What's hot and what's not? The SMMT's latest new car registrations data reveals which cars are capturing the hearts and wallets of British buyers – and which are slipping down in the popularity stakes.
Here, we look at the top-selling cars of 2022 so far.
In 2021, the Vauxhall Corsa topped the rankings after an unusual year as the market was hit hard by the semiconductor shortage and the pandemic. Those issues remain very much on the radar for manufacturers in 2022, although they're expected to ease as the year progresses. How that will influence the cars in the top 10 remains to be seen, but at the end of April, the Corsa was once again in top spot.
Read on to see who else has made the top 10.
The best-selling cars of 2022
1 Vauxhall Corsa, 17,198 cars sold so far this year
The revamped Corsa supermini had a successful 2021, finishing as the UK’s best-selling car. Its success is in part due to its PSA-developed underpinnings and mix of petrol, diesel and electric powertrains. It has tightly held on to first place so far this year, and its success looks likely to continue.
2 Ford Puma, 15,426
Another positive month for Ford’s popular compact crossover means it retains second place for the second consecutive month in a row. Its driving dynamics and attractive pricing are the key draws for owners, and the range has recently swollen with the addition of a plush Vignale trim and a warm-blooded ST version.
3 Nissan Qashqai, 13,596
A successful month means Nissan’s best-selling family SUV is in third place, with a total of 13,596 sales for the year so far. A new hybrid variant will no doubt increase the popularity of the model even further as buyers eye a first step into electrification.
4 Mini 3dr/5dr, 13,486
Despite its age, the Mini hatchback continues to be as popular as ever. It finished 2021 in third place, ahead of superminis such as the Volkswagen Polo and Toyota Yaris. With a versatile line-up of petrol, electric, convertible and John Cooper Works performance variants, the Mini can always be relied on for drivability and alluring looks. A new Mini is set to arrive in 2023.
5 Kia Sportage, 13,364
The new Kia Sportage dropped down to fifth place in May, but the model is hot on the tail of the Mini. The fifth-generation SUV is once again proving a smash hit for the firm, thanks to its eye-catching design, on-trend powertrains and strong value for money.
6 Hyundai Tucson, 12,214
The fourth SUV in the top ten, the Hyundai Tucson regularly appeared in the top 10 last year. It continues to state its claim to be one of the best-selling SUVs in the country, and was renewed in 2021 with a new front end with a unique, eye-catching lighting set-up.
7 Ford Kuga, 8189
We’re used to the Fiesta being Ford’s second entry into the top 10, but this time around it’s the larger Kuga SUV. The model is the American firm’s entry into a crowded segment currently led by the Nissan Qashqai, Volkswagen Tiguan and Peugeot 3008. It was updated in 2020, with a softened design, a more spacious interior and economical plug-in powertrains.
8 Kia Niro, 11,227
The Kia Niro drops down to eighth place in May. It’s still proving to be one of the best ways to dip your toe into electrification, with competent hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants and a class-leading electric one. Kia will renew the crossover later this year, making it slightly larger and giving it updated powertrains and a new exterior design.
9 Volkswagen Golf 10,174
Now well into its eighth generation, the Volkswagen Golf continues to contend as one of the top-selling cars in the UK. Its latest line-up features pure-ICE, mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, with performance models ranging from the Golf GTE to the four-wheel drive Golf R. Volkswagen has sold 10,174 of them in the UK this year so far.
10 Vauxhall Mokka, 9638
The recently updated Mokka compact crossover is Vauxhall's second model in the top 10 for May car sales. An almost entirely different proposition to the old, General Motors-built Mokka, the new car features a bold new design and a host of punchy Stellantis powertrains.
