The UK’s new car market began the year on a positive note, rising 3.4% in January with 144,127 vehicles registered, according to the latest data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). This marks the strongest January performance since before the pandemic in 2020.
All buyer categories contributed to the uplift. Registrations from private buyers increased by 4.5%, fleet purchases edged up 1.6%, and the smaller business sector saw a sharp 46.5% jump. Fleets continued to dominate overall demand, representing 61.2% of all new registrations.
Battery electric vehicle (BEV) uptake was largely flat, growing by just 0.1% to 29,654 units and securing a 20.6% share of the market — the lowest since April 2025. This slight dip reflects unusually strong BEV activity in January 2025, when many buyers accelerated purchases ahead of new April tax changes, as well as the end-of-year push in 2025 when manufacturers worked to meet regulatory targets.
Plug‑in hybrids (PHEVs) once again delivered the most significant growth, surging 47.3% and accounting for 12.9% of registrations. Hybrid electric vehicles also expanded, rising 4.8% to take a 13.4% share.
Although January is traditionally a quieter month and not always a reliable indicator of annual performance, the latest outlook suggests the new car market will grow by 1.4% in 2026, reaching an expected 2.048 million registrations.
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Most new registration January 2026
Make and model | Number of registrations |
|---|---|
Kia Sportage | 4,675 |
Jaecoo 7 | 4,059 |
Ford Puma | 3,715 |
Nissan Qashqai | 2,995 |
Vauxhall Corsa | 2,902 |
BYD Seal U | 2,550 |
Nissan Juke | 2,517 |
Volkswagen Tiguan | 2,425 |
Volkswagen Golf | 2,072 |
MG HS | 2,035 |
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 |
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.
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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.
RAC sale – up to 40% off*
• Standard cover from £5.29 a month*
• We get to most breakdowns in 60 mins or less
• Our patrols fix 4/5 breakdowns
*T&Cs apply.
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