The list of the UK’s top 10 best-selling cars has never been so diverse, with everything from superminis to crossovers, via compact hatchbacks and even small executive models making up the numbers.
2017 may be slightly behind 2016 in terms of total sales volume, but it’s probably the most diverse marketplace there has ever been, while the Ford Fiesta remains the runaway most popular car in the UK.
Here are the current market leaders, and why we think they’re sitting pretty at the top of the charts.
1. Ford Fiesta
The previous generation Fiesta was a permanent top seller, and the current model looks set to pick up the mantle. Cleaner, lighter and more agile than its predecessor, the latest generation of Ford’s supermini also has class-leading connectivity. It’s also a hoot to drive. A great car that thoroughly deserves its success.
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2. Ford Focus
The Focus has always served up a combination of great road manners and impressive value for money, and it continues to do both, but with more in the way of tech. Its SYNC connectivity system is excellent, while the 1.0-litre EcoBoost turbo engine, in particular, is a fantastic unit. It remains the UK’s favourite fleet car, and one of the most popular cars among private motorists, too.
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3. Volkswagen Golf
Mainstream yet premium, the Volkswagen Golf has a feel-good factor that makes it a hugely desirable choice in both the private and company car sectors. There’s a huge amount to like about the Golf, not least the fact it’s also a leader in electric and plug-in hybrid technology. Clearly the VW emissions scandal of 2016 has done nothing to hamper sales.
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4. Nissan Qashqai
Private buyers can’t get enough of the Qashqai, which has become the default choice of family runabout in deepest, darkest suburbia. Gone are the days where estate cars reigned supreme for family motorists – the crossover is where it’s at, and the Qashqai is not only one of the best to own and drive, but also one of the safest.
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5. Vauxhall Corsa
Unlike the Corsa, the Astra is a technologically brilliant car and one that’s bang up to date, with excellent roadholding, good in-car tech, impressive build quality and striking styling, at least as a hatchback. The estate model is arguably a bit too traditional. But the mainstream market is hugely competitive, and the Astra can’t match the volumes of the Focus or Golf.
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6. Vauxhall Astra
Unlike the Corsa, the Astra is a technologically brilliant car and one that’s bang up to date, with excellent roadholding, good in-car tech, impressive build quality and striking styling, at least as a hatchback. The estate model is arguably a bit too traditional. But the mainstream market is hugely competitive, and the Astra can’t match the volumes of the Focus or Golf.
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7. Volkswagen Polo
Volkswagen’s latest Polo is a superb supermini, with a feeling of solidity that gives it the sense of being a bigger and classier car from behind the wheel. It’s not the most agile of small cars, but what it lacks in driver excitement it makes up for it engineering quality and refinement. Not only does the Polo sell well, but it also commands good money.
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8. Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Mercedes-Benz has been going great guns in 2017, overtaking both Audi and BMW in the sales charts. The car that has led the charge is the latest C-Class, which is something a bit different in a market of identikit compact executive saloons. Technologically advanced, stylish and surprisingly sporty to drive, it’s a huge hit in the company car park.
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9. MINI
For over 15 years, MINI has been a pretty much permanent fixture in the top 10 best sellers. Sure, the MINI is a niche product, but it also goes to show that when you create a niche that has such broad appeal, there’s success to be had. With a more diverse range and more performance options than ever before, the British-built baby continues to boom.
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10. Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Not content with the C-Class dominating the compact executive sector, the latest Mercedes A-Class also puts in an appearance in the Top 10. Like the Mini, it serves a niche, but in the case of the A-Class it’s one that enables it to compete against crossovers, family hatchbacks and even compact executives, given the brand’s upmarket appeal.
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Here’s our top list on the best new cars for 2017
