Best selling cars of the year

Which car takes the crown as the best-selling car in the UK?

The new car market has struggled since the pandemic but 2023 showed positive signs towards regaining some control. Registrations of brand-new cars in 2023 were only 0.1% below pre-pandemic levels and over 156,525 new cars were seen on the roads! Data from the SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) below shows which cars were the best-selling in the UK for 2023.

It seems more drivers than ever are buying SUV crossovers with the Ford Puma topping the list of best-selling cars UK and the Nissan Juke and Hyundai Tucson also being featured too. Drivers are also still favouring petrol and diesel models but the all-electric Tesla Model Y also makes an appearance as the 6th best-selling car of the year! Let’s take a deeper look into the UK’s best-selling cars of the year! 

1. Ford Puma

Registrations: 46,434

Say hello to your 2023 best-selling car in the UK, the Ford Puma! Over the year, the Ford Puma was consistently popular amongst UK drivers and sold an impressive 46,434 cars by the end of the year. This SUV crossover is one of the bestselling SUVs because it’s nippy, practical and economical. The boom in sales may be due to customers looking for an alternative to the Ford Fiesta which was discontinued in October. Ford sold nearly 8,000 more units than the Nissan Qashqai so manufacturers will have to work hard to knock this SUV off the top spot. 

2. Nissan Qashqai

Registrations: 39,068

The Nissan Qashqai was last year’s best-selling car in the UK but now settled into second place. It was also one of the most popular cars bought on finance by our customers! The Nissan Qashqai has been well-loved by many drivers for years. Not only is it a mid-sized SUV with an affordable price stage but it’s one of the best cars for families too.  Thanks to a boost in sales in November, it managed to be the UK’s number 1 selling car of 2022. It’s easy to see why people love the Qashqai, it’s practical, well-built and also comes in a range of different powertrains. If you’re looking to buy a used Nissan Qashqai, there is an endless amount of choice and it’s one of the best cars you can buy for under £10k!

Discover more – Benefits of owning an electric car

3. Vauxhall Corsa

Registrations: 37,826

The 3rd best-selling car in the UK in 2023 was the Vauxhall Corsa. The Vauxhall Corsa is one of those vehicles that will suit pretty much any driver and is one of the most versatile cars to buy. Not only is it cheap on insurance if you’re a new driver but it’s also really fuel-efficient too. We like the Vauxhall Corsa as it’s one of the best petrol cars to buy but the Vauxhall Corsa Electric is worth looking into if you want to get a eco-friendly car on finance. You’re sure to enjoy any trip in the Corsa as it’s a comfortable and spacious car which offers a very pleasant driving experience. 

4. Kia Sportage

Registrations: 34,620

The Kia Sportage is another example of an SUV which is loved by UK drivers. The Sportage comes in a range of different fuel options and there is sure to be a petrol, mild hybrid, self-charging hybrid or PHEV to suit you. It can make the perfect family car and depending on if you choose a hybrid model, you can save serious money on running costs too. A massive selling point of any Kia model is also its huge 7-year warranty which can be transferred with ownership. This means if you buy a used Kia on finance, you could still benefit from the warranty if the car is less than 7 years old or under 100,000 miles.

5. Hyundai Tucson

Registrations: 32,301

The Hyundai Tucson is a mid-size SUV which is great value for money and provides plenty of space for a growing family! Over 32,000 Tucson’s were registered in the UK in 2023 and it’s now the second year it’s been one of the best-selling cars in the UK! It sold more than 6,000 more models in 2023 which proves its popularity is growing. The Tucson has been around for a few years now but the latest version really brings it up to date and edges a more sophisticated feel. The new Tucson also comes with a 5-year/unlimited mileage warranty. 

6. Tesla Model Y

Registrations: 31,083

The Tesla Model Y is the UK’s best-selling electric car and it’s easy to see why! The Tesla Model Y is jam-packed with some of the most futuristic technology and features of any car on the market. You may be surprised the Model Y is the biggest-selling EV due to its £44,000 price tag but it remains popular with more than 7,000 new units being sold when compared to 2022. The Tesla Model Y has an impressive range of 279 miles on a full charge and 331 miles if you choose the Long Range Model Y. Check out our Tesla finance page to see how we could make your EV dreams a reality. 

7. MINI

Registrations: 29,777

The list of the UK’s best-selling cars would not be complete without a true British icon! MINI has been a fan favourite for many years and its constant evolution is increasingly attractive to buyers. The MINI is a nippy, go-kart-like city car which is surprisingly spacious for its name. A MINI can suit a whole range of drivers but it can be a great car for newly qualified drivers due to its low running costs, economical engines and low insurance group. The MINI electric is worth exploring and a new EV model is expected early this year too – watch this space! 

8. Nissan Juke

Registrations: 29,272

The Nissan Juke is another crossover SUV which is new to the best-selling list this year! It’s reasonably cheap for a brand-new car with a price tag of around £20k and is great value for money. The Nissan Juke had a facelift in 2019 which brought a new, more stylish body shape and a refresh to its dated technology and features. The Nissan Juke is a clear rival to the Ford Puma but could it overtake its popularity this year? Check out our used Nissan Juke deals today!

9. Vauxhall Mokka

Registrations: 28,390

The Vauxhall Mokka was also a new entry this year and sold 28,000 units in 2023. Granted, used Vauxhall Mokka’s were clunky and not the most attractive but the latest version of the Mokka is truly impressive. Not only does it look great but it’s also really competitively priced. The Mokka offers a petrol and electric version which are both great value for money. If you’re not yet ready to buy from new, you can get a used Mokka for under £250 a month! 

10. Audi A3

Registrations: 28,178

And last but not least, the 10th best-selling car in the UK for 2023 was the Audi A3! The Audi A3 is a family car which oozes luxury and style. It’s a great rival to the Mercedes-Benz A-Class but with a much smaller price tag. The interior is plush and roomy, making it a practical and comfortable ride. Audi has spent a lot of time refining their latest model and the 2023 Audi A3 comes with some of the best tech around and a seamless user experience. 

How do the best-selling cars in the UK compare to last year? 

2023:

1. Ford Puma (Registrations: 46,434)
2. Nissan Qashqai (Registrations: 39,038)
3. Vauxhall Corsa (Registrations: 37,826)
4. Kia Sportage (Registrations: 34,620)
5. Hyundai Tucson (Registrations: 32,301)
6. Tesla Model Y (Registrations: 31,083)
7. MINI – (Registrations: 29,777)
8. Nissan Juke (Registrations: 29,272)
9. Vauxhall Mokka (Registrations: 28,390)
10. Audi A3 (Registrations: 28,178)