Best-selling cars in the UK of 2023
The Ford Puma took the top spot in the UK sales charts for June 2023
The Ford Puma retains the top spot in June 2023, ahead of the Nissan Qashqai and Vauxhall Corsa
What's hot and what's not? The new car registration data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) 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 10, 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 Ford Puma – 22,765 units sold so far this year-
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The Puma is now Ford's number-one car, as well as the UK's. The small crossover 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.
-2 Vauxhall Corsa – 21,208 units-
The Vauxhall Corsa finished second to the Qashqai in 2022, despite having topped the leaderboard for 10 of the 12 months. Its success is in part due to its PSA-developed underpinnings and mix of petrol, diesel and electric powertrains. A facelifted model featuring Vauxhall’s Vizor front end arrives later this year.
-3 Nissan Qashqai – 19,983 units-
The Qashqai, 2022’s top-selling model in the UK, finished June in third place. The British-built crossover continues to appeal to buyers here through its excellent practicality, and its appeal has no doubt been bolstered by the addition of electrified powertrains for its third generation.
-4 Tesla Model Y – 19,551 units-
Tesla’s influence on the UK car market is ever-expanding, driven by the Model Y. 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 line-up. January’s price cuts of up to £8000 have significantly bolstered its appeal against more expensive rivals.
-5 Hyundai Tucson – 18,678 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 attractive propositions for many Brits.
-6 Nissan Juke – 18,380 units-
The Juke helped Nissan complete a perfect one-two for year-to-date sales in March, but it's slipped slightly at the mid-point of the year. The small crossover went on sale with a brand new design in 2020, then a facelift arrived in the middle of last year, along with hybrid power for the first time.
-7 Kia Sportage – 18,057 units-
Consistency is key for the Kia Sportage, which entered its fifth generation at the tail end of last year. It looks like the SUV will once again prove a smash hit for Kia in 2023, thanks to its eye-catching design, on-trend powertrains and strong value for money. It consistently finished in the top 10 last year.
-8 Mini 3dr/5dr – 15,892 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 and John Cooper Works performance variants, the Mini can always be relied on for drivability and alluring looks. A new, hotly-anticipated model arrives next year.
-9 Ford Fiesta – 15,359 units-
It’s sad to see the Fiesta’s continued popularity with the knowledge that it will be leaving the Ford range later this week, bringing an end to 47 years of production. Its popularity is down to its versatility and all-round excellent driving dynamics, while the ST performance variant still holds up as one of the best hot hatches on the market.
-10 Vauxhall Mokka – 14,996 units-
It should come as no surprise that the Vauxhall Mokka is a hit, given it’s effectively a Corsa on stilts. It oozes style – especially compared with the previous-generation model – and is competitively priced in both petrol and electric forms. Such is its popularity that it was the best-selling model in the hotly-contested electric B-SUV segment in June.
