Audi Q2

Peugeot 5008

Suzuki Swift

Volkswagen Tiguan

Nissan Ariya

New Audi A3 Saloon

Fiat 600e

Volkswagen T-Cross

the-best-selling-cars-in-the-uk

best-selling-cars-in-the-uk-ev-popularity-surges

The number of new cars sold in the UK grew by 14.3% in October 2023, compared with the same month last year.

Official figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) revealed that last month was the best October for new car registrations since 2018, and marked the 15th month of consecutive growth. Over the period, 153,529 new cars joined the roads.

The SMMT data highlights the increasing popularity of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/electric-cars/n17000">electric cars</a>. In October, sales of electric vehicles (EVs) grew for the 42nd month in succession, with&nbsp;23,943 hitting the roads – that’s nearly one in six new car registrations.

In terms of outright sales, EVs outperformed both&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-plug-in-hybrid-cars/n22743">plug-in hybrids</a>&nbsp;(14,285 new registrations) and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/hybrid-cars/n17013">hybrids</a>&nbsp;(19,574 registrations).

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Best-selling cars in the UK

The popularity of electric cars and plug-in hybrids follows a “significant” increase in the number of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/electric-car-charging-networks-rated/n23269">public charging points</a>&nbsp;in the third quarter of the year. According to the SMMT, 4753 standard charge points came online – the largest quarterly increase yet.

However, the industry body said that while that increase means one new standard public charge point was installed for every 26 new plug-in car sales in August, September and October – up from one for every 38 in the same period last year –&nbsp;they were disproportionately focused on London and the South East.

So, which models were the favourites among new car buyers? Here, we list the&nbsp;top 10 best-selling cars in Britain in October 2023.

Estate

Volvo is now a true rival to the likes of Audi, BMW, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz, offering an alternative take on premium executive cars to a rapidly growing fanbase.

After a string of strong launches – notably with the Mk2 XC90 and XC60 SUVs – it struck gold in early 2018 when it launched its smallest SUV, the XC40. When our testers compared the car with its rivals, they concluded that it was the best launch of the previous 12 months, earning it our coveted overall Car of the Year Award.

The good news is that, like many car makers, Volvo now uses the same structure underneath most of its cars – so if they get it right on one model, it usually bodes well for the rest. That’s the case here, with Volvo’s subsequent saloon and estate launches complementing the SUVs and making for a generally extremely appealing line-up.

VOLVO

XC40

There are certain things that are a given if you choose a Volvo: impressive safety credentials, a spacious boot and a stylish design inside. And so it comes to pass with the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volvo/xc40/estate/review/n119">Volvo XC40</a>.

It’s a former&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/awards/new-car-awards">What Car? Car of the Year</a>, and remains one of our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/family-suvs/n17116">favourite family SUVs</a>&nbsp;because it distils all of Volvo’s knowhow into a smaller, usable package.

We think the entry-level petrol is all the engine you need because it’s plenty powerful enough and keeps fuel bills low. And while every version comes loaded with kit, we think the extra you’ll pay for the Plus trim is worthwhile for the useful extras it brings. Indeed drawbacks are few, but its infotainment isn’t the best.

Our favourite version&nbsp;2.0 B3P Plus 
List price&nbsp;£39,445 
Target price&nbsp;£37,547 
Target PCP&nbsp;£448

October sales&nbsp;2577

10: Volvo XC40

<h3>Pros</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Stylish and high-quality interior</li>
	<li>Comfortable ride on most versions</li>
	<li>Comprehensive safety kit</li>
</ul>

<h3>Cons</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Lacks the rear seat flexibility of some rivals</li>
	<li>Fiddly infotainment system</li>
	<li>Road noise on the motorway</li>
</ul>

Ford builds some of the most popular cars in the UK, including the Fiesta and Focus hatchbacks.

This success is partly down to longevity and the fact that there’s a Ford dealer around every corner. However, it’s also because Fords tend to offer good value and be among the best cars in their respective classes to drive.

