The 10 best-selling cars in Britain in 2019

Close

News

3 mins read

6 January 2020

The Ford Fiesta was the UK's most-registered new car once again in 2019, although demand fell from 95,892 units in 2018 to 77,833 units last year.

That largely reflects pent-up demand for the new model 12 months ago, although the overall level of new car registrations fell by 2.3% across the year.

Notably, while the Fiesta outsold the second-placed Volkswagen Golf by more than 30,000 units in 2018, the gap was less than 20,000 in 2019, despite the latter model being in its run-out year. The Ford Focus took second place.

You can read about the overall new car registration levels for 2019 here. A brand-by-brand breakdown highlighting the winners and losers of 2019 is also available here.

Britain’s best-selling cars of 2019

1. Ford Fiesta - 77,833 units

Britain’s perennial favourite continues to top the charts, despite pressure from lower-priced rivals and the temptations of cheap PCP finance rates for some premium models. Little wonder, though, because it has a 4.5-star Autocar road test verdict, scoring well for ride, handling, interior quality and a smooth engine range.

2. Volkswagen Golf - 58,944 units

Set to be replaced early in 2020, the Mk7 Golf is going out on a high, thanks to the model's perennial popularity and some tempting discounts for canny buyers as dealers looked to run out stock levels.

Back to top

3. Ford Focus - 56,619 units

A return to form for the Focus, which was just fifth in the charts last year having been replaced during the course of the year. Registrations were up in 2019, thanks in part to it impressing our road testers with its driving dynamics, strong and economical engine range and quality for the price.

4. Vauxhall Corsa - 54,239 units

With sales mostly made up of the ageing Corsa, it bows out with a final flourish, thanks to some aggressive discounting and its popularity among new drivers. The all-new Corsa is now available, and it will be interesting to sww how far it can boost sales in 2020.

Back to top

5. Mercedes-Benz A-Class - 53,724 units

Who would have warranted that high-end Mercedes-Benz could get within spitting distance of the Vauxhall Corsa in the sales charts? The latest A-Class isn’t just a great value, especially on monthly pricing, but also a marked step up in terms of its on-road qualities and technology offerings.

6. Nissan Qashqai - 52,532 units

The model that kicked off the family SUV craze continued to top the charts for its sector in 2019. Even so, the level of discounting and the car’s availability on Motability did hint at the growing competition it faces, underlining that the all-new model can’t come soon enough.

Back to top

7. Ford Kuga - 41,671 units

Has a car ever contributed so much to a brand’s success so quietly? The Kuga stands out for decent handling, being refined and riding well. It has been chasing the Qashqai’s coat-tails for some time now, without drawing the acclaim it perhaps deserves.

8. Mini 3dr/5dr - 41,188 units

Britain loves a Mini, and particularly the three-door hatchback. The latest facelift back in 2018 - Union Flag headlights and all - has maintained interest, and the arrival of the electric model later this year is set to bring further interest to the marque.

Back to top

9. Volkswagen Polo - 37,453 units

Sixth in the charts last year, the baby Golf has had a harder time in 2019, falling down the listings and dropping around 7000 registrations. In part, that reflects growing competition and the addition of another year to the car’s presence in dealerships. However, the overall figure remains relatively strong.

10. Kia Sportage - 34,502 units

The Sportage’s presence in the outer reaches of the top 10 almost feels like a given now, and it underlines once again just how much the Kia brand has become part of the UK motoring firmament in recent years. The Sportage is an SUV that's stylish and decent to drive.