If you’re in the market for a new or used car, you may have noticed that certain models are constantly out of stock and carry a wait time of several months.
This is simply a case of consumer demand outweighing supply levels in the showrooms. Dealerships might even add a markup to the price of a car that is in particularly high demand.
Limited stocks were a fact of life in the automotive industry throughout the COVID-19 pandemic – and 2022. The market has since made a partial recovery, but there are still certain models that are more difficult to source than others.
Unfortunately, this means that if you have your heart set on a popular model, you might find yourself waiting a little longer (and paying a little more). However, if you’re preparing to sell your car and are lucky enough to own one of the most coveted models, you could get a very favourable price for it.
In this guide, we will reveal the best-selling new cars in 2023 so far – and which used models sell fastest according to the latest market data.
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5 best-selling new cars
We have collated the latest SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) data for car registrations between January and October 2023.
Please note: These car models are ranked by number of registrations as opposed to sales. Here is a quick explainer on the difference between registrations and sales:
- Dealers will often ‘pre-register’ a car before they have a customer to assign it to. This allows dealerships to move stock through the supply chain – and hit performance targets. As such, a significant proportion of the cars reported in registration figures (thought to be around 10-20%) are actually pre-registrations.
- The vast majority of cars that are registered will eventually be sold but cannot be counted as ‘sales’ until they have been bought by consumers.
Here are the best-selling cars (according to SMMT registration figures) in 2023 so far:
5. Tesla Model Y - 30,087 registrations
Tesla’s Model Y has established itself as one of the frontrunners of the electric SUV market. Its impressive range (283-331 miles) is likely to allay any range anxiety. Drivers can also rely on Tesla’s Supercharger network to keep them on the move.
The Model Y is also surprisingly agile. The range-topping ‘Performance’ version can reach 60mph in just 3.5 seconds – and has a top speed of 150mph.
You can use your phone to access your Model Y – and send electronic keys to trusted friends and family members for hassle-free car sharing.
4. Kia Sportage - 31,575 registrations
The Kia Sportage is a competitively-priced family SUV with sharp styling (including distinctive boomerang-shaped headlights), a smart, well-built interior, ample legroom and boot space.
The Sportage offers a comfortable, quiet ride - even on motorways. The entry-level models have a capable 4.2” cluster infotainment system (but the higher trims add a 12.3” digital instrument cluster with fully-digital dials).
It’s available with a range of engine types including petrol, diesel, hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV). The PHEV is the most economical variant with an electric range of around 40 miles.
3. Vauxhall Corsa - 33,641 registrations
The Vauxhall Corsa offers up a wide selection of engine and trim options, allowing it to cater to a range of budgets and requirements. As such, this small hatchback is a popular choice among just about every age group.
The latest iteration of the Corsa boasts improved styling and upgraded onboard technology. There’s a new 10” touchscreen and 7” driver’s display. Wireless charging has also been introduced.
The petrol versions offer good fuel economy, whilst the electric variant provides a respectable 222-mile range.
2. Nissan Qashqai - 34,952 registrations
Since launching in the UK in 2007, Nissan’s Qashqai has made waves in the ‘family SUV’ category. It’s fun styling, comfortable ride and clever tech make it worthy of your consideration. The Qashqai was even named the UK’s best-selling car for the first time in 2022.
The Qashqai comes with a variety of wheel configurations (from 17-20") with the 18” wheels delivering the most comfortable ride. The ‘N-Connecta’ trim and above offer a fully-digital 12.3” display – whilst the ‘Tekna’ and ‘Tekna+’ variants add an extra heads-up display.
The range-topping e-Power hybrid offers something a little different to most of its rivals. Rather than powering the front wheels, the 1.5-litre 187bhp engine produces electricity – and sends it to the electric motor. As a result, you’ll experience EV-like acceleration (from 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds) without the need to charge, eliminating any range anxiety.
1. Ford Puma - 42,136 registrations
The original iteration of the Ford Puma was a small, sporty three-door coupé that was produced between 1997 and 2002. It scooped the coveted What Car? ‘Car of the Year’ award in 1997 but didn’t sell particularly well.
When Ford rebooted the Puma, they tried an entirely different approach - and built a small SUV to rival the Nissan Juke, Volkswagen T-Roc and Skoda Kamiq.
The new Puma looks great, is fun to drive, offers impressive performance and good fuel economy. (All variants of the new Puma have a 1-litre petrol engine with 48-volt mild-hybrid [MHEV] technology, which shuts off the engine when coming to a stop, helping to save on fuel.)