The company’s huge range also helps; it offers everything from the small – but surprisingly practical – Ka+ to the large and lavishly equipped Edge SUV.

Meanwhile, other highlights of the range include the S-Max and Galaxy people carriers, the Mondeo executive car and the Ranger pick-up.

FORD

KUGA

The most appealing versions of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/kuga/4x4/review/n57">Ford Kuga</a> are the hybrid and plug-in hybrid; both offer plenty of performance and return reasonable fuel economy. The fact the latter is cheaper than the former makes it our pick of the Kuga range, whether you’re buying privately or through a company car scheme.

The Kuga undercuts many of the best&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/large-suvs/n17006">large SUVs</a>&nbsp;on price, offering decent bang-for-buck motoring for the class. However, the unimpressive interior quality makes it clear that some corners have been cut to make that possible. The Kuga also has quite a small boot for its size – a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/5008/estate/review/n17369">Peugeot 5008</a>&nbsp;is rather more spacious.

Our favourite version&nbsp;2.5 Duratec PHEV ST-Line Edition 
List price&nbsp;£38,655 
Target price&nbsp;£36,244&nbsp; 
Target PCP&nbsp;£392

October sales&nbsp;2948

9: Ford Kuga

<h3>Pros</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Competitively priced against rivals</li>
	<li>Plug-in hybrid offers a long electric range and low company car tax</li>
	<li>FHEV hybrid is cheaper than equivalent diesel, yet has similar economy</li>
</ul>

<h3>Cons</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Interior quality doesn't impress</li>
	<li>Relatively small boot</li>
	<li>Infotainment system isn't the slickest</li>
</ul>

Hatchback

Audi is a brand that sets the standard for interior quality, and this, combined with its vast and ever-growing model line-up, has helped it become one of the ‘big three’ German prestige car makers, along with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

The A3 hatchback, A4 executive saloon and Q7 SUV are all common - yet upmarket - sights on UK roads.

At least some of Audi's success over the past 30 years can be attributed to the growth in sales of vehicles with four-wheel drive; the company arguably led the way in bringing 4x4 technology into the mainstream, with its Quattro coupé in the early 1980s.

Today, most Audis are available with at least the option of four-wheel drive, while the list of SUVs from the brand includes the Q2, Q3, Q5 and Q7.

AUDI

The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a3/hatchback/review/n77">Audi A3</a> is our favourite upmarket family car, and we think in 40 TFSIe guise, it’s one of the best plug-in hybrids on the market. It’s no surprise then, that the A3 frequently makes the list of Britain’s best sellers.

Audi’s family hatchback is better to drive than the Mercedes A-Class and is quieter than the BMW 1 Series. And with physical controls, its tech is easier to use than that of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/golf/hatchback/review/n17371">VW Golf</a>.&nbsp;

It’s worth singling out the plug-in hybrid 40 TFSIe because it has a 40-mile all-electric range and attracts appealing low&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/class/company-cars">company car tax</a>&nbsp;bills.

Our favourite version&nbsp;40 TFSIe Sport 
List price&nbsp;£35,910 
Target price&nbsp;£33,974 
Target PCP&nbsp;£364

October sales&nbsp;3012

8: Audi A3

<h3>Pros</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Sharp handling</li>
	<li>Excellent driving position</li>
	<li>Strong and frugal engines, including the excellent plug-in hybrid</li>
</ul>

<h3>Cons</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Interior quality is good but could be better</li>
	<li>Fiddly infotainment system</li>
	<li>Audi's unimpressive reliability record</li>
</ul>

Peugeot has its strongest model line-up for some years, with some of its cars now rated by our testers as being among the very best available.

Highlights focus around the firm’s newest SUVs, the 3008 and 5008. The 5008 was named Large SUV of the Year at the 2018 What Car? Awards, thanks to its appealing blend of space, interior quality and low running costs.

