The Ford Puma was the bestselling new car in the UK in 2024, having already topped the charts in 2023. It finished the year just ahead of the Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai. In this guide, we give you a detailed breakdown of the top 10 best-selling models on the new car market in 2024, and if you scroll beyond that, we also detail the best-selling models on the used car market in the same year.
The 10 Bestselling New Cars in 2024
- 1. Ford Puma
- 2. Kia Sportage
- 3. Nissan Qashqai
- 4. Nissan Juke
- 5. Tesla Model Y
- 6. Volkswagen Golf
- 7. Hyundai Tucson
- 8. MG HS
- 9. Volvo XC40
- 10. Volkswagen Polo
- The new car market in 2024
- The used car market so far in 2024
- The Bestselling Used Cars in the UK in 2024
1. Ford Puma
Registrations in 2024: 48,340
The Puma is Ford's de rigueur small SUV, and since the untimely demise of the company's previous best-seller, the Fiesta supermini, it's ably taken on the mantle as the company's most popular model. Buyers clearly value its blend of involving driving dynamics, a high driving position, good fuel economy from its mild-hybrid engines, and a clever boot with an extra waterproof compartment - the Megabox - beneath the floor.
Ford Puma Review
2. Kia Sportage
Registrations in 2024: 47,163
The Sportage finished fourth on the list of best-sellers in 2023, but in 2024, it put in an even more impressive performance, ending up in second place. And it's no wonder. It comes with extrovert styling and the option of plug-in or full hybrid variants, on top of more conventional petrol engines. Inside, the Sportage is smart, too, with glossy materials, clever design touches and a slick infotainment system. As you’d expect, there’s plenty of space and practicality on offer, too.
Kia Sportage Mk5 Review
3. Nissan Qashqai
Registrations in 2024: 42,418
The Qashqai topped the best-sellers list outright in 2022, and came second in 2023, and with a third-place finish in 2024, it maintained an impressively strong performance. No wonder it’s been so successful; the Qashqai is just the right size to make it perfect for most British families, and its range of engines and trims ensures broad appeal.
Nissan Qashqai Review
4. Nissan Juke
Registrations in 2024: 34,454
The original Nissan Juke was one of the very first supermini-based crossovers, and as such it set the tone for what has become a hugely popular segment of the market. The latest model moves the game on in every area. Of particular note is that it maintains the Juke's distinctive styling while adding more powertrain options, including a self-charging hybrid.
Nissan Juke Review
5. Tesla Model Y
Registrations in 2024: 32,862
Think of the Tesla Model Y as a taller and more SUV-like version of the hugely popular Model 3. It arrived on sale in the UK in 2022 alongside a whole host of other electric SUVs, and has instantly won the attention of buyers for its combination of performance, practicality, and access to Tesla's Supercharger network.
Tesla Model Y Expert Review
6. Volkswagen Golf
Registrations in 2024: 32,370
The Volkswagen Golf has been plying its trade for many decades now, and for a good proportion of that time, it's featured somewhere in the list of the UK's top ten best-sellers. The latest Mk8 version arrived in 2020, and was revised in 2024 to keep it competitive with newer rivals. It provides the same enjoyable-but-sensible driving experience that the Golf always has, along with competitive practicality, exemplary quality and a fair amount of technology. No wonder it's as popular as ever.
Volkswagen Golf Review
7. Hyundai Tucson
Registrations in 2024: 32,174
The Hyundai Tuscon may not be as high up on this list as the Kia Sportage with which it shares much of its mechanicals and technology, but to make this list at all is no mean feat, and its presence here is proof that the British public have a lot of love for this big family SUV. And it's no wonder. The Tucson combines glitzy styling with plenty of family-friendly space, and it feels like a high-quality product, too, with lots of technology and a very pleasant interior. Generous equipment and competitive prices also present a strong value-for-money argument.
Hyundai Tucson Review
8. MG HS
Registrations in 2024: 30,207
MG has been resurgent in recent years, thanks largely to the dedicated following it's managed to develop for its portfolio of impressive electric cars. That being the case, it might be something of a surprise to see the HS on this list rather than one of the EVs, but it really shouldn't be. There's a plug-in hybrid version on offer for those who aren't quite ready to take the plunge on a full EV, and with aggressive prices and a heaving list of standard luxury and safety equipment, the HS is sensational value for money.
MG HS Review
9. Volvo XC40
Registrations in 2024: 30,202
Volvo's XC40 small SUV sneaks onto our list despite the fact that the car has undergone some very big changes. While all versions of the car - petrol, diesel and electric - once fell under the XC40 banner, the electric ones have since been rebranded as the EX40 to fit in with the naming convention established by the arrival of Volvo's other electric SUVs, the EX30 and the EX90. However, it seems the XC40 - the name continues for mild hybrid versions of the car - didn't need the contribution of its battery-electric cousin to make the best-sellers list. And no wonder. The XC40 is desirable, stylish, comfortable, high in quality, and packed with tech.
Volvo XC40 Review
10. Volkswagen Polo
Registrations in 2024: 28,981
A second entry for Volkswagen in this list, proving that the German firm is as popular as ever with British buyers. The Polo has always sat towards the posher end of the supermini class, which also means it's a shade more expensive than most of its competitors, but it seems that hasn't put buyers off. Owners love it for its desirable image and plush interior, not to mention its comfortable ride and perky performance.
Volkswagen Polo Review
The new car market in 2024
According to final full-year figures from the SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders), a total of 1,952,778 new cars were registered in 2024, up by 2.6% on 2023’s equivalent figure of 1,903,054.
