With car showrooms remaining closed for the entirety of May due to the ongoing coronavirus situation, it’s no massive surprise that registrations plummeted for the second month in a row.
Last month, buyers of new cars were only able to have their new cars delivered to their homes, or pick it up from the dealership in the middle of the month once ‘click and collect’ was permitted.
The figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show that new car registrations dropped by a large 89 per cent, with 20,247 new cars registered in total.
That’s clearly a huge drop, but within that figure there is some more positive news – particularly for electric cars, which saw a 21.5 per cent rise in registrations – accounting for 12 per cent of all sales.
And with car showrooms open to the public from June 1, registrations are likely to make for much better reading data next month.
But which models outshone the rest in May 2020? Here we look at the UK’s most popular new cars…
1. Tesla Model 3
Tesla is a firm that doesn’t seem to be as affected by the coronavirus situation as other manufacturers, as it’s the firm’s most affordable electric model – the Model 3 – that’s the UK’s most popular car for the second month in a row.
The Model 3 is proving to be one of the desirable EVs around, and with prices starting from £40,490, it represents decent value for money – particularly with the tech and long range it offers. A total of 852 versions of this Tesla were registered in May.
2. Vauxhall Corsa
The Vauxhall Corsa has long been one of the UK’s most popular new cars, and even during the current crisis, it’s continuing to lead the way.
The new Corsa arrived in showrooms at the start of this year, and with its stylish look, more upmarket interior and enjoyable driving experience, buyers are clearly loving it. You can also have it as an EV for the first time too, with the Corsa-e. While Vauxhall will be hoping for improvements next month, it still registered a decent 790 versions of this supermini last month.
3. Ford Fiesta
The Ford Fiesta is usually reliably Britain’s most popular new car each and every month, but sales of this fun hatch have been hit in recent months – it disappeared from the charts entirely in April.
But it has returned to form this month, with the Fiesta making its way into the top three, with 760 examples being registered. It also remains the most popular new car throughout the year so far.
4. Mercedes A-Class
The Mercedes A-Class is now a regular in the top 10 chart, with this premium hatchback appealing to a huge range of buyers – helping the German firm to sell 552 versions in May, and making it the fourth most popular new car.
The sheer choice on offer is enough to explain its popularity – from frugal diesels to plug-in hybrids and 415bhp hot hatches.
5. Ford Focus
The Focus has been a regular in the sales charts for years and it returned to the top 10 last month, with Ford registering 502 versions of its affordable hatchback.
It’s another car that offers something for everyone – from affordable Zetec models to luxurious Vignale models and sporty ST hot hatch versions.
6. Volvo XC40
While Volvo is a popular firm in the UK, none of its model usually sell well enough to make this list. But in times like these, the best-selling list unearths some surprises. And the XC40 in sixth position is one of those, and the first time Volvo has had a car in the top 10 for some time.
But given the XC40 is one of the best compact SUVs on sale, it’s very deserving of this place – buyers love its spacious interior and stylish design. The introduction of a new T5 plug-in hybrid will have no doubt aided sales in May, with 464 models being registered.
7. BMW 1 Series
If you’re after a family hatchback that offers a high-quality interior and great driving experience, one of the options is undoubtedly the BMW 1 Series.
Whether you’re looking for a frugal and affordable diesel or a hot hatch, this BMW delivers, and with attractive finance offers, plenty of buyers are signing up – even at these uncertain times. Last month saw 331 new 1 Series models being sold.
8. Mercedes GLC
Here’s another surprise, with the Mercedes GLC making its way onto the top 10 list for the first time. This premium mid-size SUV rivals the likes of the BMW X3 and Audi Q5, and is a good choice if you’re looking for an upmarket family car, with buyers clearly agreeing as 328 found homes in May.
The GLC was overhauled last year with updated styling and Mercedes’ latest MBUX infotainment system, while a plug-in hybrid is set to join the line-up shortly.
9. Ford Kuga
The previous-generation Ford Kuga was one of the UK’s most popular crossovers, and it’s great to see that this brand-new model is also proving to be success with Ford registering 303 versions.
It’s only been in the UK for a matter of months, and is a big step forward from its predecessor – both in terms of quality and style. You can also have it as a plug-in hybrid for the first time, while efficient mild-hybrid diesel engines are always on offer too.
10. Mercedes E-Class
Judging on this list alone, Mercedes seemed to have a great month when it comes to registrations, with its executive E-Class model being the third car from the firm to appear in this top 10 list.
It’s a popular car with the business market and fleets, which is where many of the 290 registered have likely gone. However, it’s well worth considering with its superb interior and outstanding refinement and comfort. A heavily revised model is also set to arrive in showrooms in the next couple of months.
