

6. Hyundai Tucson - 12,378

Much like its Kia Sportage sister car, the Hyundai Tucson has developed into a much more sophisticated vehicle than its predecessors. Class-leading levels of space, a striking design and solid build quality are just some of the reasons why we have named it our Mid-size SUV of the Year for two years in a row. 

7. Tesla Model Y - 11,503

After reducing its prices by up to £8,000, Tesla significantly boosted sales of its Model Y in March. The brand failed to repeat this level of success in April, but this electric SUV is quickly becoming a common sight on UK roads - much like the Model 3.

8. MINI - 10,632

Since 1959, Britain has always loved the Mini. Today, the next generation of MINI models is due to arrive very soon but, in the meantime, buyers are still snapping up the brand’s existing models in droves. 

9. Volkswagen T-Roc - 10,505

Although the Golf family hatchback enjoyed a successful 2022, the VW T-Roc SUV is the only Volkswagen to be a top 10 seller in 2023 so far. The T-Roc is a mid-size SUV positioned as a higher-riding alternative to the Golf with a touch more style and practicality. 

10. Ford Fiesta - 10,473

Time is almost up for the Fiesta, but it continues to be one of the UK’s favourites, even if it is still reeling from a recent sales slump. The Blue Oval’s supermini is a great all-rounder thanks to its reasonable practicality, low running costs and overall sense of fun.

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