These are the top 10 best-selling cars in the UK in 2023
What were the biggest hitters from last year? The SMMT's latest figures are in...
Vauxhall Mokka - 29,984 registrations
Do not adjust your sets, this is indeed the Vauxhall Mokka and yes, it looks... pretty sharp, right? The polar opposite of the original that made its debut in 2012. Anyway, the Mk2 marries distinctive looks with lots of kit and - as depicted in this here image - an electric version. Inventively named... Mokka Electric. But of course.
Advertisement - Page continues belowAudi A3 - 30,159 registrations
The Audi strikes a neat balance between fuss-free family transport, well-mannered refinement and manages to feel just a little keener in the chassis department than the old A3.
Nissan Juke - 31,745 registrations
The Nissan Juke might look distinctive, but in driving terms it's hard to find anything as bland as this. Might explain why it's selling so well: the Juke demands very little from you behind the wheel, and it's coupled with that well-populated interior. Starting prices are accessible, especially for hybrid options – benefit-in-kind salary sacrifice perks are equally low, so we guess bland also suits tightened purse strings.
Advertisement - Page continues belowMini - 33,385 registrations
Given the number of SUVs and crossovers on this list, it's reassuring that the humble hatchback still has something going for it. Especially one like the Mini: its engine line-up is great and the interior is pleasingly different from the standard fare supplied by everyone else. Don't expect to get much stuff in the back. Do expect fellow road users to laugh at your Union Jack brake lights.
Hyundai Tucson - 34,469 registrations
Be honest, if that front headlight signature rolls up behind you on the motorway, you’re not going to mistake the Hyundai Tucson for anything else. And while the looks aren’t for everyone, the fact that it’s spacious, drives well and features lots of tech has convinced thousands of drivers that this is the car for them. And fair do’s, it’s a very capable machine.
Tesla Model Y - 35,899 registrations
Hard to argue with the Tesla Model Y as a package: performance is outstanding, the all-electric range is up there with the best in class and it's supported by Tesla's commendable Supercharger network, which takes (most of) the hassle out of long-distance travel. However, you will have to put up with the iffy ride and the fact that it looks like a frog that's cross about something.
Kia Sportage - 36,135 registrations
If you’ve missed the last decade of automotive continental drift, first of all, welcome back! Second, the land has shifted rapidly and the most mainstream carmaker of all is now arguably Kia. Yup, that South Korean one. Makes a lot of good, affordable stuff across plenty of segments, including this Sportage. Just ignore the badge, it’s definitely ‘KIA’ and not ‘KN’.
Advertisement - Page continues belowVauxhall Corsa - 40,816 registrations
The supermini segment is feeling the squeeze nowadays as demand shifts to crossovers and SUVs. But the Corsa staggers on. We say ‘staggers’ because it’s not the shining advert for the segment that we’d like it to be: sure it looks decent and ticks a lot of boxes, but the interior already looks old hat. And remember, this is a Peugeot underneath now, so no marks for originality. End result? Third place. What do we know, eh?
Nissan Qashqai - 43,321 registrations
It should come as no surprise that an SUV-slash-crossover-thing is leading the pack, and even less of a shock that the Qashqai then takes second place given it basically founded the genre. Now in its third generation, it’s had more practice than most. Like the Juke it's simple to drive and buyers trust the Nissan badge. Ride’s a bit stiff though. You can do better. Even if many have decided they can't, actually.
Advertisement - Page continues belowFord Puma - 49,591 registrations
Although the Ford Fiesta’s time is up (sniff), the Ford Puma lives on. And this is a good thing because the latter is based on the former, and therefore has inherited most of the handling attributes that made us love the supermini. Hooray! Only this is a crossover, and much more popular as a result. There’s an ST version too, and we like ST versions on TopGear.com.
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