Top Selling Cars of 2023
Ford Puma:
It was controversial when Ford revived the Puma name — previously associated with a niche but beloved, sporty 1990s coupé — as a Fiesta-based crossover SUV. Its sales success is evidence the tactic paid off. It helps that this is one of the best-handling and most practical cars in its
class. In an era of parts supply pressures, the Puma’s positive reception by critics and the public alike helped convince Ford of Europe to put all its resources into SUVs and electrified cars; as a result, the Fiesta has ended while a new pure-electric Puma is on the way this year.
Nissan Qashqai:
Last year marked an all-time high for the Nissan Qashqai in terms of sales, and it became the UK’s best-selling car. The compact SUV ended the first quarter of 2023 at the top of the charts, too. It dropped to fourth before a bumper September resulted in it surging back up to second best
seller for the year. The all-new Qashqai launched in 2021 with a hybrid “e-Power” variant, clever technology, a fresher design, and a more upmarket interior, and we liked it enough to name it our Small SUV / Crossover of the Year 2021. No doubt its sales success has many times to do with our award; you’re welcome, Nissan.
Vauxhall Corsa:
The fantastic September for the Qashqai saw the Corsa drop to third in the sales charts. But it outsold the Qashqai again in October. It is doing so well against higher-riding crossovers is impressive. It suggests that traditional superminis aren’t dead quite yet.
Kia Sportage:
Line up along with more modern styling. The interior quality is excellent, and the combined 12.3in digital displays gives the interior a technologically advanced look. The Sportage is performing incredibly well in an easy and crowded sector of the market, battling it out with rivals such as its cousin, the Hyundai Tucson, as well as the VW T-Roc, Tesla Model Y, Nissan Qashqai, and Ford Kuga.
Hyundai Tucson:
The old Tucson was great. But the new model stepped things up with an easy exterior design, including ‘hidden’ headlights, and a cold new cabin complete with a large touchscreen and digital instrument display. But the Tucson isn’t just more modern; it’s better to drive, too. Like the Sportage with which the Tucson shares so much, there’s a wide range of powertrain options, including petrol, diesel, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid. All of which are smooth, quiet, and efficient.
Tesla Model Y:
The nature of Tesla’s sales and delivery model, which does away with traditional car dealers in favor of online purchasing, and a direct-to-customer approach means that deliveries come in bursts rather than a trickle.
The Model Y builds on the Model 3’s strengths (they share around 95 percent of their components), adding extra space and crossover styling. Two versions are available, depending on the buyer’s priorities — Long Range (315 miles) and Performance.
Mini Hatch:
There’s a lot of appeal in the Mini — the UK’s third best-selling car last year — thanks to its premium feel, sporty handling, and retro styling. Like the Porsche 911, the design has evolved subtly since its launch so that it still looks good more than 20 years after the first.
Buyers will find plenty of choice in the current Mini Hatch range. There’s also the choice of three- or five-door body styles.
Nissan Juke:
The Juke has been a bit of a Marmite car in the past. However, the second-generation model is objectively more attractive. The introduction of a hybrid version last year has caught the eye of many new car buyers who value fuel economy.
Like the Qashqai, the “buy local” effect may be a factor in its popularity. But the Juke drives best has plenty of tech and is competitively priced, starting at under £21,000, which makes the compact crossover an attractive proposition for buyers.
Vauxhall Mokka:
A perennial favorite with UK customers, the Mokka is Vauxhall’s answer to the Ford Puma and the Nissan Juke. Although it’s not the best car in its class, the combination of fresh, modern styling dimensions and familiarity with the Vauxhall badge has kept the little SUV high in the sales charts.
Also in the Vauxhall’s favor is the number of different trim levels and engine options available. As well as conventional petrol powertrains — diesel has ended — the Mokka is also in pure-electric Mokka-e form, which will appeal to those seeking a company car or simply wanting a runabout with minimal running costs and zero exhaust emissions.
With over 7 years of experience in the field of content writing, Saman Nawaz has become a seasoned professional in her craft. As a Feature Writer at showroomex.com, she demonstrates expertise in creating timely news pieces and conducting thorough analyses within the automotive industry. Her proficiency lies in crafting up-to-date content that delves deep into the intricacies of the auto sector, providing readers with insightful perspectives and comprehensive information.Full Bio