Best-selling cars in the UK
Latest SMMT data reveals the most popular models after two months of 2022
What's hot and what's not? The SMMT's latest new car registrations data reveals which cars are capturing the hearts and wallets of British buyers – and which are slipping down in the popularity stakes.
Here, we look at the top-selling cars of 2022 after two months of sales.
In 2021, the Vauxhall Corsa topped the rankings after an unusual year as the market was hit hard by the semiconductor shortage and the pandemic. Those issues remain very much on the radar for manufacturers in 2022, although they're expected to ease as the year progresses. How that will influence the cars in the top 10 remains to be seen, but at the end of March, the Corsa was once again in top spot.
Read on to see who else has made the top 10.
*The best-selling cars of 2022*
*1 Vauxhall Corsa, * *9797** cars sold so far this year*
The revamped Corsa supermini had a successful 2021, finishing as the UK’s best-selling car. Its success is in part due to its PSA-developed underpinnings and mix of petrol, diesel and electric powertrains. It has tightly held on to first place for the first three months of the year, and its success looks likely to continue.
*2 Kia Sportage, 8697*
The new Kia Sportage ended March in second place with 8697 sales. The fifth-generation SUV is proving a smash hit for the firm, thanks to its eye-catching design, on-trend powertrains and strong value for money.
*3 Ford Puma, 8529*
Another positive month for Ford’s popular compact crossover means it moves up to third place from second for overall sales this year. Its driving dynamics and attractive pricing are the key draws for owners, and the range has recently swollen with the addition of a plush Vignale trim and a warm-blooded ST version.
*4 Hyundai Tucson, 7889*
The Hyundai Tucson regularly appeared in the top 10 last year, stating its claim to be one of the best-selling SUVs in the country. The model was renewed in 2021, gaining a new front end with a unique lighting set-up.
*5 Mini 3dr/5dr, 7860*
Despite its age, the Mini hatchback continues to be as popular as ever. It finished 2021 in third place, ahead of superminis such as the Volkswagen Polo and Toyota Yaris. With a versatile line-up of petrol, electric, convertible and John Cooper Works performance variants, the Mini can always be relied on for drivability and alluring looks. A new Mini is set to arrive in 2023.
*6 Tesla Model Y, 7774*
Tesla’s impact on the UK’s monthly sales results is clear to see. The Model Y only went on sale in February, but the electric SUV already moved up to sixth place with 7774 sales. It was the best-selling car in the UK last month, despite currently being available only in expensive Long Range specification, with a range of 315 miles and 434bhp.
*7 Tesla Model 3, 7773*
The Tesla Model 3 had an incredibly successful 2021, and it looks like its popularity will continue this year. With 7773 sales so far, the electric saloon is just one behind its Model Y sibling and was the second-best-selling car in March, highlighting Tesla's bulk-import strategy.
*8 Nissan Qashqai, 7531*
Nissan’s best-selling family SUV finishes in eighth this month, with a total of 7531 sales for the year so far. A new hybrid variant will no doubt increase the popularity of the model even further as buyers eye a first step into electrification.
*9 Vauxhall Mokka, 7395*
The recently-updated Mokka compact crossover is Vauxhall's second model in the top 10 for January car sales. An almost entirely different proposition to the old, General Motors-built Mokka, the new car features a bold new design and a host of punchy Stellantis powertrains.
*10 Kia Niro, 7194*
The Kia Niro props up the top 10 for March sales. It’s still proving to be one of the best ways to dip your toe into electrification, with competent hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants and a class-leading electric one. Kia will renew the crossover later this year, making it slightly larger and giving it updated powertrains and a new exterior design.
