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A Thrilling Ride through the Top 10 Best-Selling Car Models of 2023 in the United Kingdom

In a world where innovation and style collide, the British automotive market has witnessed an exhilarating competition among manufacturers to capture the hearts and wallets of consumers. From compact city cars to luxurious SUVs, this list showcases the cream of the crop, the vehicles that have not only dominated the roads but have also left an indelible mark on the automotive landscape. So, let's rev up the engines and embark on a journey to discover the vehicles that have set the British streets on fire in 2023.

1. Ford Puma

With 29,225 vehicles sold in the United Kingdom, the Ford Puma takes the top spot on the list of best-sellers in 2023.

Ford Puma offers a remarkable blend of performance and fuel economy. It has a big and cleverly designed boot, making it practical for everyday use. The Puma is great fun to drive, with nippy acceleration and agile handling. It also features mild-hybrid technology, allowing it to combine nippy acceleration with remarkably thrifty fuel economy.

The Ford Puma is good to drive, practical, and decently economical. It offers mild-hybrid technology across the board, contributing to its fuel efficiency.

The Ford Puma is a distinguished newcomer in an undistinguished class. It is the most fun to drive, extremely eye-catching, and packs a really sweet powertrain if you opt for the mild-hybrid version.

The Ford Puma has dynamic design and imaginatively practical touches. It brings fun as well as practicality to the SUV family car genre.

The Ford Puma is a subcompact crossover SUV that has been marketed by Ford since 2019. It is considered as an SUV equivalent of the seventh-generation Fiesta. The vehicle is only available for the European and Australasian markets, with sales starting in Europe from 2019 and sales in Australasia from late 2020.

The Puma offers a remarkable blend of performance and fuel economy, making it a popular choice among buyers2. It has a big and cleverly designed boot, making it practical for everyday use. The Puma is great fun to drive, with nippy acceleration and agile handling. It also features mild-hybrid technology, allowing it to combine nippy acceleration with remarkably thrifty fuel economy.

The Ford Puma measures 4,207mm long, 1,807mm wide, and 1,537mm tall. It has a wheelbase of 2,588mm and offers between 401L and 456L of luggage space.

Pros:

·        The Ford Puma offers a remarkable blend of performance and fuel economy.

·        It has a big and cleverly designed boot.

·        The Puma is great fun to drive, with nippy acceleration and agile handling.

·        It has attractive monthly PCP costs.

·        The Puma features mild-hybrid technology, allowing it to combine nippy acceleration with remarkably thrifty fuel economy.

Cons:

·        Rear space is adequate rather than outstanding.

·        Visibility could be better.

·        The Volkswagen T-Roc is more comfortable and quieter.

2. Vauxhall Corsa

The Vauxhall Corsa consistently appears in the best-seller lists and has already clocked up 25,692 sales.

Corsa is a competent small car, but isn’t outstanding in any area. It’s not as comfortable or as pleasant inside as the closely related Peugeot 208, not as fun to drive as a Ford Fiesta, nor as spacious as a Volkswagen Polo. However, it is well equipped and not too expensive in their recommended trim.

The latest Vauxhall Corsa is miles better than the car it replaced, offering a much more convincing blend of performance, economy, comfort, and driving pleasure. It looks good, boasts one of the best petrol engines in its class, and has benefited hugely from the thoroughly modern underpinnings shared with the latest Peugeot 208.

The all-new Vauxhall Corsa is the fifth generation of one of the UK’s biggest-selling cars. It has a new and different look on an all-new Peugeot-Citroën sourced chassis. The Corsa offers more efficient engines with a fully electric version on the way.

