With car factories and showrooms closed due the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis in April, the bleak new car market data is unsurprising.
With new cars mainly being delivered to fleets and essential workers, overall sales plummeted by 97 per cent, with just 4,321 new cars being registered last month, according to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
However, within this data there are some impressive facts and unusual data – namely with electric cars. The SMMT figures show that more EVs than diesels were registered, with electric models making up nearly a third of all new cars put onto UK roads last month.
The list of the 10 best-selling models is also an interesting one, with three EVs appearing in it. Here we take a closer look at the most popular new cars…
1. Tesla Model 3
We’ve seen the Tesla Model 3 appearing in the top 10 on several occasions, but this is its first time in number one spot. Accounting for 15 per cent of overall new registrations last month, as well as nearly half of all electric car sales, Tesla’s most affordable model continued to prove popular even in a challenging market.
2. Jaguar I-Pace
Within a bleak performance like April can emerge some interesting results, and this is one of them. Jaguar’s I-Pace EV is by no means a niche choice, but it’s hardly popular either. So it’s fascinating to see this electric SUV in the number two spot, with 367 I-Paces being registered. With the manufacturing announcing back in January that it would make 700 versions of this model available to NHS staff, this is likely to account for a large chunk of these registrations.
3. Vauxhall Corsa
The Vauxhall Corsa supermini is one of few models on this list that you would usually see in the top-selling list. Though results were far from what you would usually expect from this hatchback, a third-place positioning is likely down to the fact this is a popular choice with the fleet market. With the firm’s new Corsa – as well as the electric Corsa-e only just arriving in showrooms before the lockdown – the brand will be hoping to see a return to success.
4. Vauxhall Grandland X
As Vauxhall’s largest crossover, the Grandland X is usually a pretty popular model – its affordable price and spacious interior making it a great family car. While sales plummeted in April – with just 143 registered – the recent introduction of new plug-in hybrid should help see the model’s fortunes return to normal levels in the coming months.
5. Ford Tourneo Custom
The van-derived Ford Tourneo Custom is never normally a popular choice – it’s usually the Fiesta and Focus that grab the limelight – though in unprecedented times come unusual results. Some 108 Tourneo Customs sold in April and most of these are likely to have gone to the NHS and other key services.
6. Peugeot Rifter
Just like the Tourneo Custom, the Peugeot Rifter is another van-derived MPV. It impresses with its spacious interior, while this French model is arguably more stylish than another models in this class. It’s a great choice, but not a popular one, so it’s a surprise to see it on this list, though just 94 Rifters were registered in April.
7. Seat Leon
A new Seat Leon is set to arrive in showrooms in the coming months with an overhauled interior and new electrified powertrains – including mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid option. The outgoing Leon, which is available as a hatchback or estate (ST) remains a great choice, though. It also makes the top 10 list, too, with 80 models being sold in April.
8. Mercedes A-Class
The A-Class is another model that usually appears on this list – its stunning high-quality interior and premium badging making it a popular choice in the hatchback class. While a mere 72 examples were registered during April, the model’s popularity is set to soar once lockdown lifts, with a new plug-in hybrid also joining the range.
9. Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf is the third EV to feature in this best-selling list, which is the first time that has ever happened. The Leaf remains one of the most popular EVs available, though, with its spacious interior and affordable pricing making it a compelling option. Nissan announced in April that it was loaning vehicles to NHS workers, so the 72 that were registered last month are likely to have been for those working on the frontline in the fight against coronavirus.
10. Peugeot 308
Peugeot rarely has any models that appear in this top 10 list, though two models from the French manufacturer appear this month. While just 67 new 308s (available as either a hatch or an SW estate) were registered, this model is a great choice if you’re looking for a stylish family car that’s also good to drive.
