Annual figures from industry body the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show that 1.9m cars (across all cars and fuel types) were registered in 2023, compared to 1.61m during 2022 - a year-on-year rise of 17.9%.
Car registrations across all fuel types remain 17.7% below pre-pandemic levels.
Read on to find out which other models were the bestsellers along with the areas of the market that experienced success in 2023.
: discover the cars that performed well for safety, reliability, performance and moreMost popular new cars in 2023These are the five bestselling cars of 2023, but do we recommend them? Click the links to find out how they fared in our lab and road tests.
undefined1. Ford Puma (2020-)
The smallest model in Ford’s current range, the Puma is a compact SUV with practical touches. Based on the outgoing Fiesta, it's available with a range of mild hybrid engines and comes with a five-star Euro NCAP rating. An ST performance model is also available.
2 Nissan Qashqai (2021-)undefined
3. Vauxhall Corsa (2020-)
A firm favourite for 30 years now, the Corsa was updated towards the end of 2023 with styling tweaks, while a petrol mild hybrid version was unveiled in January 2024. It's also available with a pure-petrol engine and as an all-electric model.
Find out how both perform in our and .4. Kia Sportage (2021-)
Kia's latest Sportage is available in mild hybrid, full hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions. Some models also come with four-wheel drive, while diesel models are available used. All models have Kia's seven-year warranty.
5. Tesla Model Y (2022-)
Tesla cars turn heads and the Model Y is no exception. It has the large touchscreen we expect from Tesla and plenty of safety kit. It's also good to drive and was one of the bestselling EVs worldwide in 2023.
: our reviews include realistic range figures, so you'll know how far each can travel on a single chargePrivate EV sales stall as hybrids prove popular
Although EVs accounted for one in six new cars registered in 2023 and saw a year-on-year increase of 17.8%, the vast majority were to company car fleets and businesses. Among private buyers, EVs accounted for just one in 11 sales.
However, petrol cars (including petrol mild hybrids) continue to dominate, accounting for 56% of new car sales in the UK last year.
The top 10 bestsellers of 2023 in full
| Position | Car (click for full review) | 2023 Sales | Typical price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LINK(https://ift.tt/QwaP9CM, Ford Puma) | 49,591 | £26,908 |
| 2 | LINK(https://ift.tt/uHwhxet, Nissan Qashqai) | 43,321 | £23,499 |
| 3 | LINK(https://ift.tt/FgZkdNt, Vauxhall Corsa) | 40,816 | £38,289 |
| 4 | LINK(https://ift.tt/OFuvdlJ, Kia Sportage*) | 36,135 | £31,013 |
| 5 | LINK(https://ift.tt/Eu64Gmj, Tesla Model Y) | 35,899 | £16,491 |
| 6 | LINK(https://ift.tt/9Xq0URh, Mini hatch) | 34,469 | £29,092 |
| 7 | LINK(https://ift.tt/FgZkdNt, Vauxhall Corsa) | 33,385 | £18,496 |
| 8 | LINK(https://ift.tt/pZm3neN, Nissan Juke) | 31,745 | £19,139 |
| 9 | LINK(https://ift.tt/KnqQXxC, Audi A3) | 30,159 | £19,923 |
| 10 | LINK(https://ift.tt/pBWYdAf, Vauxhall Mokka) | 29,984 | £23,495 |
Brands with biggest sales increases in 2023
While there are no surprises in the bestselling brands (Volkswagen tops the list, followed by Ford and Audi), there are some interesting names when looking at increases in the percentages sold over the year.
We've listed the top five below, including their percentage increase and total sales.
1. Ora
Increase: Total sales:
Yes, the eye-catching percentage increase that puts Ora in top spot is tempered by very low overall sales figures, but this Chinese-owned brand is one to watch.
Ora entered the UK market in late 2022 with one model: the electric Funky Cat hatchback (currently its sole UK model). Since then, the brand has announced it's renaming this car the Ora 03. It also plans to introduce a Tesla Model 3 rival (called the 07) later in 2024.
2. Cupra
Increase: Total sales:
Cupra is Seat's performance brand, and the Volkswagen Group (which owns both marques) plans to stop producing Seat cars in the near future and focus on Cupra.
Models such as the Formentor and Born form the core Cupra range, while the larger Tavascan SUV will also be introduced this year.
3. Subaru
Increase: Total sales:
Known for its range of SUVs (and the Outback estate), Subaru saw a big increase in sales last year (although like Ora, sales were low compared to its rivals).
As the XV-replacing Crosstrek went on sale in late 2023 and an all-new Forester SUV is set to be introduced this year, the brand is no doubt hoping for similar growth in 2024.
4. Polestar
Increase: Total sales:
Polestar is another brand that seems likely to have a busy 2024.
The distinctive Polestar 2 hatchback is its only model at present, with the logically named Polestar 3 and 4 SUV models debuting in 2024.
5. MG
Increase: Total sales:
MG is an established player in the UK and sells a range of petrol, PHEV and electric models.
The range includes the MG 4 hatchback, which has proved remarkably popular and was the second highest-selling EV in the UK in 2023.
Drive smarter and cut costs using our expert advice.source https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/the-best-selling-cars-of-2023-arNoe6C6kAXN