If you’re in the market for something a little sportier, there’s also a hot variant - the Puma ST, which delivers 197bhp and features bespoke suspension for extra-nimble cornering!
5 fastest-selling used cars
Here are the 5 fastest-selling used cars in the UK according to the latest Glass sales data from November 2023:
5. Mitsubishi ASX
- Days to sell: 27
- Average retail asking price: £13,740
- Average mileage: 39,129
- Average age: 5.3 years
The Mitsubishi ASX (Active Sporting Crossover) is a ‘crossover’ family hatchback that incorporates SUV styling elements. The ASX brings bold styling to the table - with its ‘jet fighter’ nose, flared wheel arches and tall ride height.
It has an impressive 442 litres of luggage space (increased to 1193 litres with the easy-fold seats down). It’s also practical, reliable and economical, delivering 40 miles per gallon (MPG).
Mitsubishi has brought its considerable 4x4 motoring expertise to the small SUV market to deliver something that outclasses many of its rivals.
4. Hyundai Santa Fe
- Days to sell: 25
- Average retail asking price: £22,691
- Average mileage: 53,246
- Average age: 6.4 years
The Hyundia Santa Fe is an impressive large family SUV that combines eye-catching design elements (including a chrome grille and shiny roof rails) with a practical 7-seater cabin.
Every trim comes with a good quality touchscreen with smartphone mirroring capability. Electric seat adjustment is also available as standard.
The PHEV variant can travel up to 36 miles on electricity alone. Although the cheaper regular hybrid lacks this capability, it utilises batteries that are charged up whilst the car decelerates.
Although not a ‘cheap’ car, the Santa Fe offers excellent value for money when it comes to space, style and equipment, particularly when compared to more premium rivals such as the BMW X3. (Unlike the X3, the Santa Fe also offers a seven-seat configuration as standard.)
3. Audi E-tron
- Days to sell: 25
- Average retail asking price: £31,304
- Average mileage: 27,793
- Average age: 3.1 years
Audi’s E-tron is a stylish large electric SUV that’s surprisingly nimble.
The ‘50’ model manages 0-60mph in 6.8 seconds, whereas the more powerful ‘55’ variant takes just 5.7 seconds. When it comes to range, the ‘50’ has a 64kWh electric battery with a range of 197 miles, whilst the ‘55’ manages a maximum range of 254 miles, thanks to its larger 86kWh battery.
With a fully-electric SUV such as the E-tron, you’ll be exempt from many emissions-based tariffs, such as London’s ULEZ and Congestion Charge. What’s more, like all EVs, the E-tron is exempt from car tax (until 2025, at least).
The E-tron also fares well in the safety stakes, having earned a perfect five-star Euro NCAP score when it was tested in 2019.
2. TESLA Model 3
- Days to sell: 22
- Average retail asking price: £28,070
- Average mileage: 27,538
- Average age: 3.25 years
Tesla’s Model 3 is the smallest and lowest-priced model in the fully-electric carmaker’s roster (rivalling models such as the BMW i4 and Polestar 2).
It’s extremely agile; the rear-wheel drive (RWD) base model manages 0-60mph in a swift 5.8 seconds The four-wheel drive ‘Long Range’ and ‘Performance’ variants are even more sprightly, tearing from 0-60mph in just 3.3 seconds (beating the Polestar 2 by a comfortable margin).
When it comes to electric range, the entry-level RWD version manages 262 miles - and the Long Range edition can travel up to 324 miles on a single charge in summer. Drivers can also benefit from Tesla’s powerful Supercharger network for hassle-free charging whilst on the move.
1. Kia e-Niro
- Days to sell: 33
- Average retail asking price: £22,269
- Average mileage: 26,671
- Average age: 2.75 years
The Kia e-Niro tops our list of the fastest-selling used cars. It’s an economical feature-packed electric car that’s great for families. With a generous 475-litre boot capacity and an electric range of around 295 miles, the e-Niro is a practical option for family outings and long commutes alike.
The keyless entry feature eliminates the worry of having to replace lost car keys (and getting stranded without them).
Other standout features include heated leather seats, a capable navigation and media touchscreen (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility), lane-keeping assist, climate control - and adaptive cruise control.
Looking to sell your car?
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- Sell your car – Drive to your chosen branch for your appointment. Our buyer will confirm your valuation and if you're happy to sell, you can get the money in your bank within 15 minutes if you choose our new Immediate Payment option.