As the last month before the second major plate change of the year, August usually sees a slower month for dealers.
But this August saw 23.1 per cent more vehicles sold than last year, with this being put down to the new WLTP emissions regulations coming into play on September 1 and brands wanting to shift older stock at lower prices.
Here we take a look at the top 10 models sold in the UK this August.
1. Ford Fiesta – 4,552
As usual, Ford’s supermini leads the way in terms of sales and the 2017 model has continued the great success of the past versions. The gap is closer to second place, but the Fiesta is still up top.
2. Volkswagen Golf – 4,180
With a practical layout and great driving feel, the Golf continues to be incredibly popular with British drivers and is clearly ahead of the third-best in the annual table. It can’t surmount the Fiesta, but will always be a favourite in the UK.
3. Volkswagen Polo – 3,207
There is a big gap between the top three and everyone else, and the latest Polo is crammed with tech, as well as being very stylish. The premium supermini is now sitting in mid-table for the annual count, too, with 29,081 sales since January 1.
4. Ford Kuga – 1,902
The first crossover on the August sales list is, surprisingly, the Kuga – outselling the ever-popular Nissan Qashqai by almost 550 units. The stylish crossover is settled at eighth on the annual sales chart.
5. BMW 3 Series – 1,847
Executive saloons will always make an appearance in the top 10 for sales, but the BMW 3 Series is the only one in August. It still lags behind the Mercedes C-Class in the annual figures, but performed well last month.
6. Seat Leon – 1,506
Seat’s larger Leon hatchback makes a surprise appearance in the top 10 here, and joins its platform partner – the Golf – on the best-seller list. With the new Ford Focus on its way, the Leon’s place may be short-lived.
7. Honda Jazz – 1,490
Another surprise entry on the list is the Honda Jazz! It’s the first non-European model included and leads a small group of Asian vehicles in the top 10.
8. Suzuki Swift – 1,390
The cute supermini is a popular option in its Sport guise, but the reliable Swift is a trusty hatchback companion to have. It has even beaten the country’s current most popular crossover on the list.
9. Nissan Qashqai – 1,374
Even though it’s clearly ahead of the Ford Kuga in the annual crossover stakes, the Qashqai was a fair way behind the American model in August. The Japanese model will more than likely end the year as the UK’s most popular family crossover though.
10. Kia Sportage – 1,321
The third-best crossover in the UK and one that doesn’t make many appearances in top 10 monthly sales lists is the Kia Sportage. It performed very well in August and pushed the Qashqai much closer than many would have expected.
