As we enter the final month of 2024, the race to be crowned the UK's best-selling car has seriously heated up. 

After finishing 2023 as the year's best-selling car, the Ford Puma has clung to the top spot for most of 2024, too, ahead of the ever-popular Kia Sportage and the Nissan Qashqai. 

As of November, though, just 84 units separate the Puma and the Sportage - so which will top the rankings by the end of December? 

It has been quite a positive year for the UK car market overall, which is experiencing its best year for sales since the Covid pandemic, aided by the arrival of a host of appealing new models.  

But which cars join the Puma, Sportage and Qashqai in the UK's best-selling cars top ten? 

See the year-to-date list below, starting from January 2024 and using data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Best-selling cars in the UK in 2024

1. Ford Puma – 45,538 units

Can anything stop the Ford Puma? The firm's popular compact crossover has topped the list of best-selling cars in the UK for most of the year, but the Sportage is hot on its heels. 

The Puma appeals thanks to its engaging driving dynamics and attractive pricing, plus it has the option of a hot Puma ST variant.

It may not be the Fiesta we all know and love, but it’s a good, capable alternative nonetheless. It even outsold the Ford Transit and Transit Custom vans, which is no mean feat.

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

Read our Ford Puma review

2. Kia Sportage - 45,454 units

The Kia Sportage had a good year in 2023, finishing fourth in the UK sales charts, and it's having an even stronger showing in 2024, hovering close to the very top of the table.

Consistency is key for this family SUV, which entered its fifth generation at the tail end of 2022, sporting an eye-catching design, on-trend powertrains and compelling value for money.

Read our Kia Sportage review

3. Nissan Qashqai – 39,047 units

The Nissan Qashqai was the UK's best-seller in 2022, then it finished 2023 in second place, and it 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

4. Nissan Juke - 32,482 units

The Nissan Juke remains a popular car among UK buyers, having finished 2023 in eighth place.

The small SUV went on sale with a brand-new design in 2020, and then a facelifted version arrived in the middle of last year, along with hybrid power for the first time.

Read our Nissan Juke review

5. Volkswagen Golf – 30,964 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, now sitting in fifth place. This could be a hugely important time for the Golf, which has just gone on sale in facelifted 'Mk8.5' form. 

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 

6. Hyundai Tucson - 30,499 units

The Hyundai Tucson is one of the UK’s most popular SUVs, having regularly appeared in the top 10 in 2023.

It was renewed in 2021 with a fresh front end that featured a unique, eye-catching lighting arrangement. Its plush interior and range of electrified powertrains are also attractive propositions for many Brits.

Read our Hyundai Tucson review

7. MG HS - 28,595 units

The MG HS offers class-leading value for money, and it entered a second generation this year, putting it in line for even more mainstream success in 2024 and beyond.

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

8. Audi A3 - 28,105 units

The Audi A3 is one of just three cars on this list that isn't an SUV, which makes us feel slightly sad. Its popularity remains strong, and it even outsold the Volkswagen Golf, its Volkswagen Group sibling, last year. 

Updated in 2024, the A3 is certainly worthy of its spot in the top 10, offering a comfortable ride and good body control, plus a plush, roomy interior. The fact that it's also substantially cheaper than the rival Mercedes-Benz A-Class also helps its case.

Read our Audi A3 Sportback review

9. Tesla Model Y - 27,697 units

The Tesla Model Y has popped in and out of the top 10 throughout the year, and as of November, it's the only electric car in the ranking. 

A small update in 2024 brought a new battery, which seems to have contributed to the crossover overcoming a sales slump.

A bigger update is coming next year, introducing revised styling in line with the Model 3 saloon and an overhauled interior.

Read our Tesla Model Y review  

10. Volkswagen Polo - 27,674

Despite its price (and size) increasing over the years, the Volkswagen Polo is still a brilliant small car. It's comfortable, refined, well-built and spacious, while also offering some of the best economy rates in the class.

The latest version is the best to drive yet and is packed with technology. But how long will it stick around for? That we're not sure of, so make the most of it before it goes the way of the Ford Fiesta. 

Read our Volkswagen Polo review