The UK's best-selling cars of 2020

After a turbulent 2019, car makers might have been hoping the UK market would level out in 2020. Sadly, it wasn't to be.

In January, new car registrations were down by more than seven percent compared with the same month 2019, despite the increased demand for hybrid and electric cars. And then the coronavirus pandemic saw factories close their doors and dealers suspend traditional sales operations.

All of which meant sales almost halved in March, then fell by more than 97 percent in April. Add in a second round of lockdowns in the autumn and 2020 has so far seen the market slump by just under 30 percent. But there are some signs that a recovery is on the cards, with massive growth in the uptake of electric vehicles and increased demand for hybrids, too.

So what exactly were we buying in 2020? Well, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) collects data on such things, and we’ve taken the year-to-date numbers for a 2020 that's finally behind us to produce this top 10.

All registration figures are correct as of the end of December 2020, based on figures from the SMMT.

Click on the photo at the top of the page for the full list.

• Britain's best-selling cars of 2019

Units registered: 49,174

The perennial chart-topper, the Ford Fiesta is once again running clear at the head of the field. However, the gap narrowed in 2020, as Fiesta sales fell compared with the previous year.

• Britain's best-selling cars of 2019

Units registered: 46,439

Fresh from a wholesale update, the Corsa has benefitted from a major improvement in aesthetic appeal, as well as a more modern cabin. There’s an electric version, too, for added eco-friendliness.

• Britain's best-selling cars of 2019

Units registered: 43,109

The Golf has been refreshed this year, with the new MkVIII model taking over from the old MkVII. With sales figures like these, you can expect both to be common sights on UK roads.

• Britain's best-selling cars of 2019

Units registered: 39,372

Ford’s dominance of the UK market is pretty much complete, with the Fiesta followed by the larger Focus. Both are brilliant cars, offering bags of style and great driving experiences.

• Britain's best-selling cars of 2019

Units registered: 37,608

The advent of competitive finance deals has brought premium models into the mainstream, and the A-Class has been a great beneficiary. But that’s no surprise when it comes with the image and technology to justify its place.

• Britain's best-selling cars of 2019

Units registered: 33,972

The Qashqai has been popular ever since it arrived in the UK more than a decade ago. And it isn’t hard to see why. It’s one of the great all-rounders, giving most people all the car they could ever need.

• Britain's best-selling cars of 2019

Units registered: 31,233

Ever since BMW reinvented the Mini in the early 2000s, the new version has been a hit. With a modern take on retro looks and premium build quality, the car remains one of the most desirable small hatchbacks on the road.

• Britain's best-selling cars of 2019

Units registered: 26,965

The Polo might not be quite as popular as its rivals from Ford and Vauxhall, but it’s still a worthy rival. VW’s rock-solid build quality, minimalist style and intuitive tech are all big draws for buyers of the little hatchback.

• Britain's best-selling cars of 2019

Units registered: 26,294

The new Puma is nothing like the old Puma, but it's still a great car. Based on the top-selling Fiesta, the new compact SUV's driving dynamics and mild-hybrid powertrains have propelled it into the top 10.

• Britain's best-selling cars of 2019