Best-selling cars in the UK of 2023

The Ford Puma took the top spot in the UK sales charts for August 2023

Can the Ford Puma hold on to the top spot to be the UK's best-selling car?

The UK’s new car sales market increased 9.5% year-on-year in November, with the number of cars leaving showrooms almost matching pre-pandemic figures.

According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), some 156.525 units were registered last month. It’s the market’s best November performance for four years, standing at just 96 units (0.1%) below November 2019.

Fleet sales provided the largest growth boost forming 59.4% of the month’s total sales. With 93,049 fleet sales achieved, it made for an increase of 25.4% year-on-year. 

Private registrations, meanwhile, dropped 5.9% year-on-year to 60,506 units. Overall, the UK car market remains up by 18.6% at 1.762 million units. 

Electrified vehicles sold well in November, with hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) sales increasing 27.8% to 222,655 units, and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) leaping by 55.8% to 129,149 units. Battery electric vehicles dropped in popularity month-on-month, but are up 27.5% year-on-year. 

“Britain’s new car market continues to recover, fuelled by fleets investing in the latest and greenest new vehicles,” said Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive. 

“With car makers gearing up to meet their responsibilities under new market legislation, and COP28 currently underway, now is the time to take sensible steps that will multiply that economic growth and minimise carbon emissions. Private EV buyers need incentives in line with those that have successfully driven business uptake – and workable trade rules that promote rather than penalise the transition.”

*What’s selling best?*

So: 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 the best-selling cars in the UK.

The latest figures show the most popular cars for the year to date in 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 top place is currently occupied by a crossover: the Ford Puma. But will the Ford do enough over the rest of 2023 to hold off the likes of the Vauxhall Corsa, Tesla Model Y and Qashqai? 

Read on to see the best-selling cars in the UK so far, and how many units they have sold. 

*Best-selling cars in the UK of 2023 so far*

-1 Ford Puma – 46,434 units-

The Puma is the UK’s best-selling car, as well as Ford’s best-seller on our shores (eclipsing the Transit and Transit Custom sales). The small crossover possesses impressive driving dynamics and attractive pricing, and the model range is topped by a fun-filled ST version. It may not be the Fiesta we all know and love, but it’s a good, capable alternative nonetheless.

*Read our Ford Puma review*

-2 Nissan Qashqai – 39,068 units-

The Qashqai, 2022’s top-selling model in the UK, finished the year to date in October in second place, and the British-built crossover continues to appeal to buyers here through its excellent practicality. Its appeal has no doubt been bolstered by the addition of electrified powertrains for its third generation. 

*Read our Nissan Qashqai review*

-3 Vauxhall Corsa – 37,826 units-

The Vauxhall Corsa finished second to the Qashqai in 2022, despite having topped the leaderboard for 10 of the 12 months - and it remains in third place after eleven months of this year. 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 will arrive later this year.

*Read our Vauxhall Corsa review*

-4 Kia Sportage – 34,620 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. 

*Read our Kia Sportage review*

-5 Hyundai Tucson – 32,301 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 that featured a unique, eye-catching lighting set-up. Its plush interior and range of electrified powertrains are attractive propositions for many Brits.

*Read our Hyundai Tucson review*

6 Tesla Model Y – 31,083 units

Tesla’s influence on the UK car market is ever-expanding, driven by the Model Y - the UK’s sixth most popular car in 2023 as of November. The electric crossover first went on sale last February and quickly established itself as the UK’s most popular electric car, available in long-range and rear-wheel drive specifications. January’s price cuts of up to £8000 further bolstered its appeal against more expensive rivals.

*Read our Tesla Model Y review*

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-7 Mini 3dr/5dr – 29,777 units -

Despite its age, the Mini hatchback continues to be one of the UK’s most popular cars. Last year, it finished ahead of key rivals including 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 hotly anticipated new model will arrive next year.

*Read our Mini review*

-8 Nissan Juke – 29,272 units-

The Nissan Juke remains a very popular car among UK buyers, finishing September in seventh place. 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. 

*Read our Nissan Juke review*

-9 Vauxhall Mokka – 28,390 units-

It should come as no surprise that the Vauxhall Mokka is a hit, given that 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 has been in the top 10 of the UK’s best-selling cars since the turn of the year.

*Read our Vauxhall Mokka review*

-10 Audi A3 – 28,178 units-

Goodbye, Ford Fiesta. The long-running supermini held onto the number-10 spot for months after production ended in July, but it has finally been replaced. The Audi A3 is a worthy best-seller, however, offering a comfortable ride and good body control, plus a plush, roomy interior. The fact that it's also substantially cheaper than the rival Mercedes-Benz A-Class also helps its case.

*Audi A3 Sportback review*