It doesn’t seem so long ago that the new car market bounced from one month of record registrations to the next. However, as we move through 2019 the seemingly never-ending political uncertainty, increased taxes and a lack of clarity over the future of diesel continue to take their toll.
THE YEAR SO FAR
March 2019 epitomised this trend, with the new car market down by -3.4% compared with the previous year in what is a key month due to the change to the new ’19’ plate. Superminis remain the most popular type of new car on sale, as well as one of the only ones for which demand grew in March (by 4.3%, giving it a 33.7% share of all new car registrations).
In terms of fuel types, both the petrol and alternative fuel segments saw increases in demand (by 5.1% and 7.6% respectively), but this wasn’t enough to make up for another difficult month for diesel, which was down by 21.4%.
Year-to-date, new car registrations are now -2.4% behind where they were at this time last year, at 718,489 cars.
THE UK’S 10 BEST-SELLING NEW CARS
Below we have rounded up the 10 best selling new cars of 2019 so far, according to SMMT data. If you fancy exploring the availability of nearly new and used versions of these cars, click on the links below each to find great deals from top rated dealers in the CarGurus classifieds.
1. Ford Fiesta
Number sold in first three months of 2019: 23,474
Ford’s supermini continues to dominate the UK sales charts, and is loved for its smart design, competitive prices and low running costs. Throw in the fact that it’s great to drive and it’s not difficult to see why it’s so popular.
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2. Vauxhall Corsa
Number sold in first three months of 2019: 17,647
It might not be the most cutting-edge car on sale, but the Vauxhall Corsa still continues to attract buyers thanks to its efficient engines and keen pricing. Look out for some great deals this year as Vauxhall prepares for the arrival of an all-new Corsa.
Search for a used Vauxhall Corsa on CarGurus
3. Volkswagen Golf
Number sold in first three months of 2019: 17,412
Volkswagen might be building an increasing number of SUVs these days, but it is still a hatchback that serves as its best-selling model. That car is of course the Golf, a version of which exists for every type of buyer.
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4. Ford Focus
Number sold in first three months of 2019: 16,668
The arrival of a new Ford Focus is always a big deal, so it’s not surprising to see this latest model flying high in the sales charts. It remains as enjoyable to drive as ever, but now mixes in more space and technology in a bid to stay ahead of rivals.
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5. Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Number sold in first three months of 2019: 16,632
If you like your hatchback to be packed with the latest technology then get down to your nearest Mercedes showroom and have a closer look at the A-Class. In particular, the optional dual-screen setup for the dials and infotainment system is one of the best in the business.
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6. Nissan Qashqai
Number sold in first three months of 2019: 16,420
The original SUV-hatchback crossover continues to do excellent business for Nissan. The introduction of a new 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine for 2019 makes what was already a strong performer even better.
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7. Volkswagen Polo
Number sold in first three months of 2019: 13,089
The Polo has long been considered as the most grown-up small car on sale, and with the latest model Volkswagen has moved the game on yet again. In fact, so roomy and refined is the Polo these days that it almost feels like a car from the class above.
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8. MINI
Number sold in first three months of 2019: 11,969
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the original Mini, so expect plenty of celebrations. Today the company is part of BMW, and continues to go from strength to strength in terms of the quality and appeal of its products. No wonder it’s a sales success, as proven by the regular appearance of the MINI hatchback in the list of the UK’s best-selling cars.
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9. Toyota Yaris
Number sold in first three months of 2019: 11,400
As the only car in the supermini class that’s available with a frugal hybrid system, the Yaris offers buyers something genuinely different. Not only are running costs low, but the Yaris Hybrid is great to drive around town and has Toyota’s proven reliability record behind it. Throw in the availability of cheaper petrol-only models and even a high performance GRMN hot hatch model, and the Yaris offers an impressively broad range.
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10. Ford Kuga
Number sold in first three months of 2019: 10,805
The Kuga is Ford’s rival to the likes of the Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage and Seat Ateca. While it might not have the largest boot in the class, the Kuga is roomy enough for passengers as well as being good to drive.
Search for a used Ford Kuga on CarGurus
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