Sales of diesel cars continued to dwindle, those numbers being 13.6% down on 2023, but most other types of car are on the rise. Petrol remained the dominant fuel type with 52.2% of the market, followed by battery electric cars with 19.6% of the market, a narrow lead over self-charging hybrids with 13.4%. Plug-in hybrids followed with 8.6% of the market, with diesel bringing up the rear with 6.3%.
Fleet cars made up the majority of new registrations in the UK with 59.6% of the market, and only 38.2% of the UK’s new cars were bought privately.
In terms of how the various manufacturers did in 2024, here are the top ten carmakers in terms of overall sales for the year.
- Volkswagen - 166,304
- Audi - 122,431
- BMW - 125,265
- Kia - 112,252
- Ford - 109,955
- Mercedes-Benz - 102,757
- Toyota - 101,444
- Nissan - 100,446
- Hyundai - 91,808
- MG - 81,536
The Used Car Market in 2024
The SMMT also publishes figures for used car sales. In total in 2024, 7,643,180 used models were sold. That's a 5.5% uplift on 2023.
Here are the models that have proved most popular with used car buyers...
The Bestselling Used Cars in the UK in 2024
1. Ford Fiesta
Used sales in 2024: 306,207
The Ford Fiesta ruled the roost in the used car market in 2024, and for good reason. Why? Because despite it being - by some distance - the best small car there is, Ford has withdrawn it from sale as a new car, so if you want one, you'll have to buy it used. And we'd very much urge you to seek one out. This is a really stylish little car with decent practicality and a good amount of equipment, which is absolutely fabulous to drive, combining a comfortable ride with enjoyable handling. Purchase prices and running costs are very affordable, too, and thanks to its immense popularity, there are countless examples to choose from on the used car market. What are you waiting for?
Ford Fiesta Review
2. Vauxhall Corsa
Used sales in 2024: 252,761
The Fiesta's arch rival, the Vauxhall Corsa, was the second best-selling used car in the UK in 2024. It might lag behind the Ford for ride comfort and sporty handling, but the little Vauxhall still represents great value, and because there are so many on the used market, you can afford to be picky and get exactly the trim, spec and mileage you're after.
Vauxhall Corsa Review
3. Volkswagen Golf
Used sales in 2024: 231,440
It's no surprise that the best-selling used cars in the UK all have long-running nameplates: the Volkswagen Golf is no exception. First launched in 1974, the Golf is part of the automotive landscape, and is highly regarded for very good reason: it's a great all-rounder. That's particularly the case if you're a used car buyer looking at the Mk7 generation of Golf (pictured above), which some argue is an even better car than its Mk8 successor.
Volkswagen Golf Review
4. Ford Focus
Used sales in 2024: 228,220
The Ford Focus is a great choice for those who want a used family car that can do all the practical stuff, while also being engaging and entertaining to drive. A well-cared-for Mk1 version is well on its way to future classic status by now, while later models add more modern features and increased comfort.
Ford Focus Review
5. MINI
Used sales in 2024: 160,516
The MINI was replaced by an all-new version for 2024, but previous incarnations of the car remain hugely likeable and very popular on the used small car market. For that, thank its neat styling, clever interior design and a great driving experience. MINI describes its car as having 'go-kart handling', and while that's a bit of a stretch, it is true to say that all models feel very alert and agile to drive.
MINI Review
6. Vauxhall Astra
Used sales in 2024: 159,495
Just as the Corsa trailed the Fiesta in the supermini class for used car sales in 2024, so the Astra lagged behind the Focus. There's plenty to like about the Astra, however, particularly in more recent versions, which have added even more interior space and strong diesel engines to what has always been a good-value package.
Vauxhall Astra Review
7. BMW 3 Series
Used sales in 2024: 158,674
The 3 Series is the poshest model in this list of used cars, but it's not only its upmarket image that makes the car popular with buyers. For in the 3 Series, BMW has also consistently built one of the best all-rounders on the market. Expect engines that blend good fuel economy with great performance, a chassis that exhibits a fine balance between ride comfort and handling, and an interior that fully lives up to the promise of the premium badge.
BMW 3 Series Review
8. Volkswagen Polo
Used sales in 2024: 151,786
As with so many brands, VW has spent the past few years embracing the trend for building crossovers and SUVs. However, as far as its used cars go, it is still the more affordable hatchbacks that are most in demand. The Polo is one such car, and offers a slightly more upmarket take on the supermini formula than a Ford Fiesta or Vauxhall Corsa of the same vintage. Expect a solidly built cabin, frugal engines, and a focus on comfort over fun.
Volkswagen Polo Review
9. Nissan Qashqai
Used sales in 2024: 138,810
The Qashqai is not only one of the best-selling new cars in the UK, but older models are hugely popular, too. First launched in 2007, the Qashqai was a pioneer in the crossover class, marrying the looks of an SUV with the running costs of a family hatchback. Now in its third generation, the Qashqai continues to offer the used car buyer a great-value alternative to a traditional family car.
Nissan Qashqai Review
10. BMW 1 Series
Used sales in 2024: 125,440
When the latest version of the 1 Series was released in 2020, die-hard BMW fans were outraged that the firm had ditched its rear-wheel-drive roots for the same front-wheel-drive layout used by all the other cars in the family hatchback class. If you count yourself among those die-hard fans, then a used 1 Series will offer all the rear-drive thrills you crave, and with a wide variety of engines to choose from, there's something to suit every taste. It won't be the most practical car of its type, but it will feel posh inside and have the necessary amount of prestige clout.
BMW 1 Series Review