When it comes to new car registrations, September is always one of the busiest months, with the introduction of a new number plate helping to drive sales.
This year was the turn of the ‘70’ plate, which has become even more important given the effect coronavirus has had on the automotive industry. And while registrations might have declined by 4.4 per cent, experts have said this is likely due to dealers not pre-registering cars.
Electrified models also continue to prove popular, with EV and plug-in hybrid registrations increasing by 184 per cent and 139 per cent respectively.
But what were the cars that sold best in this crucial month? Let’s take a look.
1. Vauxhall Corsa
The Vauxhall Corsa returns to the top of the sales charts in September, with an impressive 10,553 models sold – that’s over 1,000 more than the next best car.
Affordable pricing, attractive finance offers and the option to have the electric Corsa-e have all contributed to this model’s success last month.
Enquire on a new Vauxhall Corsa2. Ford Fiesta
While missing out on its usual top spot, the Ford Fiesta remains a hugely popular choice with UK buyers, with 9,545 being registered on the new ‘70’ plate.
The Fiesta’s huge choice of trim options – from affordable Trend models through to the sporty ST – ensures this remains the deserved supermini of choice for many.
Enquire on a new Ford Fiesta3. Mercedes A-Class
The Mercedes A-Class shot up the charts last month as it became the third best-selling car in the UK – overtaking conventional hatchbacks like the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus.
A total of 8,085 versions were registered, with buyers able to choose the A-Class in either hatchback or saloon form. A great choice of powertrains, which includes efficient diesels, a plug-in hybrid and sporty AMG models, ensures this car remains successful.
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Whether it’s someone looking for a small family car or a first car, the Polo has huge scope to its ability, with the Volkswagen registering 7,417 versions during September.
Small and efficient engines add to the appeal, as does the Polo’s high-quality interior and sporty-looking R Line grade.
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The Golf might have slipped down the charts slightly in recent months, but with 6,788 new models being registered last month it’s still quite the achievement.
It’s also still benefiting from the recent model switch over, with a combination of outgoing versions and new Golfs making up these figures. With the addition of a GTI hot hatch and GTE plug-in hybrid in the coming months, it’s expected to remain just as popular.
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For yet another month the Nissan Qashqai is Britain’s most popular crossover, with some 6,572 models being registered last month.
While Nissan is gearing up to launch a new version of this Sunderland-built model, great deals, generous standard kit and a spacious interior mean the Qashqai is still a big hit.
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For a second month in a row Ford’s new Puma crossover appears on this top 10 list, with 6,341 models already on the new ‘70’ plate.
And with the Puma’s mix of practicality, cool styling and a great driving experience, it’s easy to see why it’s quite the hit. And with a sporty ST model also set to reach showrooms in the coming months, it’s likely to prove even more popular.
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While not the most practical of hatchbacks, the humble Mini continues to offer huge appeal to those wanting something fun, cool to look at and with a high-quality interior.
The addition of the new Electric hatchback will have helped things further, with 6,213 versions of the UK-built Mini being registered last month.
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Volvo isn’t a name you usually see on this list, but this premium Scandinavian brand continues to prove successful, and it’s the firm’s baby XC40 SUV a huge hit, with 5,653 examples being registered.
The XC40 successfully carries over the stunning looks of the rest of the firm’s more expensive models, as well as their high-quality interiors, but at a much more affordable price. Plug-in hybrid options also add to the appeal.
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While it’s rare to see the Ford Focus this far down the sales charts, it’s worth remembering it’s still the fourth most popular car throughout 2020. And with 5,625 models registered last month, it’s still quite the achievement.
Like the Fiesta, a huge choice of derivatives aid the larger Focus’s appeal – including premium Vignale versions and an ST hot hatch.
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