That bodes well for future launches, too, because many of the learnings from these cars will be passed on as new versions of existing cars are launched – something that could take many years, because the Peugeot range is so big, ranging from an entry-level supermini with the 108 to an executive saloon with the 508, up into the SUV range and also vans.

Buyers should evaluate some of the lower-rated cars in the range more carefully, though. Some are now quite old, and are subsequently left behind in terms of quality when compared with the opposition, making them below-average buys, in our estimation.

PEUGEOT

2008

A wide spread of prices means the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/2008/estate/review/n110">Peugeot 2008</a> is a small SUV with a large number of rivals, ranging from the Ford Puma&nbsp; to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/q2/estate/review/n120">Audi Q2</a>.

Yet with a combination of stylish looks, a classy interior, comfortable ride and punchy, efficient engines, it’s a credible alternative to most&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/small-suvs/n17050">small SUVs</a>.

We think the petrol-powered PureTech 130 engine offers the best blend of performance and economy, while the mid-spec Allure trim is the sweet spot for those seeking a decent amount of equipment at a reasonable price.

Our favourite version&nbsp;1.2 PureTech 130 Allure 
List price&nbsp;£27,370 
Target price&nbsp;£25,274 
Target PCP&nbsp;£281

October sales&nbsp;3145

7: Peugeot 2008

<h3>Pros</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Classy interior</li>
	<li>Decent ride comfort</li>
	<li>Punchy, frugal petrol engines</li>
</ul>

<h3>Cons</h3>

<ul>
	<li>More expensive than mainstream rivals</li>
	<li>Relatively heavy deprecation</li>
	<li>Driving position won't suit everyone</li>
</ul>

Buyers seeking value for money should have Kia towards the top of their shopping list.

Although once a niche brand in the UK, today Kia outsells many more established brands, helped by its market-leading seven-year warranty and a strong reputation for reliability; in fact, Kia regularly finishes towards the top of our reliability surveys.

There are plenty of models to choose from, too, ranging from the small Picanto city car to the Ceed family hatchback and the Sorento large SUV. The Picanto was the first Kia to win its class at the What Car? Car of the Year awards.

SPORTAGE

The family SUV market is extremely competitive, so a car has to be truly excellent to stand out. The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/sportage/4x4/review/n17352">Kia Sportage</a> absolutely is, though – in fact, it's our reigning&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/car-of-the-year-awards-2023-family-suv-of-the-year/n25360">Family SUV of the Year</a>.

Practicality is a particular strength, with the boot spacious and thoughtfully designed, and the interior offering plenty of leg and head room in both the front and the rear. In addition, the Sportage is plush inside – more so than the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/tucson/4x4/review/n103">Hyundai Tucson</a>.

The entry-level model is very temptingly priced, but upgrading to our recommended 3 trim gives you lots of useful extras, such as heated front seats and keyless start.

Our favourite version&nbsp;1.6T GDi 48V ISG 3 
List price&nbsp;£32,845 
Target price&nbsp;£31,332 
Target PCP&nbsp;£385

October sales&nbsp;3422

6: Kia Sportage

<h3>Pros</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Lower spec models are great value</li>
	<li>Smart interior</li>
	<li>Generous rear leg room and boot space</li>
</ul>

<h3>Cons</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Hybrid petrol engine sounds strained</li>
	<li>Rear head room compromised with panoramic roof</li>
	<li>No clever rear seat functions</li>
</ul>

Munich-based BMW is most famous for its sports saloons, in particular the 3 Series and 5 Series. However, it actually builds almost every type of car imaginable: everything from two-seat convertibles to seven-seat MPVs.

The cheapest model in the BMW range is the 1 Series hatchback, which is a rival to the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Volkswagen Golf. Meanwhile, at the other extreme is the M8&nbsp;grand tourer, which costs more than £120,000.

BMW was also quick to capitalise on the rise of the SUV and now has ten in its range: the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7 and XM, plus the electric iX3 and iX.

All of this makes it one of the big three German prestige brands, along with Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

1 SERIES

BMW’s smallest model is also its best seller – and that’s despite it not being available as a fully electric model or a plug-in hybrid.

