Top 10 best-selling cars of 2024 (so far)

Price: from £28,330

The VW T-Roc has made its mark by breaking into the top 10, highlighting the current popularity of small SUVs. So far this year, 15,667 units have been sold, showcasing its appeal.

Available with a variety of petrol and diesel engines, even the base trims come in under £30,000, making it an affordable option. Prices range from £28,330 to £45,550 for the sporty R top trim. The T-Roc offers excellent practicality and ample space compared to its competitors, along with low running costs. Its design leans towards a more premium look than many other crossovers, adding to its appeal.

Price: from £32,000

Ranked at number nine, slightly edging out the VW T-Roc, is the Hyundai Tucson. By June of this year, 16,182 Tucsons had been registered, continuing its strong performance from last year where it ranked as the sixth best-selling model overall.

This mid-sized SUV offers more space compared to the T-Roc and is priced slightly higher, but it boasts impressive hybrid fuel efficiency. With a plug-in hybrid option available, it appeals to drivers looking for eco-friendly benefits without committing to full electric vehicles.

The Tucson is available in five different trims, with even the top-tier Ultimate trim staying below the £40,000 mark (starting from £37,000), ensuring it remains affordable.

Debuting in 2004, the Tucson has consistently been a top performer on the UK's best-seller list, finishing 2023 as the country's sixth best-selling model. Last year saw 34,469 new Tucsons sold, and this year's sales are close to matching that figure so far.

Price from: £24,030

MG continues its comeback story, securing the eighth spot in the 2024 best-selling car rankings with the MG HS. This British brand, now under Chinese ownership, offers a large SUV suitable for families at an exceptionally low price point. The entry-level SE trim starts at just £24,030, while the top-tier Trophy trim, one of only two options available, begins at £26,530.

Looking ahead, a new version of the HS is slated for release next year, which could further bolster its popularity among buyers.

Price from: £31,065

The BMW 1 Series claims seventh place at the halfway mark of the year, marking the first appearance of a small car on the best-sellers list.

This year marks its debut in the top 10, having missed out last year. Among the top 10, only three cars are not SUVs, all of them hatchbacks. This underscores Britain's enduring affinity for premium small cars like the 1 Series.

Starting at £31,065, the BMW 1 Series isn't the most affordable hatchback, but it provides an accessible entry into a more luxurious brand. Renowned for its advanced infotainment, spaciousness, and practicality, it remains a popular choice for those seeking efficiency and everyday convenience. Its shift to front-wheel drive hasn't deterred new buyers, evident in its strong sales performance this year.

Price from: £27,035

Moving up from seventh to sixth place, the VW Golf has outpaced its similarly-sized BMW 1 Series rival by 1,449 units to secure its spot. This marks the Golf's return to the best-sellers list for the first time since 2022.

In 2022, a total of 216,558 Golfs were sold, priced starting at £25,610. Today, priced £4,000 lower than the 1 Series, the Volkswagen Golf offers a more affordable yet still premium option for those seeking a compact car.

Since its debut with the Mk1 in 1974, the Golf has been a consistent presence on UK roads. Its enduring popularity speaks to its versatility, seamlessly fitting into any driveway.

Capable of holding its own against pricier luxury models, the Golf maintains a practical and understated appeal, blending in effortlessly with family vehicles.

Price from: £27,870

Just squeaking into the top five is the Audi A3, having sold 19,209 units this year.

Last year, the A3 held the ninth spot overall, with 30,159 new cars finding homes in 2023. With nearly 20,000 units already sold this year, the A3 is poised to climb higher in the best-seller rankings compared to last year.

At this time in 2023, the A3 hadn't yet cracked the top 10.

In 2024, the A3 received a minor refresh, enhancing its exterior and upgrading the interior with more standard features.

Drivers are clearly appreciating the updates it has received.

Price from: £23,000

Taking fourth place is the Nissan Juke, continuing the trend of all top four best-selling cars being SUVs.

As the first British-built car to enter the top 10 best-sellers, the Juke is manufactured at Nissan's UK plant in Sunderland.

With 19,429 units sold by mid-2024, this affordable and charismatic SUV has climbed four places higher than its position in 2023.

Last year, the Juke garnered 31,740 new registrations, and at this point in the previous year, it held sixth place with 18,380 units sold.

Price from: £30,135

Nissan scores another win with the Qashqai securing third place, boasting 22,881 units sold this year. Produced alongside the Juke at Nissan's Sunderland plant, the Qashqai remains a fixture on the list of best-selling new cars.

Last year, it held second place, and back in 2022, it topped the charts as the UK's best-selling new car with over 42,704 units sold.

Nissan deserves credit for kickstarting the SUV trend. When the Qashqai debuted in 2007, it pioneered a new compact crossover category, offering buyers versatility and practicality: more spacious than a hatchback with a higher ride height akin to a 4x4, yet nimble enough for city driving.

It immediately soared to number one on the UK best-sellers list, surpassing 100,000 units sold.

Seventeen years later, it continues to be immensely popular across the UK.

Price from: £29,390

Taking second place is the Kia Sportage, having sold nearly 25,000 units.

Globally, this model stands as the South Korean manufacturer's top seller, maintaining robust sales in the UK.

Last year, it ranked fourth overall, but this year, its performance has surged significantly.

By June 2023, it had only managed to sell 18,057 units, underscoring its current momentum.

Combining affordability with premium features on higher trims, the Sportage boasts a stylish design, a versatile engine lineup including hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, and impressive technological enhancements.

It remains a popular choice in the UK, celebrated for its family-friendly practicality.

Price from: £27,575

The top spot for the UK's best-selling new cars of 2024 so far goes to the Ford Puma.

For the second consecutive year, the Ford Puma looks set to reign as Britain's favourite new car.

In 2023, a total of 49,591 new Pumas were sold, solidifying its position as the UK's top choice on wheels.

Reintroduced in 2019, the Puma received a mid-cycle refresh this year, featuring upgrades to its interior, new technology, and a revamped engine lineup. Despite being another crossover in the top 10, the Puma demonstrates that this body style remains highly desirable among British car buyers.

Starting at £27,575, the Puma's price has increased by almost £2,000 compared to 2023, when it began at £25,640 for the base trim.

This modern incarnation of the Puma combines cost-efficiency, practicality, and reliability, while also evoking nostalgia.

The original first-generation Puma from the 1990s was immensely popular for its fun and affordability. Featuring Steve McQueen in its advertisements was a stroke of marketing genius, leading Ford to sell 133,000 Pumas over five years.

With 35,088 units sold in 2022, 49,591 in 2023, and 26,374 already in 2024, the Puma is well on its way to achieving similar success by year's end.