The Ford Puma was the bestselling new car in the UK in 2023, ahead of the Nissan Qashqai and Vauxhall Corsa. At the top of this guide we've rounded up the full top 10 bestsellers, while if you scroll beyond that we've included analysis of what drove new car sales performance in 2023.
The 10 Bestselling New Cars in 2023
- 1. Ford Puma
- 2. Nissan Qashqai
- 3. Vauxhall Corsa
- 4. Kia Sportage
- 5. Tesla Model Y
- 6. Hyundai Tucson
- 7. MINI
- 8. Nissan Juke
- 9. Audi A3
- 10. Vauxhall Mokka
- What Fuelled New Car Sales in 2023?
- The Bestselling Used Cars in the UK in 2023
- What Happened with the Used Car Market in 2023?
1. Ford Puma
Registrations in 2023: 49,591
The Puma is Ford's de rigueur small SUV, and in a relatively short space of time has overtaken both the Focus and Fiesta 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
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2. Nissan Qashqai
Registrations in 2023: 43,321
The Qashqai topped the best-sellers list in 2022, and maintained strong performance in 2023, even if it didn't quite take the top spot when all was said and done. 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 ensure broad appeal.
Nissan Qashqai Review
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3. Vauxhall Corsa
Registrations in 2023: 40,816
The Corsa bears the honour of being the highest-ranking non-SUV in this table; more Corsas were sold in 2023 than any of its hatchback rivals, which include the (now discontinued) Ford Fiesta, as well as the Renault Clio, Volkswagen Polo and Skoda Fabia. The Corsa's success was driven by tempting offers and the fact it is available with an electric powertrain as well as a petrol one. A mid-life refresh for the end of 2023 only served to bolster its appeal.
Vauxhall Corsa Review
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4. Kia Sportage
Registrations in 2023: 36,135
The Sportage features alongside its platform-mate in this list, the Hyundai Tucson. Like the Tucson, 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
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5. Tesla Model Y
Registrations in 2023: 35,899
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 Review
Tesla Model Y For Sale
6. Hyundai Tucson
Registrations in 2023: 34,469
No wonder the Tucson’s proven popular – its eye-catching styling clothes a practical and well-made family SUV with a smart and stylish interior. It’s good to drive, too, and has added appeal in the fact you can order it in your choice of petrol, full hybrid or plug-in hybrid forms. There’s peace of mind, too, in Hyundai’s five-year, unlimited-mile warranty, which comes as standard on every version.
Hyundai Tucson Review
Hyundai Tucson For Sale
7. MINI
Registrations in 2023: 33,385
The MINI brand has thrived under BMW ownership, and this latest model is no exception. As with previous BMW MINIs, the range runs from a basic petrol model all the way up to hot hatches such as the Cooper S JCW. The difference now is that there's also a fully electric MINI to appeal to those wanting an electric version of one of the UK’s most popular superminis.
MINI Review
MINIs For Sale
8. Nissan Juke
Registrations in 2023: 31,745
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
Nissan Juke For Sale
9. Audi A3
Registrations in 2023: 30,159
As ever, the latest Audi A3 offers a compelling blend of space, comfort and performance, with a sprinkling of premium brand fairy dust to elevate it above rivals. If push came to shove we'd still say we rate the previous model of the A3 over the latest Mk4 thanks to its more upmarket interior, but there's no denying that this Audi is still a great all-rounder.
Audi A3 Review
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10. Vauxhall Mokka
Registrations in 2023: 29,984
The Mokka has long been a strong seller for Vauxhall, even if the original was hard to recommend on much other than price. The latest Mokka changes all that by having much more than competitive pricing on its side. Primarily, it has the styling to stand out in what is now an incredibly busy part of the market, while also going in the Mokka’s favour is the fact it is available in petrol, diesel or pure electric forms (the latter called the Mokka-e).
Vauxhall Mokka Review
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What Fuelled New Car Sales in 2023?
All in all, 1,903,054 new car registrations were recorded in 2023, marking a 17.9% increase on 2022, as well as the best year for new vehicle registrations since 2019.
According to figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), year-over-year new car sales grew in every month of 2023. In January they were up 14.7%, in February it was 26.2%, in March 18.2%, in April 11.6%, in May 16.7%, in June 25.8%, in July 28.3%, in August 24.4%, in September 21.0%, in October 14.3%, in November 9.5%, and in December 9.8%. That last number marks 17 consecutive months of growth.