What the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/1-series/hatchback/review/n26">BMW 1 Series</a> does offer is a great driving experience, a quiet and civilised ambience on the move, and interior quality that's&nbsp;more than a match for the Audi A3 and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/a-class/hatchback/review/n88">Mercedes A-Class</a>.

A special mention must go to its infotainment system, which is class-leading&nbsp;in terms of features and ease of use.

Our pick of the range is the 118i in M Sport trim –&nbsp;its 1.5-litre engine feels eager and is a great choice for everyday driving. M Sport trim features stiffer suspension which improves agility at the expense of a small amount of comfort.

Our favourite version&nbsp;118i M Sport 
List price&nbsp;£31,135 
Target price&nbsp;£29,561 
Target PCP&nbsp;£298

October sales&nbsp;3424

5: BMW 1 Series

<h3>Pros</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Superb build quality</li>
	<li>Sporty handling</li>
	<li>Class-leading infotainment system</li>
</ul>

<h3>Cons</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Mercedes A-Class is safer</li>
	<li>SE trim not that well equipped</li>
	<li>Road noise at speed</li>
</ul>

The VW Group famously spends more money on research and development than any rival – and as a result, perhaps it should be no surprise that our testers rate its cars so consistently highly.

The fact that many of those cars use the same underpinnings also helps, because it means that if they get it right once, they have the foundations to keep on getting it right.

However, the Volkswagen brand faces plenty of tough competition, often from within, because the rapidly rising Seat and Skoda brands that are also part of the group have access to the same technology.

VOLKSWAGEN

POLO

The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/polo/hatchback/review/n83">Volkswagen Polo</a> is a small car that’s all grown up. As well as being plush and spacious, it's one of the smoothest-riding cars in its class.

Strong resale values mean competitive PCP finance rates, which softens the blow of the Polo’s high price tag. Thankfully, even entry-level cars come with a decent amount of kit, so you’re unlikely to find yourself having to spend more still on optional extras.

However, the closely related&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/fabia/hatchback/review/n47">Skoda Fabia</a>&nbsp;manages to be an even comfier car to travel in, while those looking for outright driving fun would be better served by a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/ibiza/hatchback/review/n17359">Seat Ibiza</a>&nbsp;or a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/fiesta/hatchback/used-review/n952">used Ford Fiesta</a>.

Our favourite version&nbsp;1.0 TSI 95 Life 
List price&nbsp;£21,670 
Target price&nbsp;£20,590 
Target PCP&nbsp;£213

October sales&nbsp;3426

4: Volkswagen Polo

<h3>Pros</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Good to drive</li>
	<li>Generous interior space</li>
	<li>Attractive PCP finance deals</li>
</ul>

<h3>Cons</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Ford Fiesta is more fun to drive</li>
	<li>Gutless entry-level petrol</li>
	<li>Standard safety kit could be better</li>
</ul>

Vauxhall has an incredibly diverse range of cars on sale, a few of which stand out above the class average. Add in the fact that it still offers some of the largest Target Price discounts in the market (something it is trying, without huge success, to cut back on), and there are very good reasons to consider buying one of its better models.

However, you need to choose carefully, because it is also a brand in transition. It has a newish parent company – the same one that owns Citroën, DS and Peugeot. And while Vauxhall’s newer models tend to be competitive, some of the others feel dated; a quick check of our star ratings will reveal which is which.

Still, given the recent success of sister brands Citroën and especially Peugeot, each new launch should make its range more appealing to buyers.

VAUXHALL

CORSA

The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/vauxhall/corsa/hatchback/review/n33">Vauxhall Corsa</a> is a well-equipped and competitively priced small car, but it falls short of the competition in several key areas. It shares its underpinnings with the<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/208/hatchback/review/n30">&nbsp;Peugeot 208</a>&nbsp;but isn’t as comfortable or pleasant inside. Additionally, the likes of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/honda/jazz/hatchback/review/n17343">Honda Jazz</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;VW&nbsp;Polo beat the Corsa for practicality.

