2022 proved to be another challenging year for the automotive industry, with overall sales falling by two per cent, albeit more than 1.6m new cars were still sold, making the UK the second largest car market in Europe.
It proved to be another great year for EVs too, with sales of these models growing by 40 per cent to account for 16.6 per cent of all new cars sold. But what about the models that sold best? Here’s a look at the 10 best-selling cars in 2022.
1. Nissan Qashqai – 42,704 registrations
Nissan had a fantastic 2022, with its Qashqai taking the title as the overall yearly best-selling car for the first time. It’s fantastic news for the UK car industry too, with this crossover being designed in London, engineered in Cranfield, Bedfordshire, and produced in Sunderland. Nissan even wrapped a model in gold in celebration.
With 42,704 new Qashqais registered in 2022, it has a significant margin over the competition too. Famed for its practicality and appeal to families, this Nissan offers smart styling and lots of technology for an affordable price.
Enquire on a new Nissan Qashqai2. Vauxhall Corsa – 35,910 registrations
While the Vauxhall Corsa might be demoted to a silver medal in 2022, this is still an impressive feat, with 35,910 new versions of this supermini being delivered last year. By far the most popular car in this class, the Corsa offers great value, lots of standard equipment and smart styling.
The option of the Corsa Electric also continues to play a huge part in the model’s success, as it’s one of the most affordable EVs on the market, yet still offers a claimed range of 222 miles.
Enquire on a new Vauxhall Corsa3. Tesla Model Y – 35,551 registrations
Tesla continues to dominate the electric car market, and it’s a major achievement for an EV to be ranked this highly in the yearly figures. The Model Y is the American brand’s newest model, and is proving even more popular than the Model 3, with an impressive 35,551 registered in 2022.
Accounting for 13 per cent of all EV sales in the course of the year, buyers are flocking to the Model Y for its technology, strong performance and range of up to 331 miles. You also have access to Tesla’s dedicated Supercharger EV network.
Enquire on a new Tesla Model Y4. Ford Puma – 35,088 registrations
While Ford’s once best-selling Fiesta may have slipped down the rankings, it’s been replaced by the Puma, which takes the position as the fourth most popular car in 2022 with 35,088 registered. This compact crossover appeals in particular with its fun driving experience and practical interior that offers more space than a Fiesta, for example.
The Puma’s mild-hybrid petrol engines are another key attraction, as they deliver a fantastic combination of performance and efficiency.
Enquire on a new Ford Puma5. Mini – 32,387 registrations
It’s another British-built icon in the best-selling cars list, with the Mini taking fifth position, and sales growing marginally compared to 2021, despite the brand’s Oxford factory battling parts shortages.
If you want a fun and stylish small car, it doesn’t get any better than the Mini Hatch, which also offers a high-quality interior. It remains good value for money as well, with customers able to choose from various hot hatch models as well as the urban-focused Mini Electric. All in, 32,387 found homes.
Enquire on a new Mini6. Kia Sportage – 29,655 registrations
Kia’s Sportage returned for a fifth generation earlier in 2022, and it’s only contributing further to this SUV’s success, with 29,655 being registered.
This latest Sportage is a big step up, too, offering a far more interesting design, while the cabin uses all of Kia’s latest technology and digital displays. With hybrid and plug-in hybrid models widely available, it remains a key player in the fleet market too.
Enquire on a new Kia Sportage7. Hyundai Tucson – 27,839 registrations
Hot on the heels of the Sportage is the mechanically similar Hyundai Tucson, which is among one of the best family SUVs on the market. Offering a particularly cool design thanks to its clever light-up grille and LED rear light bar, the Tucson also gets a modern and high-quality interior.
Hyundai hasn’t forgotten about the need for this SUV to be spacious, however, as the cabin offers a great deal of room, both in terms of passenger and boot space. Hyundai registered 27,839 Tucsons in 2022.
Enquire on a new Hyundai Tucson8. Volkswagen Golf – 26,558 registrations
The Volkswagen Golf returns to the top 10 in 2022, with this family hatchback and estate being the only car in its class to be listed in this year’s best-sellers list, with a respectable 26,558 registered.
The Golf is a car that appeals to a broad audience, ranging from fleet-friendly plug-in hybrid models to the GTI and hot hatch models. The recent 20-year celebration of its Golf R has only added further to its appeal, too.
Enquire on a new Volkswagen Golf9. Ford Kuga – 26,549 registrations
A second Ford SUV makes the top 10, with the brand’s larger Kuga also among the UK’s most popular cars last year, with 26,549 being delivered.
The Kuga is an ideal choice for families thanks to its larger and more practical interior, though it retains cool styling and an enjoyable driving experience. Ford also offers hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions to expand its appeal.
Enquire on a new Ford Kuga10. Ford Fiesta – 25,070 registrations
Ford might be discontinuing the Fiesta later in 2023 as it focuses its resources on EVs. Still, this supermini is continuing to remain a popular choice, with 25,070 versions finding homes in 2022, and slipping the model into the top 10.
The Fiesta remains one of the finest small cars on the market, being great to drive, well-equipped, yet also practical enough for a range of uses. The sheer choice of derivatives adds further to its appeal, from the rugged Active model to the brilliant ST hot hatch.
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