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The UK's top 10 best-selling cars
Last updated: Feb 6, 2017
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has released the first sales figures for 2017, showing that the number of new car registrations has increased 2.3% to 174,564 compared with January of 2016.
It's a strong start to the new year considering that more new cars were registered in the UK in 2016 than in any other year. In total, a massive 2.69m cars were registered, marking a fifth consecutive year of growth. Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said "after record growth in 2016, some cooling is anticipated over the coming months", which make January's figures look even healthier.
The latest figures also reflect a change in mood among the public towards diesel, with sales of diesel-powered cars down 4.3% compared to the same period last year. Petrol sales increased by 8.9%, while the number of alternatively fuelled vehicles (AFVs) rose by 19.9%, demonstrating the increasing demand for cleaner cars.
The SMMT attributes the growth in new car registrations to the ever-increasing range of new models on sale and the attractive finance deals available to buy them. Remarkably, British car buyers can choose from almost 400 different model types from 44 brands. There are scheduled to be almost 70 new car launches this year, providing yet more choice.
New car registrations is the figure by which the car industry measures much of its performance as it counts new cars on the road – or soon to be on the road through pre-registration.
The figures for 2016 were dominated by diesel and petrol cars, which accounted for 47.7% and 49% respectively. AFVs, which include electric cars, made up the remaining 3.3% – although that figure grew by 22.2% across the year.
Registrations of plug-in hybrids grew by 41.9% in 2016, while those of petrol-electric hybrids grew by 25.1%. More than 10,000 motorists chose fully electric cars in 2016 – an increase of 3.3% on 2015.
Read on for our verdicts on the most popular cars on sale in 2017.
Ford Fiesta hatchback
More cars bearing the Ford Fiesta name have been sold in the UK than any other model. The current version went on sale in 2008, with a facelift surfacing in late 2013. It has dominated the best-seller chart more than any other car. It's not hard to see why: the Fiesta is handsome inside and out, well built and comfortable. But it's how the car drives that really sets it apart - it offers a fun driving experience that's close to some so-called sports cars. It's safe, too, with a full five-star crash-test rating, while the most economical models can top 85mpg and emit so little CO2 that road tax is free. At the other end of the scale is the Fiesta ST, which is our favourite small hot hatchback. With a range like that, there's something for everyone. Read more.
Volkswagen Golf hatchback
The upmarket Volkswagen Golf is another stalwart of Britain's top-selling cars, despite the diesel emissions scandal which has engulfed VW. Few models have such a classy image, meaning they fit right in whether you're parked at the local football club or a posh country club. Estate and convertible models are available, but most choose a three or five-door hatchback. There are versions that'll return almost 90mpg and performance models like the Golf GTI and Golf R that are capable of delivering sports-car thrills. Whichever Golf you choose, you'll find it well built, comfortable, safe and fun to drive. The Golf range is well equipped, too: air-con, Bluetooth, DAB digital radio and a dashboard-mounted touchscreen are all standard. Read more.
Ford Focus hatchback
Revisions to the Ford Focus last year have helped this family car maintain a strong following among UK car buyers. The current version features more eye-catching styling that makes it look more upmarket than before. It still boasts a wide choice of engines, ranging from the excellent 1.0-litre EcoBoost to the powerful 2.0-litre petrol in the Focus ST performance model. No changes were needed under the metal, because the Focus is as good to drive as it ever was. Buyers will spot some differences inside, though, as it's now fitted with Ford's SYNC 2 infotainment system, with voice recognition and the ability to read out text messages. Plus, there are fewer buttons on the dashboard, making this equipment easier to operate than before. Read more.
