The small crossover, which was crowned 2024’s best-seller, tops the charts after a strong June
As 2025 draws to a close, one car continues to dominate Britain’s roads.
The Ford Puma remains the UK’s best-selling car, comfortably maintaining its lead in the sales charts. Should it hold this position through to year’s end, it will secure its crown for a second consecutive year – a remarkable achievement in such a competitive market.
After all, the industry remains volatile as manufacturers and consumers alike navigate ongoing economic issues, the Electric Car Grant and the new Chinese cars coming here. None grace this list – but for October, the Jaecoo 7 actually outsold the Nissan Qashqai.
September saw 144,948 new cars registered – a 0.5% increase year-on-year. EVs saw a slight uptick in sales, while petrol declined – although the latter is still the most popular fuel type among new car buyers. So, which models are driving Britain’s car market in 2025 – and can any rival Ford’s formidable crossover? Here’s the definitive rundown of the UK’s top 10 best-selling cars of the year so far, according to the latest SMMT data.
1. Ford Puma – 45,949 units
The best-selling car of 2024 has been so popular again this year that it’s been glued to the top spot since February.
The Puma appeals because it’s engaging to drive and attractively priced, plus it offers the option of a hot Puma ST variant.
The arrival of the electric Ford Puma Gen-E should give it an additional boost, although sales for that car are counted separately.
Read our Ford Puma review
2. Kia Sportage – 42,164 units
The Kia Sportage finished fourth in the 2024 sales charts, and we suspect the people of Seoul will be thrilled to see the SUV consistently cling to second place through most of the year.
Variety plays a big part in the Kia’s appeal – it’s available with mild-hybrid, full-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains.
Read our Kia Sportage review
3. Nissan Qashqai – 35,250 units
The Nissan Qashqai was the UK’s best-seller in 2022, but it has since been outpaced by rivals, finishing second in 2023 and third in 2024.
That said, it’s still extremely popular and continues to appeal to buyers here with its excellent practicality and British build quality.
Read our Nissan Qashqai review
4. Vauxhall Corsa – 31,675 units
The sales figures for the evergreen Vauxhall Corsa have been a bit up and down of late. It was the best-seller of 2021 but failed to place in the top 10 for 2024. So Vauxhall will be happy to have it performing well again.
A 2024 facelift and keen finance offers have given the supermini a real shot in the arm, and it’s deserving of what could end up being a podium finish.
Today, the Corsa offers great value for money, with strong, economical powertrains and a pretty impressive roster of digital tech.
Read our Vauxhall Corsa review
5. Nissan Juke – 29,612 units
The Nissan Juke remains a popular car among UK buyers, having finished 2024 in fourth place.
The small SUV went on sale with a brand-new design in 2020 and then a facelifted version arrived in the middle of 2023, along with hybrid power for the first time.
Read our Nissan Juke review
6. Volkswagen Golf – 27,784 units
The Golf isn’t quite as popular as it once was, but it’s still a top pick for drivers on the hunt for a good all-round family hatchback or estate.
The German stalwart has been kept fresh with a wide-reaching technology update, a design revamp, a more powerful GTI hot hatch and a longer-range plug-in hybrid.
Read our Volkswagen Golf review
7. Hyundai Tucson – 25,899 units
The Hyundai Tucson is one of the UK’s most popular SUVs and regularly appears in the top 10.
Its plush interior and range of hybrid powertrains are attractive propositions for many Brits.
Read our Hyundai Tucson review
8. Volkswagen Tiguan – 25,532 units
Volkswagen’s popular family SUV has long been one of its best-sellers, and it’s the brand’s second model on this list after the Golf.
A practical and versatile option, the Tiguan gets a wide range of powertrains, including petrols, diesels and plug-in hybrids.
Standard equipment is good too, with a reversing camera, parking sensors, wireless smartphone mirroring and dual digital screens all standard equipment.
Read our Volkswagen Tiguan review
8. MG HS – 25,574 units
The MG HS offers nothing short of class-leading value for money.
Available with a petrol engine or a more frugal plug-in hybrid, the family crossover also comes with good levels of equipment as standard, including a 10.1in touchscreen, a 360deg parking camera and smartphone mirroring
Read out MG HS review
10. Volvo XC40 – 25,106 units
Volvo’s evergreen compact SUV makes a return to the charts for October.
It’s a distinctive car and is refreshingly old-school -right down to its physical heating controls. Different from the likes of Volvo’s newer cars – such as the Volvo EX90 – and better for it.
Read our Volvo XC40 review
