Best-selling cars in the UK of 2024 so far

The Ford Puma extends its lead at the top of the UK sales rankings. Will it be number one this year?

Last year was a positive one for the automotive industry, with the UK experiencing its best year for car sales since the pandemic.

More than 1.9 million new cars were registered – but one stood out among the rest. 

The Ford Puma was the best-selling car in the UK in 2023, becoming the first Ford to top the charts since the Ford Fiesta’s 12-year run ended in 2020. 

It fought off stiff competition from the Nissan Qashqai, the Vauxhall Corsa and Volkswagen T-Roc to reach the summit.

Seven months into the year, the Puma still reigns supreme, topping the list ahead of its rivals - but only just. The Kia Sportage and the Qashqai are hot on its heels. 

So, which cars are the top 10 best-sellers in the UK so far? See the year-to-date list below, starting from January 2024 and using data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. 

*Best-selling cars in the UK in 2024*

*1. Ford Puma – 29,792 units*

Last year's best-selling car, the Ford Puma, is continuing its success in 2024. The crossover still impresses us, thanks to its fun driving dynamics and attractive pricing, and 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 outsold the Transit and Transit Custom vans, which is no mean feat. 

*Read our Ford Puma review*

*2. Kia Sportage - 28,138 units*

The Kia Sportage had a good year in 2023, finishing fourth in the UK sales charts.

And it has had an even stronger showing in 2024 so far, hovering close to the very top of the table. It's now second, just a few hundred units behind the table-topping Puma.  

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 compelling value for money.

*Read our Kia Sportage review*

*3. Nissan Qashqai – 26,514 units*

The Nissan Qashqai – the best-seller of 2022 – finished 2023 in second place, and it’s still hot on the heels of the Puma and the Kia Sportage midway through 2024.

The British-built crossover continues to appeal to buyers here with its excellent practicality. Its appeal has also no doubt been bolstered by the addition of electrified powertrains for its third generation. 

*Read our Nissan Qashqai review*

4. Volkswagen Golf - 22,045 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.

In fact, it's slowly creeping its way back up the charts, now sitting in fourth place. This could be a hugely important time for the Golf, which has just gone on sale in facelifted 8.5 form. 

The stalwart model has been kept fresh with a wide-reaching technology update, a design revamp, a more powerful GTI and a longer-range plug-in hybrid, so it could climb higher still. 

*Read our Volkswagen Golf review* 

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*5. Nissan Juke - 19,429 units*

The Nissan Juke remains a popular car among UK buyers, having finished 2023 in eighth place.

The crossover went on sale with a brand-new design in 2020. Then a facelifted version arrived in the middle of last year, along with hybrid power for the first time.

A big sales jump in July continues healthy sales growth for the model, moving up four places in two months. It's one to watch, that's for sure... 

*Read our Nissan Juke review*

*6. Audi A3 - 20,549 units*

The Audi A3 is one of only four cars on this list that isn't an SUV and it is even outselling its Volkswagen Golf sibling so far this year, just as it did in 2023.

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. A facelift is due for later this year. 

*Read our Audi A3 Sportback review*

*7. MG HS - 19,175 units*

The MG HS might not win the crown as the UK's best-seller, but it should be considered one of the most improved.  

Available with a petrol engine or as a more frugal plug-in hybrid, the MG HS also comes very well equipped as standard, including dual 12.3in screens, a 360deg parking camera and smartphone mirroring. 

While it's not quite as good to drive as the majority of its rivals, the the MG HS comes with a class-leading PHEV range of up to 75 miles which bolsters its standing. 

*Read our MG HS review*

*8. Hyundai Tucson - 19,099 units*

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 current 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*

*9. BMW 1 Series - 19,037 units*

The BMW 1 Series has been on sale in its current form since 2019, but it’s still a popular choice for those who want a classy hatchback with a smart interior and frugal powertrains. 

No BMW finished in the top 10 last year, but could the 1 Series change that this time around?

It offers a choice of petrol and diesel engines, with a model range topped by the M-tuned M135i xDrive. 

*Read our BMW 1 Series review*

*10. Volkswagen T-Roc - 18,245 units*

The T-Roc is a sensible choice for drivers on the hunt for a good all-round family car.

Available with a selection of petrol engines, a new version of the T-Roc will arrive soon as the brand’s final combustion-engined car, before it moves to EV-only. 

*Read our Volkswagen T-Roc review*