The Vauxhall Corsa is a popular small car that has been well-received by drivers and reviewers alike. Here are some pros and cons of the Vauxhall Corsa:

Pros:

·        Mature and crisp drive

·        Decent fuel economy

·        Good to drive

·        Impressive fuel economy

·        Excellent 100hp and 130hp engines

·        Stylish looks

·        Cheap to run

Cons:

·        Not much actual substance

·        Drab interior

·        Inherits Peugeot’s confusing touchscreen

·        Cramped back seats

·        Unknown reliability

·        Expensive top trim

·        Interior feels a little low-rent

·        Lack of storage space in the cabin

·        Jerky automatic gearbox

·        Unremarkable interior

·        Rivals are more spacious

·        High-spec versions are expensive

3. Tesla Model Y

Aggressive pricing across the Tesla range has contributed to high sales figures, with 24,148 units sold.

The Model Y has a spacious interior, quick acceleration, and good driving range. However, it has been noted that the Model Y’s handling can feel clumsy on twisty roads, and the build quality is often disappointing. The interior is also criticized for its excessive use of digital controls and low-quality materials.

Despite these drawbacks, the Model Y remains a popular choice among buyers. It offers a competitive driving range compared to rivals such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E and the Volkswagen ID.4. Additionally, the Model Y stands out with its optional third row of seats, making it an attractive option for families with small children.

The Tesla Model Y is a fully electric, mid-size SUV that offers versatile seating and storage for cargo and passengers. It has a spacious interior, panoramic views, and a quiet ride. The Model Y is available in two dual-motor, all-wheel-drive versions: Long Range and Performance.

The Long Range Model Y can travel an EPA-estimated 326 miles on a single charge, while reaching a top speed of 135 mph. It can travel from 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds. The Performance Model Y has a top speed of 155 mph and can travel from 0-60 mph in just 3.5 seconds.

The Model Y’s all-glass roof makes the cabin feel open and airy, complete with extra headroom and unobstructed views of land and sky. Layers of acoustic glass provide a quiet ride as well as protection from glare, heat, and UV rays—even on hot days.

The Tesla Model Y is an electric SUV that has gained popularity for its impressive performance and range. Here are some pros and cons of the Tesla Model Y:

Pros:

Impressive acceleration: The Model Y offers excellent acceleration, with an estimated 0-60 mph time of 4.8 seconds.

·        Excellent battery range: With an EPA-rated range of 326 miles, the Model Y can travel far enough between charges to alleviate range anxiety.

·        Innovative driver assists: The Model Y comes with Tesla’s Autopilot driver-assist system, which provides advanced features to enhance safety and convenience.

·        Consistent over-the-air software updates: Tesla regularly releases software updates that add new features and improve the driving experience.

Cons:

·        No Android Auto or Apple CarPlay support: The Model Y does not support Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, limiting smartphone integration options.

·        Too many controls buried in the touch-screen interface: Some controls are buried within the touch-screen interface, which can be distracting while driving.

·        Ride quality: The Model Y’s ride quality is on the stiffer side, which may not be to everyone’s liking.

4. Nissan Qashqai

Last year's best-seller remains popular in 2023, with 24,017 units sold.

The Nissan Qashqai is a compact crossover SUV that has been marketed by Nissan since 2006¹. It is known for its stylish design, spacious interior, and fuel-efficient engines.

The Qashqai is a strong contender in the family SUV class, although it doesn't quite beat the all-round package offered by the Skoda Karoq and Kia Sportage. The middle of the range N-Connecta 140 trim is where the best value lies because the cheaper trims (especially Visia) are stingily equipped and range-topping models are rather pricey. Lots of standard safety kit.

The Qashqai is one of the UK's best-selling family cars for a reason. It's an amazing social phenomenon, hugely influential, and responsible for thousands of jobs in the UK – where it's designed, engineered and built. The Qashqai's engine choices consist of two 1.3 DIG-T petrols (138bhp or 156bhp), which have some very mild hybrid assistance, plus an e-Power engine that aims to blur the lines between petrol and electric cars. The Qashqai's key rivals include the smart Peugeot 3008, the fun-to-drive Seat Ateca, and the generally excellent Kia Sportage and Skoda Karoq.

The latest Vauxhall Corsa is miles better than the car it replaced, offering a much more convincing blend of performance, economy, comfort, and driving pleasure. It looks good, boasts one of the best petrol engines in its class, and has benefited hugely from the thoroughly modern underpinnings shared with the latest Peugeot 208.