Mercedes C-Class saloon
Mercedes pulled out all the stops when designing the latest C-Class compact executive saloon. The previous car had reintroduced drivers to the idea of a Mercedes that was fun to drive and the new model continues in the same vein while adding a more comfortable ride and sophisticated, demure styling to the mix. Using design elements that have filtered down from the prestigious and expensive Mercedes S-Class, the inside of the C-Class is a lovely place to spend time on long motorway journeys, with high-quality materials and a modern, sweeping design. The technology is impressive, too, with agility select allowing you to personalise how the car responds. As ever, engines run from the economical to the exhilarating. The 72mpg C220d offers a great blend of power and fuel-efficiency, while the 517bhp C63 AMG offers sheer muscle – if you’ve pockets deep enough to run it. Read more.
Vauxhall Astra hatchback
The Vauxhall Astra has always been a big seller, and this latest version is a major improvement over any of the previous iterations. It's good value for money, stylish, good-to-drive and practical, while the excellent range of petrol and diesel engines are both powerful and cheap to run, too. Our pick of the petrols is the 104bhp 1.0-litre three-cylinder which is a strong performer, but still emits less than 100g/km of CO2, making it free to tax. If you're a business user, or a private buyer who does loads of miles, then a diesel will likely tickle your fancy and in this regard, we recommend the 109bhp 1.6-litre, which is the most efficient in the range. It'll return nearly 80mpg and CO2 emissions are rated at just 94g/km. This means no road tax and a BiK rating of just 16% - impressive for what isn't a small car. Read more.
Nissan Juke SUV
The Nissan Juke was one of the very first crossovers to hit the market and its distinctive styling means it remains one of the most recognisable cars on the road. Its continued popularity means it still sells in great enough numbers to be the sixth best-selling car in 2017 so far. While not a class leader in any one area, the Juke isn't a bad all-rounder. If you're smitten by its looks, we'd recommend the 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine; it's powerful and efficient. Read more.
Vauxhall Corsa hatchback
There's plenty of choice for Vauxhall Corsa buyers. You can choose from three or five-door bodystyles, eight engines and nine trim levels. But the reason buyers are still flocking to Vauxhall's supermini is because it's so easy to drive, so cheap to run and such good value. The latest model offers a more upmarket interior than before, plus a cracking 1.0-litre turbocharged engine. But if it's fuel economy you crave, check out the 1.3-litre diesel - what it lacks in refinement, it more than makes up for in efficiency - it can return more than 88mpg if you drive it gently. If it's more power and fun you're after, Vauxhall will sell you a VXR model, which has 202bhp, making it good for a 0-62mph time of 7.2 seconds. Read more.
Nissan Qashqai SUV
The Qashqai kick-started the crossover SUV class when the first generation arrived on UK shores in 2007. With a raised driving position, relatively compact size for an SUV and running costs similar to a conventional hatchback, it's not hard to see why the Qashqai is such an attractive prospect. This model, the second generation, has built on the original's success by adding a sharper design, comfortable ride and more technology. The 1.5-litre diesel engine can return up to 70mpg, while the deceptively powerful 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol is great for urban driving. Because of its popularity, the Qashqai now has a rival from almost all mainstream manufacturers, but (at least for now) it still represents the best all-rounder. Read more.
Audi A3 Sportback hatchback
If you're after a family hatchback with an extra dose of subtle style, a classy interior and a premium badge, then the Audi A3 is one of the best cars you could hope for. In this class, the interior is second to none, oozing class, quality and panache from every cubby hole. In addition to this aesthetic and ergonomic prowess, it’s pretty good to drive, too, although not quite as much fun as the BMW 1 Series, while there’s a fantastic range of powerful and economical petrol, diesel and hybrid power plants too. You’ll have to pay for this quality and class, however, while it’s not as well equipped as standard as some cheaper rivals, either. You’ll have to counter this against the fact that the A3 will likely hold on to its value better than many rivals as well. Read more.
Kia Sportage SUV
The Kia Sportage appeals to the same type of buyer as the Nissan Qashqai, providing the raised driving position of an SUV with the running costs of a hatchback. The Sportage is one of the better crossovers to drive, with good handling and an ability to resist body lean in corners. It's also one of the more spacious crossovers in its class, and its seven-year/100,000 warranty gives a peace of mind that will add to its appeal when buyers compare the Sportage to its rivals. Read more
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