Best-selling cars in the UK 2020
Find out which car took the title of Britain's best-selling car of 2020
Ever wondered what the best-selling car in the UK is? Well, the Society of Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has revealed the top sellers for 2020.
The Ford Fiesta has seen off stiff competition to retain the title of Britain's best-selling car. Despite a turbulent year for new car sales the supermini managed almost 50,000 units for the year, placing it just ahead of the second-placed Vauxhall Corsa.
Volkswagen's Golf couldn't do any better than third despite a new eighth-generation model hitting the showrooms.
Total new car sales were down 31 per cent from 2019. Petrol cars were down 39 per cent, while diesel cars are suffered even more with over 55 per cent down. On the flip side, electrified vehicles were up almost 190 per cent for the year as more people look to make the switch to EVs.
Scroll down below to see the full top 10 list of the best-selling cars in the UK in 2020…
Top ten best-selling cars 2020
1. Ford Fiesta – 49,174 registrations
The Ford Fiesta's domination almost came to an end in 2020. The Vauxhall Corsa ran it close up until the end of the year, but a strong start made sure the Fiesta came out on top once again with almost 50,000 sales.
2. Vauxhall Corsa – 46,439 registrations
The Vauxhall Corsa was the UK's fourth best-selling car in 2019 and it did two places better in 2020. A bumper September and October has helped the Corsa close the gap on the Fiesta above it and, with a new electric e-Corsa broadening the appeal of the supermini.
3. Volkswagen Golf – 43,109 registrations
The Volkswagen Golf - 2019's second best-selling car - struggled in 2020. Despite a new Mk8 model launching, a disappointing sixth place finish in June, dented hopes of a top-two spot.
4. Ford Focus – 39,372 registrations
After a poor September, the Ford Focus had an October to forgot with 2,823 sales - just the eighth best-selling car for the month. A fourth-place finish for the year is still a decent return but it loses it to its perennial rival, the Volkswagen Golf.
5. Mercedes A-Class - 37,608 registrations
The Mercedes A-Class is enjoyed an incredibly strong finish to 2020 thanks to its premium image and competitive finance deals. It was the third best-selling car in September, but October was even better as it jumped to the top with 4,149 registrations. A top five finish for 2020 reflects a strong year for the premium hatchback.
6. Nissan Qashqai – 33,972 registrations
The Nissan Qashqai had a strong start to 2020 with 4,608 registrations in January, but lockdown dented its sales. Things have since picked up though, and the Qashqai remained the best-selling SUV in the country - sitting in sixth place overall.
7. MINI - 31,233 registrations
The MINI had a strong 2020, with a new all-electric model helping to expand the car's popularity with emission-conscious buyers. A seventh-placed finish ensures it stays ahead of rivals like the Volkswagen Polo and Audi A1.
8. Volkswagen Polo – 26,965 registrations
The sixth-generation Volkswagen Polo clinched ninth spot in 2019 with 37,453 registrations and it's place one spot higher in 2020 despite selling over 10,000 fewer cars. It struggled during the first lockdown this year - notably securing just 7 registrations for April - but sales have since picked up and it placed comfortably inside the top ten for the year.
9. Ford Puma - 26,294 registrations
The new Ford Puma is proving to be more and more popular as the year goes on. With 3,609 sales in October - the fifth highest of the month - the crossover has catapulted itself into the top 10 best-selling cars of the year. A ninth-place finish overall means it's the second best-selling SUV in Britain.
10. Volvo XC40 - 25,023 registrations
Despite a premium badge and price-tag, the Volvo XC40 performed impressively in 2020. A top ten spot will be pleasing for the Swedish brand especially with so many other distinguished SUVs to rival it.
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