The latest figures for new car registrations have been released by The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). August was another strong month with new registrations increasing by 24%, and not far off pre-pandemic levels. We take a look at which car models are most popular in the UK.

Top spot for sales so far this year is taken by the Ford Puma, with 29,225 vehicles sold. Ford also have another model in the top 10 – the Ford Fiesta which has already clocked up 19,018 sales.

For the month of August, it was again the Ford Puma which took top spot, with 2,336 new registrations. The Tesla Model Y had a strong month with 2,313 new registrations enough to move it into 3rd place for the year so far.

Here’s the full list of the top 10 best-selling cars in 2023 in the UK year-to-date:

1. Ford Puma
2. Vauxhall Corsa
3. Tesla Model Y
4. Nissan Qashqai
5. Hyundai Tucson
6. Kia Sportage
7. Nissan Juke
8. Vauxhall Mokka
9. Ford Fiesta
10. Mini Hatchback

1. Ford Puma (29,225)

The Ford Puma tops the list of best-sellers and it was the top-seller in August too with 2,336 new registrations.

2. Vauxhall Corsa (25,692)

The Vauxhall Corsa consistently appears in the best-seller lists and August was no exception. 1,941 sales was enough to keep it in second place for the year so far. With sales dominated with SUVs, it’s reassuring that this likeable hatchback still retains wide appeal.

3. Tesla Model Y (24,148)

2023 has seen some aggressive pricing across the Tesla range and that’s contributing to high sales figures, following surges in popularity in 2022. In August, the Tesla Model Y was the 2nd best-selling new car with 2,313 new registrations.

4. Nissan Qashqai (24,017)

Last year’s best-seller remains popular in 2023. The Nissan Qashqai didn’t make August’s top 10, which means it drops to 4th in the overall list for the year.

5. Hyundai Tucson (22,883)

We’re big fans of the Hyundai Tucson at Moneyshake and it appears many in the UK agree with us. Its sharp styling and great build quality have helped it to mid-table in the top 10 list.

6. Kia Sportage (22,414)

The Kia Sportage has been popular in the UK now for many years. With sales in the UK originally boosted by Kia’s generous 7-year warranties, there’s no doubting that its dramatic styling and cutting edge technology is now what’s keeping the Sportage high on the list.

7. Nissan Juke (21,136)

Smaller cousin to the Qashqai, the Nissan Juke continues to be popular with UK buyers, although it didn’t make August’s top 10 it remains firmly part of 2023’s most popular.

8. Vauxhall Mokka (19,761)

The Vauxhall Mokka made its first appearance in the top 10 in June and strong July and August sales has helped it to 8th place for the year so far. In August, it managed 1,762 new registrations as the British public show their attraction to its funky styling and bright colour options.

9. Ford Fiesta (19,018)

Ford recently announced that they would stop production of the Ford Fiesta in June 2023. But that hasn’t halted its popularity with UK car buyers.

10. Mini Hatchback (18,748)

When it was launched back in 1961, the Mini was unique as a small, sporty car with bundles of personality. Nowadays, the Mini Hatchback has plenty of competition but that hasn’t stopped it remaining one of the most popular cars in the UK.

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