Though August is usually a quiet month for new car registrations – as many choose to wait until September when a new number plate is introduced (‘71’ this year) – last month saw sales take a real hit, falling by 22 per cent.
However, this was mainly due to the continued supply issues linked to the semiconductor shortage – these ‘chips’ being key to many technological features on the latest cars.
Despite that, there were plenty of positives, as demand for the latest electrified models continued to increase – with electric cars, plug-in hybrids and hybrids all up, by 32.2, 72.1 and 75.8 per cent respectively. In fact, these models accounted for nearly 30 per cent of overall sales.
But what about the individual new cars that proved to be the most popular? Let’s take a look...
1. Ford Puma, 1,801 registrations
Ford’s Puma crossover has quickly been gathering momentum but this is an important milestone as it was August’s best-selling new car overall, with 1,801 registrations.
With its practical interior, fun driving experience and affordability, it’s tempting many buyers out of more conventional hatchbacks. With efficient hybrid powertrains on offer – as well as a sporty ST version – there’s certainly plenty to like about this crossover.
Enquire on a new Ford Puma2. Volkswagen Polo, 1,761
Though a facelifted Polo might be reaching showrooms in the next couple of months, this outgoing supermini remains a great option – and buyers clearly agree as it was ranked as the second most popular new car last month.
Combining impressive refinement and comfort levels, which you’d typically only expect from a far larger car, the Polo also has a well-built interior and is surprisingly practical, with decent rear seat space and a large boot. It’s certainly a tempting option for those wishing to downsize.
Enquire on a new Volkswagen Polo3. Toyota Yaris, 1,480
Toyota’s models are proving hugely popular these days, and none more so than its Yaris supermini. With its stylish look and class-leading equipment and safety level, there’s plenty to like about this small car.
With the exception of the GR Yaris hot hatch, it also comes exclusively with hybrid powertrains, which are both easy to drive and live with, as well as very efficient. You should certainly see a noticeable drop in petrol costs with this Toyota.
Enquire on a new Toyota Yaris4. Kia Sportage, 1,355
Kia might have only unveiled its latest Sportage for Europe last month, but sales of the outgoing version are showing no signs of slowing, with this South-Korean SUV outselling traditional best-sellers like the Nissan Qashqai and Volkswagen Tiguan.
With its practical interior, generous equipment levels and class-leading seven-year warranty, it’s not hard to see why so many buyers are opting for the Sportage.
Enquire on a new Kia Sportage5. BMW 3 Series, 1,277
While we’re often told that UK buyers just aren’t choosing traditional saloons and estate cars these days, the BMW 3 Series bucks that trend, being the UK’s fifth best-selling car in August.
With an impressively well-built interior, brilliant driving experience and a huge choice of powertrains – from sporty petrol options to efficient diesels and even plug-in hybrids – the 3 Series deserves to be just as popular as it is.
Enquire on a new BMW 3 Series6. Hyundai Tucson, 1,169
Hyundai is a brand that’s going from strength to strength, and its Tucson crossover is a brilliant example of this. This is a car that’s improved hugely over the years, with its striking design and premium interior really standing out from the crowd.
It’s roomier than it’s ever been too, while also is available with a wide range of electrified powertrains, including a mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid.
Enquire on a new Hyundai Tucson7. Vauxhall Corsa, 1,166
Though Vauxhall’s Corsa might have slid down the charts this month, it’s important to note that this remains the UK’s best-selling car in 2021 so far, and by quite some margin.
While the Corsa has always been a popular choice with buyers, this latest supermini is the best yet, being stylish to look at, brimming with technology and being good to drive too. You can choose an electric Corsa-e too if you’d rather an EV.
Enquire on a new Vauxhall Corsa8. Ford Fiesta, 1,057
While the Fiesta might not be proving quite so popular as it once was, this Ford continues to be one of the best-selling cars in its class. And with its fun driving experience, generous equipment levels and affordable prices, it remains a great option if you’re in the market for a small car.
If you want something a little sportier, the Fiesta ST hot hatch is among one of the best cars in its class where driving thrills are concerned.
Enquire on a new Ford Fiesta9. Mercedes A-Class, 1,047
Many buyers are increasingly considering more premium models – rather than run-of-the-mill options – and the Mercedes A-Class is a perfect example of this. With affordable finance rates – due to how well it holds its value – it’s not hard to see why plenty are fancying something a bit more upmarket.
There’s plenty to like about the A-Class too, including its tech-laden interior, impressive build quality and huge choice of powertrains, ranging from entry-level petrol models to plug-in hybrids and hot hatches with more than 400bhp.
Enquire on a new Mercedes-Benz A-Class10. Toyota Corolla, 1,033
It’s another entry into the top 10 charts for Toyota in August, with its Corolla proving a big hit with both private and fleet customers. Only available with hybrid powertrains these days, the Corolla also looks the part and is good to drive as well.
It’s also the only British-built car on this list, and with a choice of a hatchback, saloon and estate car bodystyle, there’s plenty to like about this Corolla.
Enquire on a new Toyota Corolla