February saw a minor increase in car sales for the UK compared to the same month in 2018 – with an uptake of 1.4 per cent equating to 81,969 sales, contrasting the 80,805 for 2018.
Although overall sales for 2019 are down by 0.6 per cent compared to the opening two months, one manufacturer has had a fast start to the year.
Ford holds four of the top 10 sales for February and three in the current annual chart – but where do they sit?
1. Ford Fiesta – 3,399 sales
As has been the case for what seems like forever, the Fiesta is at the head of the pack. After a fast start to the year in January, the Fiesta is almost 2,000 units ahead of the second place car in the overall standings already – although Ford won’t be too displeased as to what car is next up.
2. Ford Focus – 2,537
The latest version of the Focus has made serious waves since it was introduced midway through 2018, and that popularity has continued into the start of 2019. It even ranks ahead of the usual second-place in the year-to-date standings by almost 600 units, with 6,934 Focus models sold so far.
3. Volkswagen Golf – 2,410
The Golf continues to be ever-present in the top three of the UK car market – even as this current generation comes to the end of its shelf life. With 6,340 sales so far this year, customer interest in the large hatchback doesn’t appear to be slowing down.
4. Mercedes A-Class – 2,509
Unveiled at the start of 2018, the A-Class is a tech-filled premium hatchback that looks cool and offers a quality finish in a small package. With 5,827 units sold so far this year, only the Golf is in front in the premium hatchback stakes.
5. Volkswagen Polo – 1,512
Volkswagen’s latest version of its popular supermini had a much better January compared to last month – but still managed to rank in the monthly top five. Ranking sixth in the overall table for 2019 with 4,475 sales, the Polo has almost half the sales of its more popular rival, the Ford Fiesta.
6. Nissan Qashqai – 1,449
The first crossover on the list is no surprise, as the Qashqai continues to be the UK’s SUV-type car of choice. Ranking fifth for 2019 so far, Nissan has sold 5,719 units of the Qashqai so far, putting it way ahead of the next-best crossover on the market, the Kia Sportage.
7. Ford Kuga – 1,402
Ford’s third model on the list continues its stay in the top 10 for the year-to-date and proves to be another success story for the American firm. Sitting in ninth for 2019, the Kuga now has 3,654 sales for the year so far.
8. Vauxhall Corsa – 1,306
Relatively speaking, the Vauxhall Corsa has fallen out of favour with British drivers, yet continues to rank in the top 10 every month. Although it severely lags behind the likes of the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo, the Corsa still has 4,403 sales for 2019 so far.
9. Ford EcoSport – 1,292
As Ford’s fourth model inside the monthly top 10, the EcoSport rounds off a great month for the American brand on the British scene. 1,292 customers took delivery of Ford’s compact crossover, giving it its first spot in the top 10 this year.
10. Volkswagen Tiguan – 1,258
Volkswagen mid-sized SUV also makes its first appearance in the top 10 for 2019, after having almost as good a month as the EcoSport. It may not rank inside the current 2019 top 10, but it certainly could be a great option for those wanting a premium SUV.