The primary driver of the new car market in 2023 was large numbers of sales (as in 1.04 million units) to fleets. This type of sale saw a year-on-year increase of 38.7%, meaning large fleet sales accounted for 54.7% of all car sales in the UK. In contrast, registrations of new cars to private buyers were flat year over year (817,673 units in 2023 vs 818,510 in 2022), and in total accounted for just 43% of the market compared with 50.7% the year before.
In terms of fuel types, the decline of diesel continued at a pace. Even compared with 2022's low numbers, year-over-year registrations of new diesel cars dropped by a further -13.8% to just 71,501 cars. Overall, diesel's market share in 2023 was just 3.8%, compared with 50% a decade ago.
Diesel's place was taken, by and large, by petrol-engined cars and a combination of hybrids and electric cars. In total 774,484 new petrol cars were registered in 2023, giving it a 40.7% market share. Hybrid sales rose, meanwhile, by 27.1% to 238,942 units, while registrations of plug-in hybrid cars grew by 39.3% to 141,311 units.
Pure electric cars finished this year with 314,687 registrations, marking a 17.8% increase year-over-year. Expect this number to continue to grow in 2024 as manufacturers push EV sales with more models and lower prices.
The Bestselling Used Cars in the UK in 2023
1. Ford Fiesta
Used sales in 2023: 308,017
The Ford Fiesta might not be as popular as it once was as a new car purchase, but when it comes to used car sales it's still top of the class by some margin. The sheer affordability of purchase and running costs accounts for some of that, as does the huge supply of Fiestas on the used market. However, this car has far more going for it than merely being cheap and plentiful. It's also great to drive, reasonably roomy, and comfortable enough for longer journeys.
Ford Fiesta Review
Ford Fiesta For Sale
2. Vauxhall Corsa
Used sales in 2023: 237,705
The Fiesta's arch rival, the Vauxhall Corsa, is the second bestselling used car in the UK so far this year. 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
Vauxhall Corsa For Sale
3. Volkswagen Golf
Used sales in 2023: 227,427
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 allrounder. 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
Volkswagen Golf For Sale
4. Ford Focus
Used sales in 2023: 223,417
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
Ford Focus For Sale
5. Vauxhall Astra
Used sales in 2023: 160,736
Just as the Corsa trails the Fiesta in the supermini class, so the Astra lags behind the Focus when it comes to sales of used family cars. 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
Vauxhall Astra For Sale
6. MINI
Used sales in 2023: 158,298
The MINI is far from the freshest or most practical supermini on the block, but it remains a hugely likeable small car. 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 distinctly alert and agile to drive.
MINI Review
MINI For Sale
7. BMW 3 Series
Used sales in 2023: 155,100
The 3 Series is the poshest model in this list of used car, but it's not only its upmarket image that makes it popular with buyers. For in the 3 Series BMW has also consistently built one of the best allrounders 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
BMW 3 Series For Sale
8. Volkswagen Polo
Used sales in 2023: 141,135
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
Volkswagen Polo For Sale
9. Nissan Qashqai
Used sales in 2023: 120,286
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
Nissan Qashqai For Sale
10. Audi A3
Used sales in 2023: 118,805
Buyers looking for a quality family hatchback seem to love the Audi A3. And can you blame them? Its winning blend of quality, fine driving manners and smart styling make it incredibly desirable – and used values aren’t quite as steep as you might expect relative to other cars of the same size and performance.
Audi A3 Review
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What Happened with the Used Car Market in 2023?
The used car market bounced back in 2023. In Q1 used car registrations as recorded by the DVLA were up 4.1% compared with the previous year, followed by another 4.1% gain in Q2, 5.5% in Q3, and 6.9% in Q4. In raw numbers, that means there were 1,847,149 used car registrations in Q1, 1,832,267 in Q2, 1,884,160 in Q3, and a further 1,679,116 in Q4. All in all, the used car market in 2023 finished 5.1% up over 2022 at 7,242,692 units registered. That also made it the best year for used car sales since before the pandemic.
As with the new car market, there was been a strong increase in demand for used battery electric vehicles, registrations of which increased by 90.9% in 2023. However, at 118,973 units, electric vehicles still only accounted for 1.6% of used car sales (up from 0.9% a year ago). Sales of used plug-in hybrids grew year-over-year by 25.1%, and non-plug-in hybrids by 40.0%. However, internal combustion engines remained the dominant powertrain in 2023, accounting for over 94.3% of used car registrations.