Best-selling cars in the UK of 2023

The Vauxhall Corsa takes the top spot for April 2023, ahead of the Nissan Qashqai and smaller Nissan Juke

What's hot and what's not? The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders' (SMMT) new car registration data reveals all, so we've been studying the most recent figures to find out which are Britain's best-selling new cars. 

The latest numbers have shown which cars have drawn the biggest sales since the start of 2023, with some retaining a market stronghold against the odds while others fight their way onto the best-sellers list for the first time.  

The Nissan Qashqai finished 2022 as the UK's best-selling car after a year when the automotive industry was blighted by parts shortages and semiconductor production issues. One of four SUVs in the final top ten, the Qashqai, which is built in the UK at Nissan's Sunderland factory, secured top spot after a strong finish to the year, pulling far ahead of the reigning Vauxhall Corsa. 

Read on to see what cars rank in the top ten for 2023 so far, according to the SMMT, and how many units they sold.

*The UK's best-selling cars of 2023*

-1 Vauxhall Corsa, 14,034 units sold so far this year-

The Vauxhall Corsa finished second to the Qashqai in 2022, despite topping the leaderboard for ten out of twelve months. It’s back on top this month, though, after outselling the second placed car by 423 units. Its success is in part due to its PSA-developed underpinnings and mix of petrol, diesel and electric powertrains.

-2 Nissan Qashqai, 13,611 units-

The Qashqai, 2022’s top-selling model in the UK, finishes April in a strong second position. The British-built crossover is now in its third generation and pipped the Vauxhall Corsa to the top spot last year, and continues to appeal to buyers on our shores because of its excellent practicality. Its appeal is no doubt bolstered by the addition of electrified powertrains for this generation. 

-3 Ford Puma, 13,128 units-

The Ford Puma is now the company’s number one car, and it’s even competing for the top spot in this year’s top ten rankings. The small crossover will be the firm’s new entry-level offering when the Fiesta leaves production later this year. Don’t fret, though - it possesses impressive driving dynamics and attractive pricing, and the range is topped by a fun-filled ST version. It might not be the Fiesta we all know and love, but it’s a good, capable alternative nonetheless. 

-4 Kia Sportage, 12,632 units-

Consistency is key for the Kia Sportage, which entered its fifth generation at the tail end of last year. It looks like the model will once again prove a smash hit for the firm in 2023, thanks to its eye-catching design, on-trend powertrains and strong value for money. It consistently finished in the top ten last year. 

-5 Nissan Juke, 12,590 units-

The Nissan Juke helped Nissan complete a perfect 1-2 for year-to-date sales in March, but drops down to fifth for April.The car maker’s small crossover went on sale with a brand new design in 2020, with a facelift arriving in the middle of last year, along with hybrid power for the first time. This hybrid powertrain is produced as part of the firm’s partnership with Renault, and is shared with the Renault Captur E-Tech Hybrid. 

-6 Hyundai Tucson, 12,378 units-

The Hyundai Tucson is one of the UK’s most popular SUVs, and regularly appeared in the top 10 last year. Arguably the most premium option in the top 10, it was renewed in 2021 with a fresh front end with a unique, eye-catching lighting set-up. Its plush interior and range of electrified powertrains are an attractive proposition for many buyers.

-7 Tesla Model Y, 11,503 units-

Tesla’s influence on the UK car market continues, and the Model Y is the driving force. It dropped down to 7th place in April, but because of the way Tesla produces its cars, it sold 11,503 last month alone - making it the month’s best selling model. The crossover first went on sale last 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. 

-8 Mini, 10,632 units -

Despite its age, the Mini hatchback continues to be as popular as ever. Last year, it finished 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 later this year, and we’re very excited for it. 

-9 Volkswagen T-Roc, 10,505 units-

The Volkswagen T-Roc has been around for six years, but it remains a seriously popular choice for UK buyers - more so, it seems, than the venerable Volkswagen Golf. A recent facelift boosted interior quality, addressing one of few criticisms of the well-rounded crossover.

-10 Ford Fiesta, 10,473 units-

It’s sad to see the Fiesta’s continued popularity with the knowledge it’ll be leaving the Ford range later this year, bringing an end to 47 years of production. It's set to be replaced by an electric crossover, which will go head-to-head with the high-selling Puma and Kuga. Its popularity is down to its versatility and all-round excellent driving dynamics, with the performance ST variant still holding up as one of the best hot hatches on the market. We're sorry to see it go.