The Top 10 best-selling Cars of 2023

As 2023 draws to an end, we look at the best-selling cars of the year. Overall the new car market in the UK has continued to grow this year. In October alone there was over a 14% increase in new car registrations than at the same time last year.

Sales of EVs are also on the rise. Of all the new car registrations in the UK this, year, over 37% were electric cars. Registrations of new hybrid cars are also up 24% on last year.

The car market in the UK was a bit rocky after the pandemic, however to date we’ve had 15 months of continuous growth in sales. The recent expansion of the ULEZ is cited to be one of the main reasons for the uptake of new cars – especially electric vehicles.

Here are the best-selling cars of 2023 so far:

Top 10 best-selling cars in 2023

1. Ford Puma – 42,136 sales

The Puma is a small SUV and is currently the most popular new car in the United Kingdom. It’s comfortable and easy to drive as well as practical with it’s large boot. The Puma comes with hybrid technology which means it can run on electricity as well as fossil fuels, making it cheap to run too. It also looks the part so it’s no wonder why it currently takes the top spot.

2. Nissan Qashqai – 34,952 sales

Taking second place is another SUV, the Nissan Qashqai. It’s slightly bigger than the Puma making it a popular choice for families. The Qashqai has been around for years and is currently on it’s third generation, with the latest models being the best yet. If you want an affordable family car that can eat up the miles while keeping you and your loved ones in comfort then the Qashqai is hard to beat.

3. Vauxhall Corsa – 33,641 sales

The Corsa is the UK’s best selling hatchback so far in 2023 and it’s easy to see why. It’s practical as well as efficient and comes in at an affordable price. Available in an electric format as well as petrol it’s also a great choice for anyone who frequently visits the ULEZ or other low emission zones across the country. Vauxhall have always been known for their generous levels of standard equipment and the Corsa is no exception to this.

4. Kia Sportage – 31,575 sales

If you’re looking for a new SUV that’ll fit the family and doggo in it, then it doesn’t come much more affordable than the Kia Sportage. The Sportage is easy to drive and comes with plenty of toys as standard. And for those who want the peace of mind of something reliable to cart their family around in, Kia cars come with a seven-year warranty. They have a wide range of petrol and hybrid engines so there’s a Sportage to suit anyone.

5. Tesla Model Y – 30,087 sales

The model Y is Tesla’s most popular model in the UK, and Teslas are among the most popular EVs in many parts of the world today. The range of the model Y is an impressive 319 miles which makes it a highly desirable small SUV for anyone who is considering an EV that’s practical for everyday use. The model is more popular than many petrol and diesel cars today.

6. Hyundai Tucson – 29,990 sales

Another affordable SUV that comes with bags of standard equipment and a lengthy warranty. The Tuscon comes with a five-year warranty, and provides a comfortable and luxurious ride. It offers excellent value for money and is also cheap to run with it’s range of petrol and hybrid engines.

7. Nissan Juke – 27,253 sales

The Juke has been around for years and is arguable the original compact SUV on the UK market. It’s still a top seller today, reaching number 7 in the top 10 best-selling cars in the UK for 2023. It’s probably the closest rival to the Ford Puma as it’s about the same size. The majority of Juke owners have the 1 litre turbo version, while those who want a bit more performance can opt for the 1.6 litre hybrid version.

8. MINI – 26,249 sales

No UK car list is complete without mentioning the humble MINI. Like it or not it still is – as it always has been – an iconic hot hatch. Although not quite as mini as it once was, it’s great handling and bold styling make it a pleasure to own. As a result it’s number 8 in the top-selling cars in the UK this year.

9. Vauxhall Mokka – 25,473 sales

The second Vauxhall in the top 10 best-selling cars in the UK for 2023. The Mokka is a great car for those who want the equipment and reliability of a Vauxhall, but need something a bit bigger than the Corsa. The current Mokka is the second generation that comes in either petrol or as a full EV. The 1.2 petrol engine is also used in cars such as the Peugeot 2008, and is often regarded as one of the best 3-cylinder turbocharged engines ever built. It also looks the part too, which is one of the main reasons why it is so popular.

10. Audi A3 – 25,452 sales

The A3 has been around since 1996 and doesn’t look like it’s going anywhere any time soon. Almost 30 years on it’s still one of the most popular cars in the UK as well as other countries across Europe. The latest model is a hit for sure as the Audi A3 is gaining popularity despite being one of the most expensive cars on this list.

If you’re in the market for a new car soon, then the cars above are all very popular choices. This means that you can virtually guarantee that if you buy one you’ll get something that’s reliable and easy to live with. It’ll also be easy to sell when the time comes to part with it. Don’t forget that you can get more for your old car if you use CarMonkey to compare prices from the UK’s biggest car buyers. It’s quick, easy and will save you money. This time next year we’ll be back with the best-selling cars of 2024. It’ll be interesting to see how many of the cars above maker the list, so stay tuned to find out!