Here are some pros and cons of the Nissan Qashqai:

Pros:

·        Spacious interior.

·        Plenty of standard safety features.

·        Comfortable ride.

·        Quality cabin, segment-busting practicality.

·        Fulsome list of standard safety tech.

Cons:

·        Four-cylinder engine lacks power.

·        Tight back seat for adult passengers.

·        Firm ride gets unsettled over corrugations.

·        No hybrid until e-Power arrives later in 2023.

·        No AWD option despite being available overseas.

5. Hyundai Tucson

The Hyundai Tucson's sharp styling and great build quality have helped it secure a place in the top 10 list with 22,883 units sold.

The Hyundai Tucson is a compact crossover SUV that has been marketed by Hyundai since 2004. It is known for its stylish design, spacious interior, and fuel-efficient engines.

The Hyundai Tucson is a head-turner among compact SUVs, wearing a stylish wardrobe wrapped around an upscale-but-practical cabin. Although there's a hybrid model that we review separately, the nonhybrid Tucson is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder powertrain with an eight-speed automatic and either front- or all-wheel drive. While the Tucson won't satisfy driving enthusiasts looking for gratifying handling or thrilling acceleration, it does deliver a plush ride and composed demeanor that most SUV buyers will find agreeable.

The Hyundai Tucson is a well-rounded compact SUV that offers plenty of features and value for the money. It has a comfortable ride, spacious interior, and helpful technology features. However, it's dogged by a sluggish engine that has trouble keeping pace when the traffic speeds up.

The 2023 Hyundai Tucson isn't the sportiest compact SUV around, but its ride comfort, fuel efficiency and interior refinement put it among the best of the best in this popular segment. The Tucson boasts a spacious and upscale interior with room for five occupants (plus all their cargo), and it impresses with comfy seats, an easy-to-use infotainment system and a wealth of standard tech and safety features. Its four-cylinder engine is pretty thrifty on gas as well, though it does feel a bit short on power at times.

Here are some pros and cons of the 2024 Hyundai Tucson:

Pros:

·        Smooth ride quality

·        Plenty of standard tech and safety features for the money

·        Roomy interior and comfortable front seats

·        Generous warranty

Cons:

·        Sluggish acceleration from the base 2.5-liter engine

·        Touch-style center stack controls can be distracting to use

6. Kia Sportage

The Kia Sportage has been popular in the UK for many years and continues to attract buyers with its dramatic styling and cutting-edge technology. It has sold 22,414 units so far.

The Kia Sportage is a compact crossover SUV that has been marketed by Kia since 1993. It is known for its stylish design, spacious interior, and fuel-efficient engines.

The Kia Sportage is a head-turner among compact SUVs, wearing a stylish wardrobe wrapped around an upscale-but-practical cabin. While the Sportage won’t satisfy driving enthusiasts looking for gratifying handling or thrilling acceleration, it does deliver a plush ride and composed demeanor that most SUV buyers will find agreeable.

The Kia Sportage is a well-rounded compact SUV that offers plenty of features and value for the money. It has a comfortable ride, spacious interior, and helpful technology features. However, it’s dogged by a sluggish engine that has trouble keeping pace when the traffic speeds up.

The Kia Sportage isn’t the sportiest compact SUV around, but its ride comfort, fuel efficiency and interior refinement put it among the best of the best in this popular segment. The Sportage boasts a spacious and upscale interior with room for five occupants (plus all their cargo), and it impresses with comfy seats, an easy-to-use infotainment system and a wealth of standard tech and safety features. Its four-cylinder engine is pretty thrifty on gas as well, though it does feel a bit short on power at times.

Here are some pros and cons of the Kia Sportage:

Pros:

·        Eye-catching design

·        Cabin comfort

·        Fit and finish

Cons:

·        Slightly dated interior

·        Lack of features, compared to the competition

7. Nissan Juke

The Nissan Juke, a smaller cousin to the Qashqai, remains firmly part of 2023's most popular cars with 21,136 units sold.

