It’s safe to say that 2020 was a year like no other, not least when it came to the automotive world.
With car showrooms being closed for various months during the year, it shook the new car market, with registrations down almost 30 per cent compared to the same period in 2019.
But there are more positives to come from 2020. This is particularly the case when you look at the popularity of electrified models, with demand for EVs rising by 186 per cent, along with plug-in hybrids increasing by 91 per cent.
But what about the new cars that sold best? Let’s take a look…
1. Ford Fiesta, 49,174
While there may have been plenty of uncertainty during 2020, one thing that hasn’t changed is that the Ford Fiesta remains the UK’s most popular car – sitting right at the top of the charts, with almost 50,000 being registered.
A mix of value for money, attractive finance deals and a brilliant driving experience ensures the Fiesta remains a brilliant supermini.
Enquire on a new Ford Fiesta2. Vauxhall Corsa, 46,439
The introduction of a new generation Corsa has proved hugely successful for Vauxhall in 2020, with this latest car’s style, improved driving experience and electric derivative option making it a hit with buyers as 46,439 were registered.
While it knocked off the Fiesta off the top spot in several months in 2020, overall the Corsa takes a still impressive second position.
Enquire on a new Vauxhall Corsa3. Volkswagen Golf, 43,109
This year has been a big one for Volkswagen as it launched a new eight-generation model of its Golf, as well as its new ID.3 EV, which is also proving hugely popular already.
So with a mixture of seventh- and eighth-generation Golf models being registered this year, it’s certainly helped this model’s fortunes. And with a range of new derivatives on the way – including a GTE plug-in hybrid and R hot hatch, this model’s success is unlikely to falter in 2021.
Enquire on a new Volkswagen Golf4. Ford Focus, 39,372
While hatchback buyers might increasingly be tempted by crossovers and SUVs, models such as the Ford Focus continue to prove especially popular, with just shy of 40,000 versions of this brilliant family car being registered in 2020.
Just like the Fiesta, the Focus offers something to suit most – with sporty, value-packed and rugged versions of this Ford all on offer.
Enquire on a new Ford Focus5. Mercedes A-Class, 37,608
The Mercedes A-Class has continued to be this premium manufacturer’s best-selling model by some margin in 2020, and proved far more popular than key rivals from Audi and BMW.
A suite of options – from affordable diesels to impressive hybrids and monstrous hot hatches mean the A-Class is many things to many people, helping the brand to register 37,608 last month.
Enquire on a new Mercedes A-Class6. Nissan Qashqai, 33,972
The Qashqai continues to hold onto its sixth place position in 2020, and remains the UK’s most popular crossover – value for money, practicality and bold styling going a long way to help this model’s success.
Nissan will also showcase a new third-generation version of this British-built crossover in 2020, which will usher in hybrid powertrains for the first time, and give this model an even more striking design inspired by the latest Juke.
Enquire on a new Nissan Qashqai7. Mini, 31,233
A fellow Brit also continues to be one of the UK’s most popular cars, with the Oxford-built Mini Hatch’s success remaining just as strong in 2020.
This iconic model’s funky styling, high-quality interior and great driving experience ensures it remains high on the shopping lists of buyers looking for an upmarket supermini.
Enquire on a new MINI Hatch8. Volkswagen Polo, 26,965
This Volkswagen continues to be another of the UK’s most popular hatchbacks, with the Polo rising up the charts this year.
A mix of a practical interior, premium image and impressive comfort and refinement means the Polo continues to be one of the best superminis on the market today.
Enquire on a new Volkswagen Polo9. Ford Puma, 26,294
While the Puma might have only arrived in UK showrooms at the start of 2020, it’s already one of the UK’s most popular cars, and also the best-seller in the compact crossover segment.
With 26,294 already being registered this year, the Puma will likely prove even more popular in 2020, especially with the arrival of a sporty new ST model, which is based on the superb Fiesta ST hot hatch.
Enquire on a new Ford Puma10. Volvo XC40, 25,023
Another new entry for 2020 is the Volvo XC40, this Scandinavian brand’s most affordable compact SUV that accounted for more half of the brand’s total sales last year.
With a high-quality interior, striking design and choice of efficient hybrid powertrains, it’s proving quite the hit – not least with company car drivers thanks to the attractively low tax rates.
Enquire on a new Volvo XC40
