The top 10 most popular cars in the UK

The data shows that this was the market’s best April since 2021, although uptake was still 16.6% below the pre-pandemic levels.

This consecutive growth suggests more people are buying and selling cars in the UK. 

Electric vehicles (EVs) continued to be the main drivers of market expansion, according to the SMMT.

Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs) recorded the strongest growth, rising by 22.1% to account for 7.8% of the market, followed by Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), up 16.7% with a 13.1% share of demand.

April was a brighter month for battery electric vehicle (BEV) registrations, predominantly due to compelling fiscal incentives for businesses. Overall, BEV uptake rose 10.7%, pushing up market share to 16.9%, a significant uplift on last April’s 15.4%.

Following the release of the data, Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: "The new car market continues to grow even in the quieter months, driven primarily by fleet demand.

"This is particularly true of the electric vehicle sector, where the absence of government incentives for private buyers is having a marked effect. Although attractive deals on EVs are in place, manufacturers cannot fund the mass market transition single-handedly.

"Temporarily cutting VAT, treating EVs as fiscally mainstream not luxury vehicles, and taking steps to instil consumer confidence in the chargepoint network will drive the market growth on which Britain’s net zero ambition depends."

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Top 10 best-selling cars in the UK 2024

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.

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.

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.

The Audi A3 firmly established the premium compact class in 1996. Now, more than a quarter of a century later, the latest generation of this highly successful model is increasing in popularity again.

Read our full Audi A3 review.

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.

The Volkswagen Golf is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and remains one of Britain's most popular cars for people of all ages.

Read our full Volkswagen Golf review.

The arrival of the all-new BMW 1 Series heralds the dawn of a new era for this successful model that has consistently combined handling excellence, practicality, technology and quality.

Read our full BMW 1 Series review.

The new MG HS builds on oits hugely popular large SUV with an extensive redesign featuring a sharper, more aggressive appearance. 

Read our full MG HS review.

The Volkswagen T-Roc is a stylish, yet compact family SUV that has grown in popularity compared to last year. 

Read our full Volkswgen T-Roc review.

The iconic hot hatch is as popular now as it ever has been - and comes in a variety of models. Admittedly, the Mini has grown in size and is no longer the smallest car in the market, but its keen handling and stylish looks make it a rewarding car to own and drive.

Read our full MINI review.