The Nissan Juke is a compact crossover SUV that has been marketed by Nissan since 2010. It is known for its distinctive styling, agile handling, and fuel-efficient engines.

The Nissan Juke is a head-turner among compact SUVs, wearing a stylish wardrobe wrapped around an upscale-but-practical cabin. The Juke’s driving position was hunched, its back seat cramped and dark, and its boot little more than a rear-mounted glovebox. The new one is much bigger inside. Grown-ups can fit in the back. The boot is bigger, and you get to it via a decent-size hatch aperture.

The Nissan Juke is a desirable all-rounder that won’t cost a lot to buy or run. It’s more spacious than before, while there’s a generous amount of safety kit fitted as standard. Even the hybrid model isn’t that efficient, though, while it’s not as comfortable or as fun to drive as certain rivals.

The Nissan Juke was once a trend-setter but now plays catch-up with a bunch of rivals it helped to inspire. The Juke’s engine choices consist of two 1.3 DIG-T petrols (138bhp or 156bhp), which have some very mild hybrid assistance, plus an e-Power engine that aims to blur the lines between petrol and electric cars. The Juke’s key rivals include the smart Peugeot 3008, the fun-to-drive Seat Ateca, and the generally excellent Kia Sportage and Skoda Karoq.

Here are some pros and cons of the Nissan Juke:

Pros:

·        Lively acceleration compared to other cars in the segment

·        Tight, sporty handling that makes it fun to drive

·        Sophisticated all-wheel-drive system for a car in this class

·        Extensive color customization options

Cons:

·        Limited rear passenger headroom, legroom, and cargo space.

·        Unique styling translates into poor rear visibility

8. Vauxhall Mokka

The Vauxhall Mokka made its first appearance in the top 10 in June and has secured 19,761 sales so far.

The Vauxhall Mokka is a subcompact crossover SUV that has been marketed by Vauxhall since 2012. It is known for its stylish design, spacious interior, and fuel-efficient engines.

The Mokka has helped change the car market by offering buyers on a budget a high-riding SUV for a competitive price. The newest version of the Mokka features styling inspired by the striking GT X Experimental Concept car, and the interior has had an extensive update. You’ll find tech that’s now a staple of many of the brand’s new models, including the redesigned Vauxhall Astra. Under the skin, the Mokka is closely related to the impressive Peugeot 2008.

The latest Vauxhall Mokka is miles better than the car it replaced, offering a much more convincing blend of performance, economy, comfort, and driving pleasure. It looks good, boasts one of the best petrol engines in its class, and has benefited hugely from the thoroughly modern underpinnings shared with the latest Peugeot 208.

The latest Vauxhall Mokka is a step forward over the previous model, with an attractive and fresh exterior design that leads the way for the rest of the Vauxhall range. Its improved interior makes it a nicer place to be than the old car, although the rear seats are rather cramped.

Here are some pros and cons of the Vauxhall Mokka:

Pros:

·        Much improved driving experience

·        Efficient Peugeot petrol and diesel engines

·        Cutting-edge interior tech

Cons:

·        No plug-in hybrid versions from launch

·        More expensive than its predecessor

·        Rear seat room is disappointing

9. Ford Fiesta

With its wide appeal and already clocking up 19,018 sales, the Ford Fiesta is another model from Ford that has made it to the top 10 list.

The Ford Fiesta is a small car that has gained a well-deserved reputation for being one of the best in its class. It offers a superb driving experience, with sporty handling that makes it a joy to drive. The Fiesta is available in various trims, including the range-topping ST model, which offers an even more exhilarating performance.

The Ford Fiesta is a great choice if you’re looking for a small car that is fun to drive and offers a well-appointed interior. The Fiesta’s sporty handling and punchy engines make it stand out from the competition. However, it’s worth noting that some rivals may offer better value for money and more spacious interiors.

