The Ford Puma was the bestselling new car in the UK in 2023, and it's topping the charts again so far in 2024, just ahead of the Nissan Qashqai and Kia Sportage. In this guide, we give you a detailed breakdown of the top 10 best-selling models on the new car market, and if you scroll beyond that, we also detail the best-selling models on the used car market so far in 2024.
The 10 Bestselling New Cars in 2024
- 1. Ford Puma
- 2. Kia Sportage
- 3. Nissan Qashqai
- 4. Nissan Juke
- 5. Volkswagen Golf
- 6. Hyundai Tucson
- 7. Audi A3
- 8. Volkswagen Polo
- 9. MG HS
- 10. Volvo XC40
- The new car market so far in 2024
- The Bestselling Used Cars in the UK in 2024
- The used car market so far in 2024
1. Ford Puma
Registrations to date in 2024: 42,645
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
Ford Puma For Sale
2. Kia Sportage
Registrations to date in 2024: 42,115
The Sportage finished fourth on the list of best-sellers in 2023, and so far in 2024, it's tracking in second place. 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
Kia Sportage For Sale
3. Nissan Qashqai
Registrations to date in 2024: 35,271
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. And it looks like the Qashqai is going great guns again in 2024. 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
Nissan Qashqai For Sale
4. Nissan Juke
Registrations to date in 2024: 30,548
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
5. Volkswagen Golf
Registrations to date in 2024: 29,427
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
Volkswagen Golf For Sale
6. Hyundai Tucson
Registrations to date in 2024: 28,115
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
Hyundai Tucson For Sale
7. Audi A3
Registrations to date in 2024: 26,830
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
Audi A3 For Sale
8. Volkswagen Polo
Registrations to date in 2024: 25,817
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
Volkswagen Polo For Sale
9. MG HS
Registrations to date in 2024: 25,414
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
MG HS For Sale
10. Volvo XC40
Registrations to date in 2024: 24,621
Volvo's XC40 small SUV sneaks onto our list despite the fact that the car has undergone some very big changes this year. 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
Volvo XC40 For Sale
The new car market so far in 2024
According to year-to-date figures from the SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) from October 2024, a total of 1,658,382 new cars have been registered so far in 2024, up by 3.3% on 2023’s equivalent figure of 1,605,437.
Sales of diesel cars continue to dwindle, those numbers being 12.8% down on 2023, but most other types of car are on the rise. Petrol remains the dominant fuel type with 53.6% of the market, followed by battery electric cars with 18.1% of the market, a narrow lead over self-charging hybrids with 13.5%. Plug-in hybrids follow with 8.4% of the market, with diesel bringing up the rear with 6.4%.
Fleet cars make up the majority of new registrations in the UK with 59.0% of the market, and only 38.8% of the UK’s new cars are bought privately.
In terms of how the various manufacturers are doing so far this year, here are the top ten carmakers in terms of overall sales in 2024.
- Volkswagen - 141,835
- Audi - 107,284
- BMW - 106,223
- Kia - 100,936
- Ford - 94,519
- Nissan - 86,353
- Mercedes-Benz - 88,357
- Toyota - 86,845
- Hyundai - 79,431
- Vauxhall - 68,401
The Bestselling Used Cars in the UK in 2024
1. Ford Fiesta
Used sales to date in 2024: 158,050
The Ford Fiesta still rules the roost in the used car market, and we can't see that changing any time soon. 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
Ford Fiesta For Sale
2. Vauxhall Corsa
Used sales to date in 2024: 130,534
The Fiesta's arch rival, the Vauxhall Corsa, is the second best-selling 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. Ford Focus
Used sales to date in 2024: 119,100
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
4. Volkswagen Golf
Used sales to date in 2024: 118,725
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
Volkswagen Golf For Sale
5. MINI
Used sales to date in 2024: 84,760
The MINI has just been 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
MINI For Sale
6. Vauxhall Astra
Used sales to date in 2024: 82,192
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
7. BMW 3 Series
Used sales to date in 2024: 81,803
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
BMW 3 Series For Sale
8. Volkswagen Polo
Used sales to date in 2024: 76,657
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 to date in 2024: 73,924
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. BMW 1 Series
Used sales to date in 2024: 63,821
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
BMW 1 Series For Sale
The Used Car Market so Far in 2024
The SMMT also publishes year-to-date figures for used car sales, and these state that 3,931,318 used models were sold in the first half of 2024. That represents the best first half of a year since 2019.