2024 was quite the year for the car industry. New car registrations increased by 2.6% compared to the year before, while the Ford Puma was crowned the bestseller.

The Blue Oval’s small SUV topped the charts for the second consecutive year, but it has already dropped down to seventh place for January 2025 according to the data.

This same data reveals a fall in fortunes for Elon Musk’s Tesla too. The Model Y was the bestselling electric car (and fifth bestselling overall car) for 2024, but so far in 2025 doesn’t figure in the rankings.

EV sales climbed 42% year-on-year in January, but are still lagging well behind ZEV mandate targets - to the point where the industry is calling on the Government to have a car tax rethink.

Keep reading to find out the top 10 best-selling new cars for 2025 so far, according to the SMMT’s registration data.

The most popular new cars of 2025

1. Kia Sportage – 3,476 units

The Kia Sportage finished fourth in the sales charts for 2025, and we suspect the people in Seoul will be thrilled to start the year in first.

Consistency is the key for this family SUV. It entered its fifth generation at the tail end of 2022, but despite this its design is still fresh, eye-catching and modern.

Its mild-hybrid, full-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains ensure a great variety for buyers too.

Read our Kia Sportage review

2. Nissan Qashqai – 3,421 units

The Nissan Qashqai was the UK's best-seller in 2022, but it has since been outpaced by rivals, finishing in 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.

The British-built family crossover's appeal has also no doubt been bolstered by the addition of electrified powertrains for its third generation. 

Read our Nissan Qashqai review

3. Vauxhall Corsa – 3,379

 

The sales figures of the evergreen Vauxhall Corsa have been a bit up and down of late. It was the bestseller of 2021 but failed to place in the top 10 for 2024. So Vauxhall will be thrilled to have it performing well again.

A 2024 facelift and keen finance offer have given the Corsa a real shot in the arm and its deserving of its place.

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

4. Volkswagen Golf – 2,614 units

The Volkswagen 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.

In fact, it's slowly creeping its way back up the charts. The German stalwart has been kept fresh with a wide-reaching technology update, a design revamp, a more powerful GTI and a longer-range plug-in hybrid so it could climb higher still. 

Read our Volkswagen Golf review 

5. Peugeot 3008 – 2,567 units

Quite different looking to the 10-year old 3008 your uncle has right?

The 3008’s skills aren’t just skin deep either. It offers hybrid, PHEV and electric powertrains, with the latter scoring a 435-mile range. Which is pretty impressive for the price.

Peugeot’s range of finance offers, as well as the popular Motability Scheme, also contribute to the strong placing here.

Read our Peugeot 3008 review

6. Peugeot 2008 – 2,478 units

 

Close call between the 3008 (above) and the 2008 here. Another sales success broadly for the same reasons. 

Like with the 3008, it’s sharply styled and comes with an electric version (only offering a 251-mile range though).

Read our Peugeot 2008 review

7. Ford Puma – 2,332 units

The bestselling car of 2024 has slipped down the rankings considerably.

Which is a shame, as it's engaging to drive and attractively priced. Plus it has the option of a hot Puma ST variant.

There's also the electric Ford Puma Gen-E on the way, which we're equally excited about. 

Read our Ford Puma review

8. Nissan Juke – 2,320 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

9. MG HS – 2,148 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 our MG HS review

10. MG ZS – 2,107

The ZS is a compact crossover and the smaller sibling to the HS (above). Like with the ZS, it focusses on value for money.

But unlike with the HS, it doesn't come with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. This in some ways reflects the car's major selling points. There's only two trim levels and one engine option.

Read our MG ZS review