Ford Puma Takes Top Spot in UK Sales Charts for May 2023
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has released the latest new car registration data, revealing the best-selling new cars in the UK. The figures show which cars have drawn the biggest sales since the start of 2023, with some retaining a market stronghold against the odds while others fight their way onto the best-sellers list for the first time.
The Nissan Qashqai finished 2022 as the UK’s best-selling car, but the Ford Puma has taken the top spot after May 2023, ahead of the Nissan Qashqai and Vauxhall Corsa. The Puma is now Ford’s number-one car, as well as the UK’s. The small crossover possesses impressive driving dynamics and attractive pricing, and the range is topped by a fun-filled ST version. It might not be the Fiesta we all know and love, but it’s a good, capable alternative nonetheless.
Let’s take a closer look at the top ten best-selling cars of 2023 so far, according to the SMMT, and how many units they sold.
1. Ford Puma – 17,312 units sold so far this year
The Ford Puma has taken the top spot in the UK sales charts for May 2023. The small crossover is now Ford’s number-one car, as well as the UK’s. It possesses impressive driving dynamics and attractive pricing, and the range is topped by a fun-filled ST version.
2. Vauxhall Corsa – 17,062 units
The Vauxhall Corsa dropped down to second place in May. It finished second to the Qashqai in 2022, despite having topped the leaderboard for 10 of the 12 months. Its success is in part due to its PSA-developed underpinnings and mix of petrol, diesel and electric powertrains. A facelifted model featuring Vauxhall’s Vizor front end will be launched later this year.
3. Nissan Qashqai – 16,751 units
The Qashqai, 2022’s top-selling model in the UK, finished May in third place. The British-built crossover continues to appeal to buyers here through its excellent practicality, and its appeal has no doubt been bolstered by the addition of electrified powertrains for its third generation.
4. Nissan Juke – 15,124 units
The Juke helped Nissan complete a perfect one-two for year-to-date sales in March, and it’s still challenging for the top five halfway into the year. The small crossover went on sale with a brand new design in 2020, then a facelift arrived in the middle of last year, along with hybrid power for the first time.
5. Hyundai Tucson – 15,090 units
The Hyundai Tucson is one of the UK’s most popular SUVs and regularly appeared in the top 10 last year. Arguably the most premium option in the top 10, it was renewed in 2021 with a fresh front end with a unique, eye-catching lighting set-up. Its plush interior and range of electrified powertrains are attractive propositions for many Brits.
6. Kia Sportage – 14,976 units
Consistency is key for the Kia Sportage, which entered its fifth generation at the tail end of last year. It looks like the SUV will once again prove a smash hit for Kia in 2023, thanks to its eye-catching design, on-trend powertrains and strong value for money. It consistently finished in the top 10 last year.
7. Tesla Model Y – 14,012 units
Tesla’s influence on the UK car market continues, and the Model Y is the driving force. The crossover first went on sale last February on our shores in a Long Range specification, and a Rear Wheel Drive model is now available as the entry point to the range. No doubt it will greatly add to the growing number of Model Ys on our roads.
8. Ford Fiesta – 12,714 units
It’s sad to see the Fiesta’s continued popularity with the knowledge that it will be leaving the Ford range later this year, bringing an end to 47 years of production. It’s set to be replaced by an electric crossover. Its popularity is down to its versatility and all-round excellent driving dynamics, while the ST performance variant still holds up as one of the best hot hatches on the market.
9. Mini 3dr/5dr – 12,670 units
Despite its age, the Mini hatchback continues to be as popular as ever. Last year, it finished ahead of superminis such as the Volkswagen Polo and Toyota Yaris. With a versatile line-up of petrol, electric and John Cooper Works performance variants, the Mini can always be relied on for drivability and alluring looks. A new model is set to arrive later this year, and we’re very excited for it.
10. Volkswagen T-Roc – 12,053 units
The Volkswagen T-Roc has been around for six years, but it remains a seriously popular choice for UK buyers – more so, it seems, than the venerable Volkswagen Golf. A recent facelift boosted interior quality, addressing one of few criticisms of the well-rounded crossover.
In conclusion, the Ford Puma has taken the top spot in the UK sales charts for May 2023, ahead of the Nissan Qashqai and Vauxhall Corsa. The latest new car registration data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reveals the best-selling new cars in the UK, and the figures show which cars have drawn the biggest sales since the start of 2023. The top ten best-selling cars of 2023 so far include a mix of small crossovers, SUVs, and hatchbacks, with electrified powertrains becoming increasingly popular.