1. Ford Fiesta
Units registered: 77,833
The Fiesta is basically the Michael Schumacher of the British new car market. Not because it’s especially fast - although the ST model is an absolute riot - but because it always tops the charts. Every. Single. Month. Small wonder, though, when it’s this good.
2. Volkswagen Golf
Units registered: 58,994
Currently topping in the clutch of cars following the Fiesta is the perennially brilliant VW Golf. Again, it’s set to be replaced soon, and end-of-season offers are starting to show up on forecourts. All that means is it’s a great time to bag a bargain family hatch.
3. Ford Focus
Units registered: 56,619
The Fiesta’s big brother is about a thousand sales behind the Golf as things stand, but that’s no indictment of its capability. Arguably better than ever, the latest Focus is one of those cars that you just can’t help but admire.
4. Vauxhall Corsa
Units registered: 54,239
Lagging behind the Fiesta by quite some way is its arch rival, the Vauxhall Corsa. Soon to be replaced, the current iteration is a decent, if unremarkable, effort, but hugely competitive pricing makes it great value for money.
5. Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Units registered: 53,724
Updating the A-Class has worked for Mercedes in a big way. The old car was popular, but the new model, with its smarter styling and high-tech interior, is proving a real hit. And so it should, because it’s one of the stars of the premium hatchback show.
6. Nissan Qashqai
Units registered: 52,532
The Qashqai always seems to feature in these lists, despite not having any one attribute that makes it stand out from the family SUV crowd. It is, however, one of the best all-rounders, and when you drive one you realise it’s all the car most people will ever need.
7. Ford Kuga
Units registered: 41,671
Another car for which the replacement has already been revealed, the Kuga as we know it is a dying breed. But it’s still one of the best family SUVs on the market, and that’s saying something in a market this crowded with quality products. Interior aside, there’s just nothing to fault.
8. Mini Hatch
Units registered: 41,188
Cute, patriotic and great fun to drive, the Mini is the yardstick by which the success of all other retro reincarnations are measured. Perfectly suited to modern Britain, the little Mini has just the right blend of style, luxury and ease of use. We just wish it was slightly more practical.
9. VW Polo
Units registered: 37,453
Another favourite in the hatchback segment, the Polo is getting ever closer to its Golf-badged big brother, both in terms of style and quality. Were it not for the genius of the Fiesta and the pricing of the Corsa, we’d expect to see this way higher up the list.
10. Kia Sportage
Units registered: 34,502
The Sportage has been making forays into the top 10 for a while now, and small wonder. It’s a hugely competent car that’s let down only by some slightly challenging styling. A seven-year warranty will appeal to many, though, as will the solid interior and comfy ride.
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