The latest figures reveal the best-selling cars for 2022 so far…
2021 was an unpredictable year for the car industry and the latest car registration figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) suggests we could be in for more shocks in the UK’s top 10 best-selling cars list during 2022.
With pandemic struggles and global semiconductor shortages far from over, this year will be difficult to predict but the early signs are positive. 115,087 cars were sold in January 2022, up a reassuring 27.5 per cent in comparison to January 2021. The rise in popularity for electric cars is still on show with EV sales rising 130.6 per cent year-on year and accounting for 12.5 per cent of total new car sales.
Diesel continues to be on a downward trend, dropping by half in comparison to January 2021 and taking just a 5.2 per cent share of total sales.
In terms of individual model sales, the Kia Sportage is leading the way for 2022 so far with the Ford Puma following suit and the Kia Niro securing third spot – highlighting the strong demand for small SUVs.
The UK’s best-selling cars for 2021
Kia Sportage – 3,458
The Kia Sportage finished ninth overall in 2021 – taking the title of Britain’s third most popular SUV. This year it has started brightly, selling over 800 units more than its nearest rival. A new 2022 model is on sale now and it could take top honours for the year as we think it’s the best one yet.
Ford Puma – 2,608
The Ford Fiesta has been a fixture at the top of the UK’s best selling cars list for what seems like a lifetime but it didn’t finish in the top 10 for 2021. Instead, it was up to the Puma to spearhead the Blue Oval’s sales push. Britain’s eighth best-selling car of 2021 is doing even better in 2022 and with the Fiesta still missing out on the top 10 despite receiving a new facelift, the Puma could be Ford’s big achiever once again.
Kia Niro – 2,372
The Kia Niro may be getting on a bit but it’s still proving to be a successful model for the Korean brand. A new Niro will be coming out later this year with a similar range featuring a hybrid, a plug-in hybrid, and the fully electric e-Niro variant, so Kia is doing a great job of shifting the current model.
MINI – 2,313
The MINI has an excellent 2021, taking an astonishing third spot on the overall list. The addition of an all-electric model helped bump up sales figures, and we think it’s a premium, well-built and charming supermini – so it definitely deserves its spot on here.
Vauxhall Corsa – 2,285
There’s still a long way to go before we crown Britain’s best-selling car for 2022. The Vauxhall Corsa topped the chart by over 6,000 units last year so don’t rule it out for making it two in a row come December.
Hyundai Tucson – 2,236
We were so impressed by the Hyundai Tucson when it launched last year that we gave it the coveted ‘Mid-size SUV of the Year’ title at our New Car Awards. The Tucson’s more premium approach may even bring in a new clientele in 2022, our Tucson long-term test car certainly ticked all the right boxes as a family SUV.
Vauxhall Mokka – 2,194
The latest Vauxhall Mokka is a significant step up from the old model. Sitting on the CMP platform shared with the Vauxhall Corsa and Peugeot 208, the Mokka is available with a diesel, petrol or even a fully-electric powertrain so there’s something for all tastes.
Ford Focus – 1,822
There was a time when the Ford Focus was as familiar a sight as the Fiesta near the top of the UK’s best-selling cars list. Not featuring in the top 10 for 2021, Ford’s fun-driving family hatch has started 2022 well, placing ahead of key hatchback rivals like the Volkswagen Golf and Mercedes A-Class.
Volkswagen T-Roc – 1,813
The T-Roc has plenty of the ingredients needed to be a success in the UK market. It has a stylish SUV body, is based on a sensible Golf platform and it’s available with a variety of powertrains – from the brilliant 1.0 TSI to the 296bhp 2.0-litre T-Roc R. Only time will tell if it’ll provide stiff competition to the best-selling SUVs.
Toyota Corolla – 1,767
The Corolla regularly places in the top 10 best-selling cars in the world so it shouldn’t be a surprise that it features here. A fully-fledged hot hatch GR version could be on its way, but for now it’s difficult to argue with the Prius-derived hybrid powertrains and the option of the practical estate model.
Keyword: Best-selling cars 2022: the UK’s top 10 most popular models