The coronavirus pandemic meant car showrooms were closed for the entirety of April and May, and with forecourts allowed to open from June 1 in England, last month was the first chance for many buyers to get behind the wheel of a new car.
While figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show that new car sales fell by 35 per cent in June, it’s a positive step forward compared to the 99 and 89 per cent year-on-year declines in registrations in the previous two months.
It was also good news for electrified models, with EVs surging in popularity by 261 per cent compared to this time last year, and plug-in hybrids and hybrids also increasing by 117 and 19 per cent respectively.
But what were the cars that proved to be the most popular in June, here we take a look at the 10 best sellers…
1. Vauxhall Corsa
The latest generation of Vauxhall’s Corsa supermini only arrived in showrooms at the beginning of this year, yet it’s already proving to be a hit – being the UK’s most popular new car in June, with 4,528 being produced.
This latest Corsa is a big step forward compared to its predecessor thanks to its cool styling, new technology and a higher-quality interior. Buyers are also able to choose an electric version for the first time, with the Corsa-e EV.
2. Ford Fiesta
It’s a return to form for the Ford Fiesta this month, with this popular supermini rising back to second position, only just missing out on the top spot, with 4,386 examples being registered.
The Fiesta’s huge amount of choice on offer – including everything from entry-level Trend versions through to the ST hot hatch ensures there is something for everyone. Ford’s also recently updated the Fiesta, with new efficient mild-hybrid powertrains joining the line-up.
3. Toyota Yaris
While most manufacturers saw their new car registrations plummet in June, Toyota was one of the few exceptions, as the firm saw a slight increase in sales – rather impressive in the current market.
And that success is likely down to the firm’s popular Yaris, which was the third best-selling car last month. Despite a new version set to arrive shortly, the outgoing model’s efficient hybrid powertrains and coveted reliability record clearly make this an appealing choice, with 4,200 finding homes in June.
4. Ford Focus
The Focus is another regular in this best-selling cars list, and with the market beginning to recover, this popular Ford climbs back up the rankings this month with the firm registering 3,551 examples.
Just like the Fiesta, there are loads of derivatives on offer, while it’s also recently benefited from upgrades. These include new mild-hybrid petrol engines, which offer greater efficiency and responsiveness than before, along with additional technology (such as a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster) and revised trim levels to offer greater value.
5. Mini
With UK factories back to business, it’s great to see a Brit-built on this list, with the popular Mini being the fifth most popular new car in June, as 3,400 were delivered.
The Mini’s cool styling, fun driving experience and newly-introduced electric derivative are all helping to make sure this hatch remains as popular as it always has been.
6. Volkswagen Golf
The Golf is another new model for 2020, with Volkswagen introducing its new eight-generation hatchback at the worst possible time – just as the UK was entering lockdown.
While that stalled deliveries, with normality returning it’s great to see the Golf on this list again, with 3,042 versions being registered. Key changes to the latest Golf include its new digitalised interior and efficient mild-hybrid powertrains.
7. Mercedes A-Class
Mercedes has smashed it with its latest A-Class, and this premium hatchback continues to prove especially popular. While not ranked as high up the charts in May, 2,889 versions of this junior Mercedes were still registered in June.
Choice is absolutely key to the A-Class’s appeal, with buyers able to choose between everything from small efficient diesels to plug-in hybrids and 415bhp hot hatchbacks.
8. Nissan Qashqai
With Nissan’s Sunderland factory reopening in June, the Qashqai that’s built there has returned to the charts, and with 2,821 versions being registered, it’s proving as popular as ever.
While a new version is set to debut later this year, the current car’s practical interior, affordable price and lengthy standard kit levels are still plenty of reasons for buyers to choose it.
9. Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 was one of few cars that seemed to benefit from the coronavirus lockdown, with this US-built EV being the most popular car in both April and May while showrooms were closed. The firm operated a different dealer model to most that enabled plenty of cars to still be delivered.
While the Model 3, which is capable of up to 348 miles on a single charge, has fallen to ninth position in June, with 2,517 versions being registered, it’s still proving very popular – and accounting for a large chunk of overall electric car sales.
10. Volkswagen Tiguan
Last but not least is the Volkswagen Tiguan – the firm’s classy and high-quality model that sits in the hugely popular mid-size crossover category.
While Volkswagen only unveiled an updated version last week, plenty of buyers are still choosing the outgoing version, which continues to be a spacious and well-built family car. A total of 2,494 new Tiguans were registered in June.
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