With car showrooms being closed across the UK for the vast majority of January, it wasn’t the start to the year that the automotive industry wanted.
And while you’re still able to buy a car with ‘click and collect’ and home delivery, registrations fell by 39.5 per cent in January, compared to the previous year, according to data revealed today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
But amid the gloom, there was still positivity, with EVs and plug-in hybrids continuing to rise in popularity, while a number of cars continues to prove popular, too.
Here are January’s best-selling cars.
1. Vauxhall Corsa: 3,078 registered
It’s safe to say that the Corsa had a great start to the year, rising to the top of the charts as the most popular new car in January – Vauxhall registering 3,078 examples.
The current car only arrived in showrooms at this time last year, with its mix of value, style and a good driving experience making it a big hit. The option of the electric Corsa-e also continues to bolster its appeal.
Enquire on a new Vauxhall2. Kia Sportage: 2,986
Kia’s 2021 has got off to a brilliant start, with the South Korean manufacturer nearly matching its pre-coronavirus sales from 2020. And up there at the top as the brand’s second best-selling model is the Sportage.
With its mix of practicality, affordable pricing and Kia’s superb seven-year warranty, it’s easy to see why this SUV is proving so popular, with nearly 3,000 registered in January.
Enquire on a new Kia Sportage3. Nissan Qashqai: 2,835
While the next-generation Nissan Qashqai will be revealed shortly, the outgoing car continues to prove especially popular and was the third best-selling car in January, with Nissan registering 2,835 versions.
While the outgoing Qashqai might be starting to show its age in places, this crossover’s practicality, value and impressive safety kit ensures it remains a hit.
Enquire on a new Nissan Qashqai4. Ford Fiesta: 2,594
While not at the top of the chart like normal, the Ford Fiesta continues to remain a big hit across the UK, with nearly 2,600 being registered in January.
With a host of derivatives to choose from, along with an efficient mild-hybrid petrol engine, it remains one of the best superminis on the market today. The sporty ST hot hatch is also one of the most fun new cars you can buy today.
Enquire on a new Ford Fiesta5. Volvo XC40: 2,201
The XC40 continues to be a huge hit for Volvo, and accounts for a huge chunk of its sales, with 2,201 being registered last month.
Thanks to a striking design, practical interior and range of hybrid models, it remains one of the best compact premium SUVs around, and easily outsells rivals from Mercedes and Audi.
Enquire on a new Volvo XC406. Mercedes A-Class: 1,859
Proving that buyers’ tastes for something more premium remains as strong as ever, the Mercedes A-Class was the best-selling option in the family hatchback class in January.
With a stand-out interior, impressive build quality and huge suite of derivatives to choose from – from low-priced petrols to plug-in hybrids and even a 415bhp hot hatch – the A-Class is a car with plenty of strings to its bow.
Enquire on a new Mercedes A-Class7. Volkswagen Golf: 1,779
While the Volkswagen Golf might have slipped down the charts this month, this eighth-generation model remains hugely popular and Volkswagen’s best-selling car in the UK.
The introduction of sporty GTI, GTD and GTE models has bolstered its fortunes recently, while buyers will shortly be able to get their hands on the flagship ‘R’ hot hatch, which packs 316bhp from its turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine.
Enquire on a new Volkswagen Golf8. Ford Puma 1,760
If you want a fun, practical and well-equipped family crossover, there are few better options than Ford’s excellent Puma.
It’s another model that has only been around since this time last year, but has already established itself as a constant in this list. With a hot ‘ST’ model just arriving in showrooms, this is set to add to the Puma’s appeal further.
Enquire on a new Ford Puma9. Kia Niro: 1,741
With buyers increasingly considering electrified options when it comes to changing their cars, the Kia Niro is well placed for this, as you can choose it as a standard hybrid, a plug-in hybrid and also an EV that boasts an impressive 282-mile range.
In fact the latter was the best-selling EV in January, and means the Niro’s fortunes are only on the up, with 1,741 versions finding homes last month.
Enquire on a new Kia Niro10. Ford Focus: 1,686
Rounding off the best-selling cars list in January is the Ford Focus, with 1,686 versions being registered. While not as popular as it once was, it remains a car that’s tough to beat in the family hatchback class thanks to being one of the best cars to drive in this segment, and also one of the most efficient, too.
The huge range of models to choose from also adds to its popularity, including versions like the rugged Active, sporty ST and premium Vignale.
Enquire on a new Ford Focus
