Best-selling cars in the UK

The Nissan Qashqai deposes the Vauxhall Corsa iin November, which had held the top spot for most of the year

What's hot and what's not? The SMMT's latest new car registration 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 so far. The form book shows the Vauxhall Corsa topped the rankings last year during an unusual 12 months when the market was hit hard by the semiconductor shortage and the pandemic.

How that will influence the cars in the top 10 for 2022 remains to be seen, but at the end of October, the Corsa was finally displaced by the evergreen Nissan Qashqai. Can the Qashqai hold on to the top spot by the end of the year?

Read on to see what else has made the top 10.

*The best-selling cars of 2022*

*1 Nissan Qashqai, 39,198 units sold this year *

The Qashqai strengthened its lead over the Vauxhall Corsa in November, topping the UK sales charts for the second month in a row. The British-built crossover appeals to buyers on our shores because of its excellent practicality, and its appeal is no doubt bolstered by the addition of electrified powertrains for this generation. The question is: will it finish the year at the top?

*2 Vauxhall Corsa, 34,663 **cars sold so far this year*

The Corsa remained in second place in November, having been toppled by the Nissan Qashqai the month prior. 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 so far this year, and its success looks likely to continue.

*3 Ford Puma, 33,306 **cars sold so far this year*

Another positive month for Ford’s popular compact crossover means it stays in third place for the fourth consecutive month. Its driving dynamics and attractive pricing are the main draws for owners, and the range has more recently swollen with the addition of a plush Vignale trim and a warm-blooded ST version.

*4 Mini 3dr/5dr, 29,068 **cars sold so far this year*

Despite its age, the fourth-placed Mini hatchback remains extremely popular. 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.  

*5 Kia Sportage, 28,559 **cars sold so far this year*

The new Sportage stays drops back behind the Mini to finish the month in fifth place. The fifth-generation SUV is once again proving a smash hit for the firm, thanks to its eye-catching design, on-trend powertrains and strong value for money.

*6 Hyundai Tucson, 26,545 **cars sold so far this year*

The fourth SUV in the top 10, the Hyundai Tucson regularly appeared in the top 10 last year. It continues to stake its claim to be one of the best-selling SUVs in the country and was renewed in 2021 with a fresh front end with a unique, eye-catching lighting set-up. 

*7 Volkswagen Golf, 25,199 **cars sold so far this year*

Now well into its eighth generation, the Volkswagen Golf retains a place among the top-selling cars in the UK. Its latest line-up features pure-ICE, mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, with performance models ranging from the Golf GTE to the four-wheel drive Golf R. Volkswagen has sold 28,199 of them in the UK this year so far.

*8 Ford Kuga, 25,067 **cars sold so far this year*

We’re used to the Fiesta being Ford’s second entry into the top 10, but this year that role has been taken by the larger Kuga crossover. The model is the American firm’s entry into a crowded segment that also includes the Qashqai, Volkswagen Tiguan and Peugeot 3008. It was updated in 2020 with a softened design, a more spacious interior and economical plug-in powertrains. 

*9 Tesla Model Y, 24,887 **cars sold so far this year*

Tesla’s influence on the UK car market continues, and the Model Y is the driving force. The SUV first went on sale in February on our shores in a long-range specification, and a rear-wheel-drive model is now available as the entry point to the range. No doubt it will greatly add to the growing number of Model Ys on our roads. 

*10 Kia Niro, 23,280 **cars sold so far this year*

The Niro dropped to tenth place in November, leap-frogged by the Tesla Model Y. 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 version. Kia has renewed this popular crossover recently, making it slightly larger and giving it updated powertrains and a new exterior design.