While the overall new market might have dropped slightly in 2019, there are still plenty of reasons to celebrate.
Firstly, there was a big shift towards the uptake of electric models, with the Tesla Model 3 being instrumental to registrations of EVs increasing by an impressive 144 per cent. All other electrified models also saw their sales increase, too.
But what about the models that sold best? Here’s a look at 2019’s best-sellers…
1. Ford Fiesta
It comes as no surprise that once again the Ford Fiesta was the UK’s best-selling car last year, with the multitude of options meaning there was something for everyone.
While it was knocked off the top perch on a couple of occasions, 77,833 Fiestas were registered in total – making it the most popular overall by a fair way, amassing nearly 20,000 more units than the closest model.
2. Volkswagen Golf
The Volkswagen Golf manages to retain its second-place position in 2019, with 58,994 models being registered last year.
The multitude of models – from the fleet-friendly Match versions through to the R hot hatch and electric e-Golf – meant customers had plenty of choice. All-new versions go on sale in the spring, so it’s likely the model’s fortunes will improve further.
3. Ford Focus
The Ford Focus has climbed up the chart in 2019, and takes a third-place finish with 56,619 vehicles registered – over 6,000 more than in 2018.
The huge choice on offer – from affordable Style versions through to the ST hot hatch and premium Vignale – helped to secure the impressive number of registrations.
4. Vauxhall Corsa
While the current Corsa is about to be replaced by an all-new version, the last car has still sold impressively throughout 2019.
While falling a place on 2018, with 54,239 Corsas registered in 2019, it’s still remarkably popular.
5. Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Here’s a model that’s surged in popularity throughout 2019 – the Mercedes A-Class. It’s about as premium as a family hatchback gets, with a class-leading interior and a whole range of engines and derivatives to choose from. The introduction of a plug-in hybrid later this year will also help boost sales.
Throughout 2019 Mercedes registered 53,724 versions of the A-Class – more than 10,000 than in 2018.
6. Nissan Qashqai
Nissan’s UK-built Qashqai continues to be the UK’s most popular crossover, and with 52,532 models registered, it means that sales have improved in a competitive market.
The model’s mix of practicality, efficiency and style all help to ensure this model continues to be as popular as ever.
7. Ford Kuga
The Kuga is another model that’s imminently being replaced by a much flashier and premium version, which also introduces a number of electrified powertrains.
Yet for now the outgoing model is still the UK’s second most popular crossover – also climbing a position in the top 10 in 2019. A total of 41,671 were registered last year.
8. MINI Hatch
It's fantastic to see a second British-built product in this top 10 list, with Mini’s three-door hatchback remaining the best-selling version by some margin.
The distinctive styling, huge customisation options and fun drive are all factors that secure an eighth-place position for the Mini, with 41,188 examples of this supermini being registered in 2019.
9. Volkswagen Polo
The Polo might have dropped three places in 2019, but it remains one of the most popular superminis on sale, as well as being one of Volkswagen’s core models.
VW registered 37,453 versions of its hatch last year – ensuring it remains in the top 10.
10. Kia Sportage
Kia will no doubt be delighted to see that its best-selling Sportage crossover remains in this list in 2019 – maintaining its 10th place position from last year.
It’s a testament to how far Kia has come in the past decade, with the South Korean manufacturer registering 34,502 Sportages last year.
