The new ‘23’ car number plates launched on March 1st, but plenty of customers chose not to wait and snapped-up the remaining ‘72’-plated models in February. In fact, 74,441 new cars hit the road in February, making it the seventh consecutive month of growth for the UK market.
According to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), supply-chain issues are now easing and brands are creeping closer to pre-pandemic levels of sales as a result.
While MG enjoyed an impressive start to 2023 with its HS SUV initially topping the sales charts, Vauxhall has now stormed into the lead. This is thanks to a combined total of over 4,600 Corsa superminis and Mokka SUVs being sold in February alone.
Both of these Vauxhalls are available with an all-electric powertrain, and this could be reflected in the fact that 22.8 per cent of all new cars sold in February were fitted with a plug. Hybrids, plug-in hybrids and battery-electric vehicles all saw growth yet again, with EVs now accounting for one in six new cars sold. Diesel, on the other hand, continues to fall out of favour, and its market share has dropped by 14.5 per cent compared to last year.
Below you’ll find the 10 best-selling cars in the UK for 2023 so far…
The UK’s best-selling cars 2023
Vauxhall Corsa
Volkswagen T-Roc
Nissan Qashqai
MG HS
Ford Puma
Hyundai Tucson
Kia Niro
Kia Sportage
Vauxhall Mokka
Ford Fiesta
1. Vauxhall Corsa – 5,243
The Vauxhall Corsa was the UK’s top-seller for several months in 2022, but it was eventually beaten by the Nissan Qashqai. Now, though, it has regained top honours. Vauxhall enjoyed a particularly successful February with the Corsa and Mokka being among the month’s best-sellers. As a result of this sales boost, this supermini has raced from fifth to first place for the year so far.
2. Volkswagen T-Roc – 4,616
Although the Golf family hatchback enjoyed a successful 2022, the VW T-Roc SUV is the only Volkswagen to be a top 10 seller in 2023 so far. The T-Roc is a mid-size SUV positioned as a higher-riding alternative to the Golf with a touch more style and practicality.
3.Nissan Qashqai – 4,318
Last year’s best-selling car is yet to move up from third place in 2023, and what’s more, its smaller sibling, the Juke, managed to outsell the Qashqai in February. If this trend continues, Nissan’s mid-size SUV pioneer could quickly find itself being knocked even further downwards.
4. MG HS – 4,042
The all-electric MG4 was one of the most significant new car launches last year, but it’s the older, combustion-powered MG HS SUV that’s doing the big numbers for the brand in 2023. The MG HS was the UK’s top-seller in January – largely thanks to stock being readily available – but its more-established rivals are quickly catching up.
5. Ford Puma – 3,906
Much like the Volkswagen T-Roc is to the Golf, the Ford Puma is an SUV sibling to the Fiesta – both cars share the same chassis. Fiesta supply issues meant that the Puma was Ford’s top seller of 2022, and it would appear to be following a similar trend so far in 2023.
6. Hyundai Tucson – 3,787
Much like its Kia Sportage sister car, the Hyundai Tucson has developed into a much more sophisticated vehicle than its predecessors. Class-leading levels of space, a striking design and solid build quality are just some of the reasons why we have named it our Mid-size SUV of the Year for two years in a row.
7. Kia Niro – 3,723
With hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully-electric variants all on offer, the Kia Niro caters for a wide range of customers. It’s not just the powertrain choices that appeal, either, as all Niros offer plenty of versatility and comfort, along with some impressive on-board technology.
8. Kia Sportage – 3,671
Kia is continuing its attempts to move up market and the latest Sportage is clear evidence of that process in action. The fifth-generation Sportage’s eye-catching styling, comfortable ride and up-to-date technology mean that this model has come a very long way from its utilitarian roots, and it’s far more appealing to buyers as a result.
9. Vauxhall Mokka – 3,479
The latest entry into the 2023 sales charts is the Vauxhall Mokka. This crossover led the way for SUV sales in February, and even managed to overtake many of its popular competitors such as the Nissan Juke and Toyota C-HR. The Mokka offers sharp styling and impressive fuel economy, but the brand’s recent introduction of zero per cent PCP finance could be another driving factor towards this model’s recent success.
10. Ford Fiesta – 3,345
Time may be ticking for the Fiesta, but it continues to be one of the UK’s favourites, even if it is still reeling from a recent sales slump. The Blue Oval’s supermini is a great all-rounder thanks to its reasonable practicality, low running costs and overall sense of fun.
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