The top 10 most popular cars in the UK

The UK new car market saw a second consecutive year of growth in 2024, with 1,952,778 new cars hitting the roads.

This marks a a 2.6% increase compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

In December 2024, the market remained steady at 140,786 units, showing a slight decline of 0.2%. This capped a challenging year for the sector, as manufacturers worked to drive demand for electric vehicles to meet newly imposed sales targets.

This suggests more people are buying and selling cars in the UK. 

The first year of mandated targets for new zero-emission vehicles ended with a strong December performance, as 43,656 new battery electric vehicles (BEVs) were registered, representing 31.0% of the market.

As a result, BEVs made up 19.6% of the market in 2024, totaling 381,970 units.

This is an increase of over a fifth (67,283 units) compared to the previous year, though still short of the 22% target set by the mandate.

The industry has pulled out all the stops to meet this target, with manufacturers offering more than £4.5 billion in discounts in 2024.

However, the SMMT believes that this is an unsustainable figure in the long term. 

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: "A record year for EV registrations underscores vehicle manufacturers’ unswerving commitment to a decarbonised new car market, with more choice, better range and increased affordability than ever before. This has come at huge cost, however, with the billions invested in new models being supplemented by generous incentives which are unsustainable.

"We need rapid results from the regulatory review and urgent substantive support for consumers – else automotive investments will be at risk and the jobs, economic growth and net zero ambitions we all share in jeopardy."

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Top 10 best-selling cars in the UK 2024

Ford's popular small SUV, the Puma, is easy to drive, comfortable and practical with a large boot. The Puma is also cheap to run thanks to petrol hybrid technology that keeps fuel costs down. Little wonder, perhaps, it's so popular with car buyers in Britian.

Read our full Ford Puma review.

Easy to drive, stylish and backed by a seven-year-warranty, the Kia Sportage is a serious player in the family SUV market. All versions are spacious and comfortable, while Kia’s impressive range of petrol hybrid powertrains make the Sportage rewarding to drive and affordable to run.

Read our full Kia Sportage review.

Popular with family car buyers, the Nissan Qashqai is one of the UK's favourite SUVs. Now in its third generation, the Qashqai is better than ever before. The interior is spacious, and the high levels of refinement make the Qashqai perfect for high mileage drivers who want a class leading family car at a price they can afford.

Read our full Nissan Qashqai review.

The Volkswagen Golf is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and remains one of Britain's most popular cars for people of all ages.

Read our full Volkswagen Golf review.

The original small supermini-derived SUV, the Nissan Juke is a worthy rival to the Ford Puma thanks to its eye-catching style and driver-friendly cabin. Most buyers choose their Juke with Nissan’s excellent 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine, while the 1.6-litre hybrid is popular with drivers who want their Juke with a dose of performance.

Read our full Nissan Juke review.

The new MG HS builds on oits hugely popular large SUV with an extensive redesign featuring a sharper, more aggressive appearance. 

Read our full MG HS review.