The latest figures reveal the best selling models in 2023 so far
- The UK’s best-selling cars 2023
- 1. MG HS – 3,481
- 2. Volkswagen T-Roc – 3,256
- 3.Nissan Qashqai – 3,121
- 4. Kia Niro – 2,625
- 5. Vauxhall Corsa – 2,425
- 6. Kia Sportage – 2,409
- 7. Ford Puma – 2,316
- 8. MG ZS – 2,260
- 9. Hyundai Tucson – 2,259
- 10. Ford Fiesta – 2,042
The first new car registration figures for 2023 are in from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Although there are still a number of challenges facing both carmakers and customers, the new car market has enjoyed a sixth consecutive month of growth with a total of 131,994 new cars being registered – this is a year-on-year rise of 14.7 per cent for January registrations.
A number of 2022’s top-sellers have managed to stay within the top 10 at the start of 2023, but MG’s low prices appear to be making an increasing impression on buyers with both the HS and ZS managing to overtake some well-established rivals at the top of the charts. A shortage of supply of some models continues to have a major impact on the car market and is another factor behind some of the unexpected inclusions and absences in the top 10.
The soon-to-be axed Ford Fiesta remains a firm UK favourite, but it’s still yet to overtake its arch-rival, the Vauxhall Corsa. These two superminis are the only non-SUVs in the top 10. Electric cars account for 13% of the market, a 19.8% increase on last year, while diesel is only 4%, 12.1% down on 12 months ago.
The UK’s best-selling cars 2023
- MG HS
- Volkswagen T-Roc
- Nissan Qashqai
- Kia Niro
- Vauxhall Corsa
- Kia Sportage
- Ford Puma
- MG ZS
- Hyundai Tucson
- Ford Fiesta
Below you’ll find the 10 best selling cars in the UK for 2023 so far…
1. MG HS – 3,481
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 January 2023. So much so that it was the overall best-selling car in the UK for the month.
Competitive pricing, a large amount of standard safety kit and plenty of practicality are clearly a winning combination for buyers – as is the fact that MG clearly has no problem supplying the HS to customers in a timely fashion. The success of the MG is even more admirable when you consider the fierce competition that it faces in the modern mid-size SUV market.
2. Volkswagen T-Roc – 3,256
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 – 3,121
Last year’s best-selling car hasn’t quite made the top of the charts in 2023, but it’s holding its own with well over 3,000 sales in January. Originally launched in 2007, the Nissan Qashqai is credited as one of the pioneers of the crossover market boom and, now in its third generation, it remains one of the best mid-size SUVs you can buy.
4. Kia Niro – 2,625
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.
5. Vauxhall Corsa – 2,425
The Vauxhall Corsa was the UK’s overall top-seller for several months in 2022, and it continues to lead the way for the supermini sector in 2023 – it’s one of only two non-SUVs to appear on this list. Supply problems with the Ford Fiesta allowed the Vauxhall to fill the gap and although Fiesta sales have increased more recently, the Corsa is still leading the way.
6. Kia Sportage – 2,409
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.
7. Ford Puma – 2,316
Much like the Volkwswagen 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.
8. MG ZS – 2,260
While MG’s mid-size HS sits in the top spot, the smaller ZS isn’t far behind. While this small SUV does lack a little in terms of quality when compared to rivals, it undercuts many of them on price. A standard 7-year/80,000-mile warranty sweetens the deal for potential buyers, too.
9. Hyundai Tucson – 2,259
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.
10. Ford Fiesta – 2,042
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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Keyword: Best-selling cars 2023: the UK’s top 10 most popular models