Here are some key points about the Ford Fiesta:

Pros:

·        Superb driving dynamics

·        Well-equipped interior with advanced technology options

·        Punchy Ecoboost engines

·        Good fuel economy and low CO2 emissions

Cons:

·        Some rivals offer better value for money

·        Limited rear-seat space and cargo capacity

10. Mini Hatchback

The Mini Hatchback completes the list of best-selling car models in 2023 with its unique design and charm.

The Mini Hatch is a premium hatchback that offers a blend of sophistication and fun. It is more refined and has better steering feel compared to previous models. The car is known for its excellent engines and lively performance. The Mini Hatch is a consistent top 10 best-seller in the UK, thanks to its retro styling, “go-kart handling,” and BMW build quality.

The Mini Hatch is available in both three-door and five-door versions. The three-door version features retro styling and is aimed at those who appreciate a compact and characterful small car. On the other hand, the five-door version offers more practicality and space for those who require it.

While the Mini Hatch offers an enjoyable driving experience, it’s important to note that it may not be the most practical choice for everyone. The rear-seat and boot space are limited, which might be a concern for some buyers. Additionally, the lower driving position might not suit all drivers, and visibility can be poorer compared to its predecessor.

Overall, the Mini Hatch is an excellent choice for singles or couples without children who value style, performance, and a fun driving experience. It’s worth considering if you’re looking for a premium hatchback with a touch of nostalgia.

Here are some pros and cons of owning a Mini Hatchback:

Pros:

·        Fun to drive: The Mini Hatch offers an enjoyable driving experience, thanks to its “go-kart handling” and lively performance.

·        Customizable: The Mini Hatch offers a wide range of customization options, allowing you to personalize your car according to your preferences.

·        Stylish: The Mini Hatch’s retro styling is unique and eye-catching, making it stand out from other cars on the road.

·        Premium build quality: The Mini Hatch is built by BMW, which ensures that the car is well-built and reliable.

Cons:

·        Limited space: The rear-seat and boot space are limited, which might be a concern for some buyers.

·        Lower driving position: The lower driving position might not suit all drivers, and visibility can be poorer compared to its predecessor.

·        Expensive: The Mini Hatch is relatively expensive compared to other hatchbacks in the market.

Please note that these pros and cons are based on expert opinions and individual experiences may vary.

These car models have consistently performed well in terms of sales and have earned their place as some of the best-selling models in 2023.

References

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(2)   5 Best Selling Cars, Trucks, and SUVs of 2022 and 2023. https://www.insidermonkey.com/blog/5-best-selling-cars-trucks-and-suvs-of-2022-and-2023-1196511/.

(3)   Model Y | Tesla. https://www.tesla.com/modely.

(4)   2023 Toyota Corolla Review, Pricing, and Specs - Car and Driver. https://www.caranddriver.com/toyota/corolla-2023.

(5)   2024 Toyota Corolla Prices, Reviews, and Pictures | Edmunds. https://www.edmunds.com/toyota/corolla/.

(6)   Ford Puma Review 2023 | What Car?. https://www.whatcar.com/ford/puma/hatchback/review/n20838.

(7)   Ford Puma Review 2023 | Top Gear. https://www.topgear.com/car-reviews/ford/puma.

(8)   auxhall Corsa Review 2023 | What Car?. https://www.whatcar.com/vauxhall/corsa/hatchback/review/n33.

(9)   Nissan Qashqai Review, Price & Configurations - WhichCar. https://www.whichcar.com.au/nissan/qashqai.

(10)   2023 Hyundai Tucson Specs & Features | Edmunds. https://www.edmunds.com/hyundai/tucson/2023/features-specs/.

(11)   2024 Kia Sportage Review, Pricing, and Specs - Car and Driver. https://www.caranddriver.com/kia/sportage.

(12)   Nissan Juke review 2023 | Auto Express. https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/nissan/juke.

(13)   Vauxhall Mokka Review 2023 | Honest John. https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/vauxhall/mokka/.

(14)   Ford Fiesta - Consumer Reports. https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/ford/fiesta.

(15)   MINI Hatchback Review (2023) | Parkers. https://www.parkers.co.uk/mini/hatchback/review/.