Despite a&nbsp;firmer ride, the Corsa isn’t noticeably more fun to drive than the 208, either, leaving it well behind the excellent&nbsp;Ford Fiesta in terms of handling.

The mid-range 1.2 Turbo petrol offers decent performance, but it can’t compete with the Jazz when it comes to fuel economy or CO2 emissions.

Our favourite version&nbsp;1.2 Turbo GS 
List price&nbsp;£22,905 
Target price&nbsp;£21,383 
Target PCP&nbsp;£206

October sales&nbsp;3464

3: Vauxhall Corsa

<h3>Pros</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Well equipped</li>
	<li>Decent boot</li>
	<li>Efficient engines</li>
</ul>

<h3>Cons</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Laggy and confusing infotainment system</li>
	<li>Below-par safety rating</li>
	<li>Poor resale values</li>
</ul>

Talk about taking an idea and running with it. The big-selling Mini hatchback is still at the core of the firm’s range, but its cute styling and relatively compact dimensions have been spun off into an estate (the Clubman) and an SUV (the Countryman), as well as a convertible.

Despite its small size, the Mini is a firmly premium product, and the three-door hatchback counts the Audi A1 and Volkswagen Polo among its key rivals.

The fact that Mini is owned by BMW brings some big advantages –&nbsp;not least the fact that its infotainment system is based on BMW’s industry-leading iDrive.

MINI

HATCHBACK

When it comes to choosing a new car you can really make your own, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mini/hatchback/hatchback/review/n17350">Mini</a> hatchback is really in a class of its own, such is the level of personalisation and customisation on offer. It remains among the most stylish cars available at any price, yet has the substance to back it up.

As well as those cheeky looks, we love the interior – which is both classy and well-appointed – although there are more practical cars out there, such as the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a1/hatchback/review/n5">Audi A1</a>.

Our top choice is the Cooper model in Exclusive trim because it blends a peppy yet frugal engine with a good amount of equipment and technology.

Our favourite version&nbsp;Mini 3-door Hatch 1.5 Cooper Exclusive 
List price&nbsp;£25,585 
Target price&nbsp;£24,717 
Target PCP&nbsp;£257

October sales&nbsp;3779

2: Mini

<h3>Pros</h3>

<ul>
	<li>The classiest small car interior</li>
	<li>Excellent infotainment system</li>
	<li>Strong resale values</li>
</ul>

<h3>Cons</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Ride is a bit firm</li>
	<li>Not as safe as rivals</li>
	<li>Only has two rear seats</li>
</ul>

PUMA

The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/puma/hatchback/review/n20838">Ford Puma</a> is designed to put a smile on your face, and it does that better than any other&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/small-suvs/n17050">small SUV</a>. It’s very agile, especially in ST-Line guise with sports suspension, and has well-weighted, engaging steering.

The interior is well laid out and reasonably plush, although rivals such as the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mini/countryman/hatchback/review/n71">Mini Countryman</a>&nbsp;provide a much more upmarket feel. Also, rear visibility isn’t ideal, and the view out of the front can be limited, depending on your seating position.

The boot is large for the class and has a height-adjustable floor with even more storage underneath. Excellent fuel economy and a low CO2 output also help to make the case for the playful Puma being a sensible buy.&nbsp;

Our favourite version&nbsp;1.0 Ecoboost mHEV 155 ST-Line 
List price&nbsp;£27,340 
Target price&nbsp;£25,513 
Target PCP&nbsp;£277

October sales&nbsp;4824

1: Ford Puma

<h3>Pros</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Great fun to drive</li>
	<li>Remarkable blend of performance and fuel economy</li>
	<li>Big and cleverly designed boot</li>
</ul>

<h3>Cons</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Rear space is adequate rather than outstanding</li>
	<li>Visibility could be better</li>
	<li>Volkswagen T-Roc is more comfortable and quieter</li>
</ul>

<hr />
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