The UK’s new car market gathered pace in September, with registrations rising 12.1% year-on-year to 350,518 vehicles, according to preliminary figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
This was the market’s 10th straight month of growth and the strongest September performance since 2017. As one of the most significant months in the automotive calendar due to the arrival of a new registration plate, September typically accounts for around 14% of annual new car sales.
Electrified models were a key driver of September’s growth, accounting for a record 58.4% of all new car registrations. While hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) volumes fell 4.2%, reducing their market share to 13.1%, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) enjoyed a strong month, with registrations jumping 55.7% to achieve record sales and a 17.0% market share.
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) also continued their upward trajectory, with demand rising 36.3% to a record 99,199 registrations, increasing market share by five percentage points to 28.3%. That means almost five new electric cars were registered every minute throughout the month, more than twice the rate seen three years ago, helped by an expanding choice of models, particularly in smaller vehicle segments, attractive manufacturer incentives and the government's Electric Car Grant.
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- Electric cars – a definitive guide and tips for buyers
- Tips and advice for buying a new car in the UK
2026 total new registrations
Here are the most sold new cars in the UK so far in 2026:
Make and model | Number of registrations |
Ford Puma | 42,926 |
Jaecoo 7 | 39,473 |
Kia Sportage | 37,085 |
Nissan Qashqai | 33,082 |
Vauxhall Corsa | 27,390 |
Volkswagen Golf | 26,702 |
MG HS | 26,653 |
MINI Cooper | 23,722 |
Tesla Model 3 | 23,704 |
Volvo XC40 | 23,655 |
Source: SMMT
Most new registration September 2026
Make and model | Number of registrations |
|---|---|
Jaecoo 7 | 10,813 |
Tesla Model 3 | 9,929 |
Ford Puma | 6,958 |
Kia Sportage | 6,521 |
Tesla Model Y | 5,946 |
NIssan Qashqai | 5,554 |
Vauxhall Corsa | 5,498 |
Volkswagen Golf | 5,496 |
MG HS | 5,444 |
Audi A3 | 5,268 |
Source: SMMT
2026 new BEV registrations
Model | Number of registrations |
Tesla Model 3 | 9,929 |
Tesla Model Y | 5,946 |
BYD Sealion 7 | 3,191 |
BYD Seal | 3,184 |
Kia EV3 | 3,026 |
Skoda Enyaq | 2,214 |
Volvo EX30 | 1,961 |
Mercedes CLA | 1,921 |
Skoda Elroq | 1,897 |
Leapmotor B10 | 1,883 |
Source: SMMT
2025 total new registrations
Make and model | Number of registrations |
|---|---|
Ford Puma | 55,488 |
Kia Sportage | 47,788 |
Nissan Qashqai | 41,141 |
Vauxhall Corsa | 35,947 |
Nissan Juke | 34,773 |
Volkswagen Golf | 32,478 |
Volvo XC40 | 30,404 |
MG HS | 30,191 |
Volkswagen Tiguan | 39,857 |
Hyundai Tucson | 28,613 |
Source: SMMT
Top 10 best-selling cars in the UK 2025
Ford Puma
Ford's popular small SUV, the Puma, is easy to drive, comfortable and practical with a large boot. The Puma is also cheap to run thanks to petrol hybrid technology that keeps fuel costs down. Little wonder, perhaps, it's so popular with car buyers in Britian.
Read our full Ford Puma review.
Kia Sportage
Easy to drive, stylish and backed by a seven-year-warranty, the Kia Sportage is a serious player in the family SUV market. All versions are spacious and comfortable, while Kia’s impressive range of petrol hybrid powertrains make the Sportage rewarding to drive and affordable to run.
Read our full Kia Sportage review.
Nissan Qashqai
Popular with family car buyers, the Nissan Qashqai is one of the UK's favourite SUVs. Now in its third generation, the Qashqai is better than ever before. The interior is spacious, and the high levels of refinement make the Qashqai perfect for high mileage drivers who want a class leading family car at a price they can afford.
Read our full Nissan Qashqai review.
Vauxhall Corsa
The Vauxhall Corsa is a popular compact car known for its affordability, fuel efficiency, and practicality. It offers a comfortable driving experience, modern features, and a range of engine options. Available in various trims, the Corsa is ideal for city driving and appeals to both first-time car buyers and seasoned drivers.
Read our full Vauxhall Corsa review.
Nissan Juke
The original small supermini-derived SUV, the Nissan Juke is a worthy rival to the Ford Puma thanks to its eye-catching style and driver-friendly cabin. Most buyers choose their Juke with Nissan’s excellent 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine, while the 1.6-litre hybrid is popular with drivers who want their Juke with a dose of performance.
Read our full Nissan Juke review.
Roadside cover from £5.29 a month*
Cheaper than AA or we'll beat it by 20%^
- With over 1,700 RAC mechanics nationwide, help is never far away
- Our patrols fix 4/5 breakdowns
- Cheaper than AA Price Promise^
*At least 10% of new customers pay this for single-vehicle Roadside (Basic). ^T&Cs apply.
*At least 10% of new customers pay this for single-vehicle Roadside (Basic). ^T&Cs apply.
Volkswagen Golf
A long‑standing favourite in the hatchback class, it known for its refined driving feel and high‑quality, understated design. It balances comfort, efficiency and everyday practicality, making it a go‑to choice for drivers who want something versatile and polished.
Read our full Volkswagen Golf review.
Volvo XC40
The Volvo XC40 is a compact SUV that blends a clean Scandinavian design with a surprisingly spacious, practical interior. It’s known for its smooth drive, advanced safety tech, and the option of fully electric power in the XC40 Recharge.
Read our full Volvo XC40 review.
MG HS
The MG HS is a family‑sized SUV that focuses on value, offering generous space and a long list of standard features. It delivers a comfortable drive and comes with the option of a plug‑in hybrid version for those wanting lower running costs.
Read our full MG HS review.
Volkswagen Tiguan
The Volkswagen Tiguan is a stylish and practical compact SUV, offering a blend of performance, comfort, and advanced technology. With a spacious interior, efficient engine options, and a smooth ride, it’s ideal for both city and long-distance driving. Features include modern infotainment, safety systems, and strong build quality.
Read our full Volkswagen Tiguan review
Hyundai Tucson
The Hyundai Tucson is a sharply styled midsize SUV known for its bold design and high‑tech interior. It offers a smooth, refined drive with a choice of hybrid and plug‑in hybrid options for improved efficiency.
Read our full Hyundai Tucson review.
Roadside cover from £5.29 a month*
Cheaper than AA or we'll beat it by 20%^
- With over 1,700 RAC mechanics nationwide, help is never far away
- Our patrols fix 4/5 breakdowns
- Cheaper than AA Price Promise^
*At least 10% of new customers pay this for single-vehicle Roadside (Basic). ^T&Cs apply.
*At least 10% of new customers pay this for single-vehicle Roadside (Basic). ^T&Cs apply.
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