Best-selling cars in Europe so far in 2023
The Tesla Model Y tops the charts and is predicted to finish the year as Europe's best-seller
New car registrations in Europe increased by 14% year on year in October, with demand led by a growing appetite for electric cars, according to industry analyst Jato Dynamics.
More than one million cars were sold across 28 European markets, with 15% of that total – some 150,000 – being battery-powered.
The uptick in electric car registrations is largely down to Tesla, BMW and SAIC sales, according to Jato.
However, Felipe Munoz, Jato’s global analyst admitted: “The increasing demand for electric cars is more a response to the range of deals on offer and the increase in supply, rather than competitiveness in price and the variety of models available."
Tesla registrations tripled in October 2023 (compared with October 2022) due to the continued sales success of the Tesla Model Y and Tesla Model 3.
For the month of October, Volkswagen was the best selling brand, with 97,406 units sold. The best selling model was the Dacia Sandero, accruing some 22,335 sales.
MG owner SAIC recorded a 66% increase in registrations with 8,841 units. MG 4 sales were 1.6 times higher than the Volkswagen ID.3.
Registrations for EVs increased dramatically in Finland, Luxembourg and Denmark. However sales in Croatia, Ireland and Germany were down.
The top five best sellers for October were the Dacia Sandero (22,335), Fiat/Abarth 500 (15,426), Renault Clio (15,408), Toyota Yaris Cross (15,401) and Peugeot 208 (15,032).
Read below for Europe’s top 10 best-sellers so far in 2023.
*The top 10 best-selling cars in Europe*
-1. Tesla Model Y, 209,503 sales so far, +144% year on year-
Tesla’s stranglehold on the global EV market continues, with the Model Y appearing to be a shoo-in for a podium finish in this year’s European sales charts. Can it hold its place until the end of 2023?
-2. Dacia Sandero, 196,121 sales, +21% year on year-
Last year’s second best-seller, the Dacia Sandero, is still very much in with a shout of taking the top spot in 2023. Its appeal is bolstered by its exceptional value for money, which will have resonated with buyers as the cost of living crisis continues to hit across Europe. That it’s also a competitive supermini with a spacious interior and decent handling makes it an especially compelling buy.
-3. Volkswagen T-Roc, 175,169 sales, +16% year on year-
The Volkswagen T-Roc is always a popular choice in Europe, and that looks set to continue for the foreseeable future. It ranked third last year, and its sales even outnumber those of the venerable Volkswagen Golf. A recent facelift boosted its interior quality, addressing one of the few criticisms of this well-rounded crossover.
-4. Peugeot 208, 171,871 sales, -4% year on year-
The Peugeot 208 supermini was 2022’s best-selling car in Europe, but it has yet to hit that pace in 2023. Don’t count it out yet, though: expect it to challenge for a podium spot once again later this year, as Stellantis works to resolve widely reported problems with logistics.
-5. Renault Clio, 164,576 sales, +48% year on year-
Renault’s popular supermini is now a bigger seller than the Volkswagen Golf. Who’d have thunk it? Renault also announced the model’s fifth generation would be sold exclusively with a hybrid powertrain in the UK, but all of Europe will benefit from a wider mid-life refresh and design overhaul. A new interior and a simplified range of options are also on the way.
-6. Opel/Vauxhall Corsa, 161,576 sales, +16% year on year-
The cheaper sibling of the Peugeot 208 enjoys strong demand. A refreshed model is due in the coming months – adding Vauxhall’s signature Vizor front end and bringing a range boost for the Corsa Electric, which could catalyse a rise up the charts.
-7. Volkswagen Golf, 150,020 sales, 0% year on year-
The ubiquitous Volkswagen Golf has been a long-time favourite in Europe, but it was leap-frogged by the smaller (and cheaper) Peugeot 208 last year. Its slide down the charts doesn’t appear to be slowing, based on its latest sales.
-8. Toyota Yaris Cross, 147,994 sales, +34% year on year-
It’s easy to see why the Yaris Cross is a hit. Not only is it a relatively affordable car, but it’s also backed by Toyota’s legendary reputation for reliability and, as a hybrid, can easily average 60mpg under a careful right foot.
-9. Abarth/Fiat 500, 144,438 sales, +5% year on year-
Is there a more recognisable small car than the Fiat 500? It has been on sale since 2007 and it’s unlikely to be dropped any time soon. More recently, the model gained a next-generation electric sibling with a battery size of up to 44kWh. Its range is pegged at 199 miles, but mild-hybrid and petrol models remain on sale as well.
-10. Dacia Duster, 130,404 sales, +6% year on year-
The second Dacia to feature in the top 10, the Duster is a capable, hardy and – most importantly – cheap model, capturing a significant share of the booming crossover market. It will soon be joined by the Dacia Bigster, a C-segment SUV spearheading Dacia’s push into larger, more profitable segments.