Roses are red, violets are blue, and here are the cars that we like to buy new.
Yes, it’s Valentine’s Day, and as a nation that adores its cars, there are plenty of reasons to fall in love with driving all over again – not least the 10 most loved cars in the country right now.
Stylish, technologically advanced and better made than ever, today’s cars are the best there have ever been. Here are the current best sellers so far in 2018, along with whether or not we think they’re hot or not…
1. Ford Fiesta
The previous generation Fiesta was always a hot date, taking top spot in the sales charts year after year. And it seems we still love it as much as ever. Cleaner, lighter and more agile than its predecessor, the latest generation of Ford’s supermini has class-leading connectivity. It’s also a terrific small car to drive, with a dealership in almost every town.
2. Volkswagen Golf
British motorists’ love affair with the handsome Volkswagen Golf is hotter than ever, with the mainstream yet premium hatch proving the perfect match for fleet drivers and private motorists alike. There’s a huge amount to love about the Golf, not least the fact it’s also a leader in electric and plug-in hybrid technology, with the e-Golf and sporty Golf GTE.
3. Ford Focus
Third place in the romance stakes goes to the Ford Focus, which woos its admirers with great road manners and solid value for money. It’s also a dream date for technology lovers, with its SYNC connectivity system. The 1.0-litre EcoBoost turbo engine punches above its weight, while there’s an electric model, too.
4. Nissan Qashqai
The Qashqai is the car of choice for those seeking a private liaison, as the most popular car among non-fleet customers. The British built king of suburbia is one of the best and safest crossovers on the market, and it seems that Middle England’s love affair with the school run favourite shows no signs of abating. The 1.2 DGT turbo is the best bet for a long-term relationship.
5. Vauxhall Mokka X
The Mokka X is the car for urban motorists who want to let their head rule their heart – it’s hardly a stunner, but the compact crossover is likely to be a faithful companion, and that, in turn, could lead to you and it being perfectly happy in each other’s company. It’s a case of function ruling over form, but the Mokka X is spacious and there are some great deals out there right now.
6. Mercedes A-Class
The first of two Mercedes-Benz models in the 2018 top 10 so far, the A-Class’s destiny is written in the (three-pointed) stars. And there are many reasons to fall in love with it, from its well-appointed cabin to its strong residual values and prestige image.
7. Kia Sportage
It has come under threat from various suitors in recent months, with the SEAT Ateca, Skoda Kodiaq and Volkswagen T-ROC all bringing fresh meat to the crossover market. Yet it’s the Kia Sportage that’s the one that many buyers still want to take out – bigger than the Nissan Qashqai, with a longer warranty and similar pricing, it’s an appealing companion.
8. Vauxhall Corsa
Even in its golden years, the Corsa can still pull the youngsters, as proven by the fact it remains in the top 10 sellers despite being a more mature partner. It lacks the technological features of many of its rivals, and it’s built on a dated platform, but Corsa is a name that still resonated with younger motorists and there’s a dealer in every town, which makes it a simple partner to love.
9. Ford Kuga
There’s a certain type of individual who loves the idea of a Kuga, and the latest version of Ford’s small SUV is much more than just a long-overdue facelift. Indeed, with models ranging from the Plain Jane Zetec, via the racy ST Line, to the fur coat-clad Vignale, there’s a Kuga to suit all types and tastes. It’s a great ride, too.
10. Mercedes C-Class
The most exclusive lover in this group is the C-Class – a car that has stolen more hearts than any of its compact executive rivals for more than a year, now. The C-Class is elegant, clever and extremely safe, while the plug-in hybrid model also won’t hit your wallet too hard. Stylish and surprisingly sporty to drive, it’s one of the hottest dates for the nation’s fleet managers and user choosers alike, and that’s reflected in the sales charts.