Ford Puma has extended its lead atop the UK sales rankings. What could stop it being number one this year?
We’re almost at the end of 2024, which has by and large been a reasonably good year for the automotive industry.
The UK is experiencing its best year for car sales since the pandemic, with a host of new cars arriving and electric vehicles grabbing a secure hold in the market.
While the year has been a huge success for several models though, only one can top the overall sales charts.
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, Vauxhall Corsa and Volkswagen T-Roc to reach the summit.
A full eleven months into 2024 and the Puma still reigns supreme, topping the list ahead of its rivals – but only just. The Kia Sportage and 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 (SMMT).
Last year’s best-selling car is continuing its success in 2024. The compact crossover still impresses us – and new car buyers – with its fun driving dynamics and attractive pricing, as well as the hot Puma STT variant.
It may not be the Fiesta we all know and love, but it’s a good, capable alternative nonetheless. It even outsold the Ford Transit and Transit Custom vans, which is no mean feat.
The recent facelift has kept things fresh with a new grille and an improved infotainment system, too.
Read our Ford Puma review
The Kia Sportage had a good year in 2023, finishing fourth in the UK sales charts, and it’s having an even stronger showing in 2024, hovering close to the very top of the table.
Consistency is key for this family SUV, 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
The Nissan Qashqai was the UK’s best-seller in 2022, then it finished 2023 in second place, and it continues to appeal to buyers here with its excellent practicality.
The British-built family crossover’s appeal has also no doubt been bolstered by the addition of electrified powertrains for its third generation.
Read our Nissan Qashqai review
The Nissan Juke remains a popular car among UK buyers, having finished 2023 in eighth place.
The small SUV 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 September continues healthy sales growth: the Juke has moved up four places in two months.
Read our Nissan Juke review
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 or estate.
In fact, it’s slowly creeping its way back up the charts, now sitting in fifth place. This could be a hugely important time for the Golf, which has just gone on sale in facelifted ‘Mk8.5’ form.
The German stalwart 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
The Hyundai Tucson is one of the UK’s most popular SUVs, having regularly appeared in the top 10 in 2023.
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 also attractive propositions for many Brits.
Read our Hyundai Tucson review
The Audi A3 is one of just three cars on this list that isn’t an SUV, which makes us feel slightly sad. Its popularity remains strong, and it even outsold the Volkswagen Golf, its Volkswagen Group sibling, last year.
Updated in 2024, the A3 is 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
Despite its price (and size) increasing over the years, the Volkswagen Polo is a still a brilliant small car. It’s comfortable, refined, well-built and spacious, while also offering some of the best economy rates in the class.
The latest version is the best to drive yet and is packed with technology. But how long will it stick around for? That we’re not sure of, so make the most of it before it goes the way of the Ford Fiesta.
Read our Volkswagen Polo review
The MG HS offers class-leading value for money, and it entered a second generation this year, putting it in line for even more mainstream success in 2024 and beyond.
Available with a petrol engine or a more frugal plug-in hybrid, the family crossover also comes with good levels of equipment as standard, including a 10.1in touchscreen, a 360deg parking camera and smartphone mirroring.
Read our MG HS review
Before the arrival of the smaller EX30, the XC40 was Volvo’s entry-level SUV. While it has lost that position now, what it retains is its excellent all-around ability. It’s comfortable, seriously well-appointed and features a host of powertrains fit for most drivers.
It’s a classic Volvo: great to look at, refined, polished and great to drive. What more could you want?
Read our Volvo XC40 review
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