February came and went in seemingly no time at all. March is here, as is the new ’20 plate’, with this also the time the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) releases its vehicle registration figures for the previous month.
Which cars were in demand in the UK in February? We take a look…
Volkswagen Golf – 3,457
Taking perhaps a surprising top spot is the Volkswagen Golf, breaking a long streak at the top for the Ford Fiesta.
With a new generation of the Golf due to arrive very shortly, it’s likely an array of excellent deals were the cause as showrooms looked to shift stock of the German hatchback.
Ford Fiesta — 3,123
Though knocked out of top spot, it’s hardly been a poor month for the Fiesta which comes second by a narrow margin in February.
Expect it to continue to be near or at the top for the foreseeable too, with the hatchback still available in a variety of configurations — from the wallet-friendly Trend to adrenaline-inducing ST guise — meaning there’s something for everyone.
Ford Focus — 2,764
Following behind the Fiesta is the larger Focus, signalling more success for Ford in the new car market.
It’s easy to see why, too. This household nameplate continues to be impressively equipped while offering excellent practicality and good value for money no matter the guise it appears in.
Vauxhall Corsa — 1,871
Having just arrived in an all-new generation, it’s no surprise to see sales of the Vauxhall Corsa continue to be high in the UK.
Its latest form is its mostly stylish and best equipped yet, so expect it to keep appearing near the top. Especially so once the all-electric Corsa-e arrives in showrooms.
Mercedes-Benz A-Class — 1,648
Representing the premium hatchback segment in the top 10 sales for February is the Mercedes A-Class.
The popular hatchback continues to be a favourite, offering serious quality and equipment in an accessible package. There’s no doubt the arrival of the AMG A45 will have helped things, too.
Vauxhall Grandland X — 1,540
Vauxhall’s range-topping SUV is again in the top 10, showing a testament to the firm’s aggressive marketing strategy for the model.
A hybrid version of the car has just hit the market too, so expect to see numbers rise once again in March.
Volkswagen Polo — 1,451
Despite entering its third year on sale now, demand for the latest Volkswagen Polo remains pretty strong.
This supermini offers an immense level of equipment for the segment as well as unprecedented levels of quality at its price point. It’s no wonder just shy of 1,500 units found new homes.
Mini — 1,339
Variants of the Mini have continued to be in demand despite the model having been around for quite some time now — a good sign for the British icon.
With the Electric joining the line-up very shortly too, we’re expecting to see the number of sales continue to rise over the coming months.
Nissan Qashqai — 1,293
Built in the UK, the Nissan Qashqai continues to be a popular choice for buyers on our shores too.
With excellent features like ProPilot available, as well as a range of efficient engines, its no surprise to see the Qashqai as one of the most in-demand crossovers.
BMW 5 Series — 1,286
Rounding out the list of February’s best-sellers is the BMW 5 Series. Introduced in its latest guise in 2017, it continues to offer plenty of equipment and quality.
As more versions are inevitably introduced as 2020 goes on, expect to see sales of the 5 Series continue strongly throughout the year.