The top 10 most popular cars in the UK | RAC Drive (2024)

The UK new car market marked its 22nd consecutive month of growth as registrations rose 1.7% in May, according to new datafrom the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

In total,147,678 new vehicles hitthe road last month, and it was the best May market performance since 2021.

This consecutive growth suggests more people arebuying and selling cars in the UK.

Electricvehicles (EVs) continued to be the main drivers of market expansion, according to the SMMT.

Battery electric vehicle (BEV) registrations also outperformed the market, rising 6.2% to claim a 17.6% market share, up from 16.9% in the same month last year.

With a choice of more than 100 EV modelsnow available, further growth is predicted.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: "As Britain prepares for next month’s general election, the new car market continues to hold steady as large fleets sustain growth, offsetting weakened private retail demand.

"Consumers enjoy a plethora of new electric models and some very attractive offers, but manufacturers can’t sustain this scale of support on their own indefinitely. Their success so far should be a signpost for the next government that a faster and fairer transition requires carrots, not just sticks."

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Ford's popularsmall SUV, the Puma, is easy to drive, comfortable and practical with a large boot. The Puma is also cheap to run thanks to petrolhybrid technology that keeps fuel costs down. Little wonder, perhaps, it's so popular with car buyersin Britian.

Read our full Ford Puma review.

Popular with family car buyers, the NissanQashqai is one of the UK's favourite SUVs. Now in its third generation, the Qashqai is better than ever before. The interior is spacious, and the high levels of refinement make the Qashqai perfect for high mileage drivers who want a class leading family car at a price they can afford.

Read our fullNissan Qashqai review.

Easy to drive, stylish and backed by a seven-year-warranty, the Kia Sportage is a serious player in the family SUV market. All versions are spacious and comfortable, while Kia’s impressive range of petrol hybrid powertrains make the Sportage rewarding to drive and affordable to run.

Read our full Kia Sportage review.

The Audi A3 firmly established the premium compact class in 1996. Now, more than a quarter of a century later, the latest generation of this highly successful model is increasing in popularity again.

Read our full Audi A3review.

The original small supermini-derived SUV, the Nissan Juke is a worthy rival to the Ford Puma thanks to its eye-catching style and driver-friendly cabin. Most buyers choose their Juke with Nissan’s excellent 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine, while the 1.6-litre hybrid is popular with drivers who want their Juke with a dose of performance.

Read our full Nissan Juke review.

The Volkswagen Golfis celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and remains one of Britain's most popular cars for people of all ages.

Read our full Volkswagen Golf review.

The arrival of the all-new BMW 1 Series heralds the dawn of a new era for this successful model that has consistently combined handling excellence, practicality, technology and quality.

Read our full BMW 1 Series review.

The newMG HS builds on oitshugely popular large SUV with an extensive redesign featuring a sharper, more aggressive appearance.

Read our full MG HS review.

TheVolkswagen T-Roc is a stylish, yet compact family SUV that has grown in popularity compared to last year.

Read our full Volkswgen T-Roc review.

The iconic hot hatch is as popular now as it ever has been - and comes in a variety of models. Admittedly, the Mini has grown in size and is no longer the smallest car in the market, but its keen handling and stylish looks make it a rewarding car to own and drive.

Read our full MINI review.