With 2020 already in full swing, it means it’s time to see how the new car market faired in January.
Overall, it doesn’t make particularly good reading, with new car sales down by 7.3 per cent in January, compared to 2019. However, electrified sales are soaring.
Electric car registrations, for example, increased by 203.9 per cent – tripling its market share, with the number of plug-in hybrids and hybrids also increasing by 111.1 and 20.6 per cent respectively.
But what are the models that are proving to be popular already, it’s time to take a look.
1. Ford Fiesta
It’s not a massive surprise to see that yet again, the Ford Fiesta gets the number one spot as Britain’s most popular new car – kicking off 2020 with a great start, with Ford registering 6,087 examples of the Fiesta last month.
Plenty of standard equipment, attractive pricing and a fun drive means there are plenty of reasons for buyers to pick the Fiesta.
2. Ford Focus
It’s a ‘1-2’ finish for Ford in January, with the manufacturer registering an impressive 5,287 examples of the Focus last month – helping it to rise up the charts compared to how it has performed recently.
A lengthy number of engine and trim options gives the Focus widespread appeal, with everything from entry-level Style versions through to range-topping Vignale and ST models offered in the line-up.
3. Nissan Qashqai
It’s great to see the British-built Qashqai so far up the charts in January’s results, with this versatile and affordable crossover being a big hit with the fleet market especially, with Nissan registering 5,608 examples of the model.
The introduction of a new stylish N-Tec special edition should only help to elevate sales further, too.
4. Vauxhall Corsa
The Vauxhall Corsa is currently undergoing a bit of a transition period, with the manufacturer still having leftover stock of the outgoing Corsa, and at the same time introducing its all-new model.
With registrations of 4,373 for the Corsa, it shows that buyers are still looking to Vauxhall for affordable compact motoring.
5. Volkswagen Golf
After being ranked Britain’s second most popular new car in 2019, the Volkswagen Golf has slid slightly down the charts this month to fifth place, though VW still registered 4,027 versions of the model.
However, this is more than likely down to the fact that some buyers will be waiting for the all-new Golf to launch in the next couple of months, with order books just opening for the eighth-generation version.
6. Mercedes-Benz A-Class
The premium A-Class has got off to a great start for Mercedes, with the classy hatchback having vast appeal to both private and business customers – helping 3,214 A-Class versions to be put on UK roads in January.
Shortly buyers will also be able to pick up a plug-in hybrid version of the A-Class – a model which claims to offer a remarkable 42-mile electric range, along with fuel economy figures of over 200mpg. Expect to these to sell like hot cakes.
7. Kia Sportage
The Sportage successfully managed to creep into the overall top 10 list in 2019, and it’s successfully starting 2020 as the seventh most popular as in January, with 2,457 versions of the crossover sold in January.
Affordable pricing, impressive spaciousness and Kia’s excellent seven-year warranty are all excellent reasons for choosing this crossover.
8. BMW 3 Series
BMW’s latest 3 Series remains as great to drive as ever, with the interior also being one of the best around.
The introduction of the Touring estate version, as well as the fleet favourite 330e plug-in hybrid have only bolstered this executive model’s appeal – helping 2,422 examples to be put on UK roads in January.
9. Volkswagen Polo
The Volkswagen Polo continues to offer spaciousness and levels of quality that you’d only expect to find from more expensive models, so it’s no massive surprise that buyers are continuing to love this VW supermini.
With 2,336 Polos registered last month, it continues to be one of the most popular models in its sector.
10. Vauxhall Grandland X
With Vauxhall recently discontinuing its Mokka X crossover ahead of a new model launching later this year, it’s given buyers more reasons to jump into the firm’s largest crossover – the Grandland X.
The firm registered 2,261 versions in January, it sneaks into the top 10. New plug-in hybrid versions are launching shortly – offering the model greater appeal.