It’s safe to say this year has been a turbulent one, not least for the automotive industry.
Car showrooms were closed throughout April and May at the height of the first lockdown, and while England might once again be heading into tougher measures from today, October was a more positive month for new car registrations,
The market slumped by just 1.6 per cent compared to the previous year, while sales of electrified models continue to surge.
But what were the most popular new cars in October? Let’s take a look.
1. Mercedes A-Class
It’s quite a surprise at the top this month, with the Mercedes A-Class being the UK’s most popular new car in October, with 4,149 examples finding homes.
It’s the first time this premium hatchback has been at the top, and it’s likely down to affordable finance deals, the A-Class’s stunning interior and high-quality design. You can also choose it as a saloon, while the recent introduction of a plug-in hybrid will have also extended its appeal.
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The Vauxhall Corsa enjoys yet another month near the top in October, with the firm registering 3,957 examples of this vastly-improved supermini.
The new Corsa is leaps and bounds better than its predecessor in key areas such as styling, quality and driving and appeal, while the option of a new electric Corsa-e model is also adding to the attraction.
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While the Ford Fiesta might have fallen down the rankings this month, a third place finish is still impressive, with 3,845 examples being registered during October. This Ford also remains the best-selling car throughout 2020, too, and by a comfortable margin.
And if you’re looking for a fun, well-made and affordable hatchback, the Fiesta remains very hard to beat in the supermini class.
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The complexities of a model switchover during the height of the Covid-19 certainly haven’t helped the Volkswagen Golf’s fortunes this year, but the German manufacturer will be pleased to see a return to reform here, with 3,831 being registered in October securing a fourth place position.
The growing range of models to choose from will undoubtedly help, as will sporty GTI, GTD, GTE and R models all arriving before the end of the year.
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It was only a matter of time before the Ford Puma began to gather momentum, and despite only arriving at the start of 2020 as an all-new model, this crossover is already the best-selling car in its segment.
The Puma’s mix of bold styling, efficient mild-hybrid engines and a fun drive has already earned it a number of high-profile awards, and these will have undoubtedly swayed the 3,609 people that took delivery of a Puma last month.
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Volvo is one of the few growing manufacturers at the minute, and a key part of this Swedish firm’s success is the XC40 – its most affordable model that combines practicality with style and quality.
And with 3,548 being sold in October, it’s yet another premium brand to feature prominently during last month’s results, while also accounting for almost two-thirds of Volvo’s total October sales.
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The only British-built car to feature in October’s results is the ever-popular Mini Hatch, with 3,100 being registered last month.
While the petrol Mini continues to prove popular, the recent introduction of the new Electric model will have also provided a boost to this fun and stylish supermini.
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While the Ford Focus might not be quite as popular as it once was, it remains one of the best-selling cars in its class, with an impressive 2,823 still being registered during October.
The strong choice of variants will no doubt help – from affordable Zetec Edition models to premium Vignale versions and sporty ST hot hatches, there’s something to suit most. The Focus has also recently benefitted from new efficient mild-hybrid petrol engines, adding even more appeal to this family hatchback.
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BMW’s most affordable car continues to be the most popular from this German manufacturer, and with the 1 Series’ enjoyable driving experience, striking styling and high-quality interior, it combines all the assets of much larger BMWs in a more affordable package.
The strong powertrain choice – from efficient diesels to the M135i hot hatch – offers something to plenty of buyers, and helped the 1 Series to be the ninth most popular car during October, with 2,606 being registered.
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Audi’s recently debuted its new A3, which gains bold styling, a far more modern interior and sportier focus, so the brand will no doubt be pleased to see it enter the top 10 charts during October.
With 2,523 being registered, the A3 accounted for almost a quarter of the premium brand’s sales – impressive considering the brand’s extensive line-up. The success of the A3 last month no doubt contributed to a big overall success for Audi in October, too – its sales increasing by 51 per cent compared to this time last year.
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