Most popular cars of 2019
If you want to guess Britain’s top selling cars, you need only look at what’s parked in the local supermarket car park or the models surrounding you when sitting in traffic. Buyers go for the practical and competent, those serving up good equipment levels and providing decent value for money. And proving life doesn’t have to be all about compromises, models like the Focus and MINI stand out as being great to drive too. Here are the top 10 best-selling cars so far in 2019*.
10. MINI
With five different MINI variants, from convertible to SUV, the MINI has evolved from mere pastiche of the original to hugely successful brand in its own right.
Fact: MINIs are assembled in Oxford, where the original Austin Mini was first built in 1959
9. Kia Sportage
Despite the tough economic climate, Kia continues to buck the trend with sales still on the increase due to desirable products and a healthy stream of new models. Global sales of the Sportage have just reached 5 million.
Fact: Kia was founded in 1944 and its cars have now been on sale in the UK for 28 years.
8. Ford Kuga
One of three Fords in the top 10, the Kuga is well specified and one of the more dynamic SUVs to drive.
Fact: The Ford Kuga is named the Ford Escape in America.
The Polo remains many people’s goto model for a sensible B-segment hatchback and rightly so. The latest has freshened looks, good interior space and a variety of economical engines to choose from.
Fact: The current Polo is longer than a Mk1 Golf and wider than a Mk3 Golf.
The desirability of the Qashqai has helped make it the best-selling SUV in the UK. It’s designed and built in the UK too.
Fact: More than 3 million Qashqai models have been built at Nissan's Sunderland manufacturing plant since 2007.
Recently updated, the neat A-Class offers a practical and affordable entry point into the world of Mercedes-Benz.
Fact: Mercedes-Benz was the first to fit brakes to all four wheels; its models had this as standard from 1924.
Images of the new Vauxhall Corsa (pictured) have just been released. This attractive new model should ensure the Corsa remains a favourite.
Fact: Vauxhall is now part of the PSA Group which includes Peugeot, Citroën and DS.
The Golf remains a true people’s car by covering all the bases with frugal petrol, hybrid, diesel and performance GTI and R variants.
Fact: the original Golf was a replacement for the Beetle and was designed by Italian Giorgetto Giugiaro of Italdesign.
2. Ford Focus
The Focus has always been about dynamics and the latest, now in its fourth generation, is still at the head of the game when it comes to ride and handling.
Fact: The first Focus used the main key to unlock the bonnet via a keyhole hidden behind the main Ford badge.
1. Ford Fiesta
Ford continues to hold top spot with its ever popular Fiesta. The one-litre Ecoboost engine is a favourite and Zetec is the most popular trim.
Fact: The Fiesta is Ford’s best-selling car - ever- and has been on our roads since 1977.
*Figures from SMMT as at end May 2019
About the Author
Andrew is a freelance motoring journalist with a background in IT and the vehicle leasing industry. With a lifetime’s passion for all things automotive, he can be found behind the wheel of everything from vans to supercars. In addition to reviewing the latest vehicles and technology, Andrew also runs a couple of classic British motors. He lives at the edge of the Peak District with his son and cat.
Andrew Wright
@theMotorWriter
