Rides That Rule

Cars tell our stories better than we might admit. The UK's roads showcase our collective personality through the vehicles we choose to drive. Some of us prioritize practicality, others crave luxury or performance. Here, we look at 20 models that British drivers can't get enough of.

1. Ford Fiesta

Since 1976, this little beauty has captured British hearts, selling over 4.8 million units. Its blend of affordability and driving pleasure makes it irresistible. Despite Ford ending production in 2023, used Fiestas remain hot commodities, with the ST version particularly coveted for its punchy performance.

2. Vauxhall Corsa

Dethroning the Fiesta as the UK's top seller wasn't easy, yet this plucky hatchback managed it in 2021. The latest electric version has unexpectedly become a hit, accounting for nearly 30% of Corsa sales. What's the secret? Vauxhall's keen pricing and generous equipment levels.

3. Volkswagen Golf

Eight generations in, and we're still obsessed with the car that invented the "Golf class." Reliability statistics show Golfs often reach 200,000+ miles without major issues. The GTI variant has cult status among enthusiasts, while average UK families appreciate its exceptional 5-star safety rating.

4. Ford Puma

With 14,930 registrations in 2025 and 2,802 units in December 2024, the Ford Puma was the best-selling vehicle in the country in 2023 and 2024. It displays a sporty design with a practical interior. This includes a notable "MegaBox" storage compartment.

5. MINI Cooper

The quintessentially British icon is proudly Oxford-built, with one rolling off the production line every 67 seconds. This reimagined classic has go-kart handling and infinite personalization options—no two MINIs look exactly alike. Its residual values are also said to be among the industry's strongest.

6. Nissan Qashqai

Built in Sunderland, this pioneering crossover invented a new vehicle category. The typical Qashqai buyer is upgrading from a traditional hatchback, seeking a higher driving position without SUV bulk. Remarkably, 85% of European-sold Qashqais contain parts sourced within 50 miles of the factory.

7. Volkswagen Polo

Why do driving instructors love the Polo? Its combination of excellent visibility, forgiving controls, and compact dimensions makes this supermini perfect for learners and city dwellers. Apparently, the average Volkswagen Polo covers 7,500 miles annually, predominantly on urban roads.

8. Kia Sportage

A seven-year warranty revolutionized how Brits view Korean cars. The fourth-generation Sportage became the fastest-selling Kia in UK history, reaching 500,000 global sales quicker than any predecessor. Families particularly appreciate its ingenious storage solutions, including underfloor compartments that create more luggage space.

9. Toyota Yaris

Reliability keeps this Japanese supermini firmly in British affections. The Yaris holds an unusual record: the highest percentage of female owners (68%) among UK bestsellers. Its hybrid technology delivers 65+ mpg in real-world driving, saving owners some pounds in fuel costs.

10. Hyundai Tucson

Bold styling divides opinion, but sales figures don't lie. This distinctive SUV outsells many more conservative-looking rivals. Tucson's technologies, including solar roof panels that extend electric range by up to 800 miles annually, attract tech-savvy buyers. Interestingly, 44% of Tucson drivers previously drove German brands before switching.

11. Tesla Model Y

Electric revolution or status symbol? Either way, the Model Y has taken over British driveways faster than any other EV. Its supercharging network enables London-to-Edinburgh trips with just two 20-minute stops. Combined fuel and maintenance costs are also said to be lower.

12. Dacia Sandero

Dacia Sandero scored surprisingly well in safety tests. What's noteworthy is how Dacia stripped away non-essentials while maintaining quality, which is where it matters. Each year, Sandero sales continue to climb, with around 89% of owners recommending it to friends

13. Audi A3

Premium feel in a compact package keeps this Audi flying out of showrooms. The interior quality impresses British buyers, with materials that outshine rivals costing thousands more. It is said that the A3’s pioneered modular architecture is now used across the Volkswagen Group.

14. Mercedes-Benz A-Class

From dowdy tall box to sleek premium hatchback, the A-Class transformation mirrors changing British tastes. The voice control system understands 24 regional UK accents, addressing a frustration with many rival systems. These customers overwhelmingly choose models with ambient lighting and larger screen packages.

15. Range Rover Evoque

Stylish enough for Kensington, capable enough for the Cotswolds, here comes a success story that rolls off Liverpool production lines. The second-generation Evoque recycles 72 plastic bottles in each vehicle's interior. The most distinctive fact, though, is that it can wade through 60cm of water without modification.

16. Volvo XC40

Safety meets Scandinavian chic. Apparently, the car designers spent about 120 hours watching how UK customers use their cars' storage areas before finalizing the interior. The result was ingenious touches like a removable waste bin and door pockets large enough for laptops.

17. Peugeot 208

French flair meets British pragmatism in this stylish supermini. The trademark i-Cockpit dashboard initially divided opinion but now influences competitors' designs. Interestingly, UK 208 buyers opt for higher trim levels than European counterparts, with 71% choosing top Allure or GT specifications.

18. Renault Clio

Twenty-five years after "Nicole" and "Papa" thrilled TV viewers, the love affair continues. This French beast achieves its impressive 62mpg through clever aerodynamics rather than electrification. The Clio hides its technology well. Beneath the conventional exterior lies a platform sharing advanced driver assistance.

19. MG HS

8th in 2024 and 7th in 2023 were the MG HS rankings. SAIC Motor, a Chinese automotive company, manufactures this car that generates 170 hp. The petrol version is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering around 125 kW (168 hp).

20. Nissan Juke

A 2024 makeover increased sales of the Nissan Juke, which placed fourth in 2024 and 2025 with 10,414 registrations. The Juke has variants of multiple drive modes (Normal, Sport, Eco) and regenerative braking. Another specification lists a 998 cc petrol engine.