Best-selling cars in the UK of 2024 so far
The Ford Puma was the UK's best-selling car in 2023, but the Sportage has started the year off strong
The Ford Puma held on to the top spot last year - will it be number one in 2024?
The year 2023 was a positive one for the car industry, with the UK experiencing its best year for car sales since the pandemic. More than 1.9 million cars were registered, but one stood out amongst the rest.
The Ford Puma was the best-selling car in the UK in 2023, becoming the first Ford model to do so since the Ford Fiesta’s 12-year run ended back in 2020.
It fought off stiff competition from the Nissan Qashqai, the Vauxhall Corsa and Volkswagen T-Roc to top the UK sales charts, but 2024 looks like it could be even more hotly contested than ever before.
So: cars make up the top ten best-selling models in the UK so far? See the year-to-date list below, starting from January 2024, using data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT):
*Best-selling cars in the UK in 2024 so far*
-1 Kia Sportage - 4239 units-
The Kia Sportage had a good year in 2023, finishing fourth in the top ten list of best-selling cars in the UK. It starts off January 2024 strong, finishing the first month of the year at the top of the sales chart with 4239 units sold. Consistency is key for this crossover, which entered its fifth generation at the tail end of 2022, sporting an eye-catching design, on-trend powertrains and strong value for money.
*Read our Kia Sportage review*
-2 Ford Puma – 4201 units-
Last year's best-selling car, the Ford Puma, looks to continue its success into 2024. It finished January just 38 units behind the Sportage and still impresses us thanks to its fun driving dynamics and attractive pricing. A fun-filled ST variant tops the range. It may not be the Fiesta we all know and love, but it’s a good, capable alternative nonetheless. It even out-sold the Transit and Transit Custom vans, which is no mean feat.
*Read our Ford Puma review*
-3 Nissan Qashqai – 4008 units-
The Qashqai, 2022’s top-selling model in the UK, finished the year second place, but it’s still hot on the tails of the Puma and the Sportage at the start of 2024. 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*
-4 MG HS - 3413 units-
The MG HS offers class-leading value for money, and it received a facelift last year which puts it in line for even more mainstream success in 2024. Available with a petrol engine or a more frugal plug-in hybrid, the HS also comes with good levels of equipment as standard, including a 10.1in touchscreen, a 360-degree parking camera and smartphone mirroring as standard.
*Read our MG HS review*
-5 BMW 1 Series - 3204 units-
No BMW model finished in the top ten last year, but could the 1 Series change that? The German car maker’s smallest model finished January in 5th and is the smallest model in the top five. It starts from £28,740 in the UK and comes with a choice of petrol and diesel, with a model range topped by the M-tuned M135i xDrive.
*Read our BMW 1 Series review*
-6 Mini 3dr/5dr – 3079 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 Cooper 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*
-7 Audi A3 - 2648 units-
The Audi A3 is one of just three cars on this list that isn't an SUV, and it even outsells its Volkswagen Golf sibling nowadays, too. It's certainly worthy of its spot in the top 10, 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.
*Read our Audi A3 Sportback review*
-8 Volkswagen Golf - 2456 units-
The Volkswagen Golf isn’t quite as popular as it once was, but it’s still a top pick for drivers on the hunt for a good all-round family hatchback. The more premium Audi A3 is slightly more popular, but the Golf will likely pick up a significant boost this year with the arrival of a facelift, a more powerful GTI and more rangey plug-in hybrid models.
*Read our Volkswagen Golf review*
-9 Nissan Juke - 2421 units-
The Nissan Juke remains a very popular car among UK buyers, finishing 2023 in eighth 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*
-10 Hyundai Tucson - 2373-
The Hyundai Tucson is one of the UK’s most popular SUVs and regularly appeared in the top 10 in 2023. 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 arrangement. Its plush interior and range of electrified powertrains are attractive propositions for many Brits.
*Read our Hyundai Tucson review*