Data for new car registrations released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show the UK’s new car market had a strong 2024, growing 2.6% compared to 2023. Electric vehicle (EV) registration hit an all time high too, recording a overall marketshare of 19.6% but still falling short of the 22% ZEV mandate target set by the government. Elsewhere, the Ford Puma and Kia Sportage decked it out to be the best selling car of 2024, with the Ford nosing ahead to be crowned bestselling car of 2024.
The SMMT reported 1,952,648 new car registrations for 2024, up from 1,902,627 registrations for 2023. Both petrol and diesel registrations fell across the year, down 13.5% and 4.4% respectively. Fleet sales drove this overall growth, now representing a whooping 60% of the market.
It’s electric vehicle registrations are the stand-out figure, growing to a record 19.6% overall market for 2024, up from 16.5% the year prior. Even more notable is the 31% marketshare EVs recorded for December, a huge figure. It’s not all sunshine for manufacturers though, the SMMT puts this explosive growth down to ‘unsustainable’ discounting to the tune of £4.5 billion pounds.
What the industry says about UK car sales
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive said: ‘Some industry figures have suggested the natural level of demand [for EVs] is around 11% to 12 % so that is why the market was having to be pushed. It’s clear that demand has not matched the assumptions behind the mandate when it was conceived.’
‘Industry has pulled every lever to try and achieve this target, with manufacturer discounting totalling more than £4.5 billion in 2024, an amount that is not sustainable in the long term. Billions of pounds of investment in new technologies and products over the past decade have delivered a record 132 ZEV models to the UK market, up 38% since 2023 to account for a third of all models available, with an average range of almost 280 miles – more than two weeks’ of driving for most people.’
Quentin Willson, founder FairCharge and EVUK advisory board member said: ‘No surprise at the record EV figures, and we’re now seeing them everywhere. However, the amount of private buyers is being unrecorded. Too many PCPs, contract hire, finance and Motability purchases are recorded as fleet sales when they’re being driven by private buyers. We need to change the way these EV registrations are recorded, and fast.’
The top 10 bestselling cars of December 2024
- Tesla Model Y – 5,165 sold
- Tesla Model 3 – 3,477 sold
- Nissan Qashqai – 3,371 sold
- MINI Cooper – 3,245 sold
- Ford Puma – 2,802 sold
- MG ZS – 2,780 sold
- Vauxhall Corsa – 2,712 sold
- Volvo XC40 – 2,618 sold
- Audi Q4 e-Tron – 2,019 sold
- Nissan Juke – 1,972 sold
Top 10 bestselling cars of 2024 year-to-date
It's the nation's favourite for a reason
It’s also the best-driving SUV in its class, running rings around the likes of the Renault Captur and Nissan Juke. It captures a lot of the same handling magic found in the old Fiesta, with which it shares its underpinnings – and, now that the Fiesta’s dead, this is the only way to experience that magic. This year's facelift hasn't been as promising as we'd hoped, but the fundamentals are still there.
To find out more, read our full Ford Puma review
Pros
- It’s the best-driving family SUV
- Fun and frugal petrol engines
- Huge boot thanks to Ford’s Megabox
Cons
- Rear legroom is a little tight
- Dashboard is rather bland
There’s a Sportage to suit almost everyone
But we reckon the Sportage is worth spending the cash on. It has a practical interior, plenty of standard equipment, a great infotainment package and it comes with Kia’s brilliant seven-year warranty. The only thing that lets it down is it’s driving experience. Its steering is a little too light for our liking and its handling isn’t anywhere near as fun as the Ford Kuga’s. We can’t fault it otherwise, though.
To find out more, read our full Kia Sportage review
Pros
- Intuitive infotainment screen
- Great standard equipment
- Spacious and practical cabin
Cons
- Overly light steering system
- Pricey – especially the PHEV model
The car that kicked off the SUV craze
Buyers have a choice of two petrol engines. There’s a 1.3-litre mild-hybrid available with two power outputs, and a 1.5-litre full hybrid. We recommend opting for the latter – with more power and greater efficiency it’s better to live with day-to-day. The facelifted model is here, too, so watch out for deals on the outgoing car.
To find out more, read our full Nissan Qashqai review
Pros
- High-quality interior
- Lots of tech that works well
- Incredibly refined E-Power hybrid
Cons
- No PHEV or performance version
- No load-through hatch on rear bench
It isn't our favourite, but UK drivers love it
The Juke trails its larger sibling, the Qashqai, in the sales charts, but the numbers are surprisingly close. Perhaps that’s indicative of UK buyers downsizing their cars.
To find out more, read our full Nissan Juke review
Pros
- User-friendly interior
- Clear infotainment system
- Distinctive styling
Cons
- Fidgety ride
- Engines need more pep
An accomplsihed EV with an enviable public charging network
It also features rapid acceleration, especially in dual motor configurations, and a generous driving range of up to 319 miles per charge from its battery packs. It's not the most comfortable car in its class, and build quality can be inconsistent, but excellent finance options and popularity as a company car do help sales figures.
To find out more, read our full Tesla Model Y review
Pros
- Good real-world range
- Plenty of space inside
- Tesla Supercharger network is great
Cons
- Inconsistent build quality
- Uncomfortable suspension
The original family hatch just got better
Volkswagen has given the updated Golf a brand-new infotainment system, which is far nicer to look at and much easier to use. Build quality has improved, too – and the PHEV models now have twice as much electric range thanks to some new battery technology. It doesn’t drive any differently to the previous model, but that’s not such a bad thing because it always was comfortable on the motorway and engaging in the corners.
To find out more, read our full Volkswagen Golf review
Pros
- New infotainment is one of the best on sale
- Loads of engines, including new PHEV systems
- Build quality is noticeably better than before
Cons
- Not as engaging to drive as the Focus
- Revised Skoda Octavia offers better value
It gets all the fundamentals bang on
We’re particularly fond of the Tucson’s interior. It’s been nailed together incredibly well and has a great infotainment system that’s easy to use on the move. It’s also more than spacious enough for four passengers and it has a simply enormous 620-litre boot.
To find out more, read our full Hyundai Tucson review
Pros
- Comfortable, roomy interior
- User-friendly infotainment
- Range of hybrid option
Cons
- No diesel for long-distance drivers
- Not that fun to drive
A value-driven PHEV SUV
It is very spacious and practical, though, and it comes with plenty of standard equipment. Plus, the revised model that MG launched in 2023 even looks quite good. But it’s not especially refined and there are question marks over its reliability.
However, MG has just unveiled the second-generation HS – and it seems to have fixed all the previous car’s foibles. The figures listed here from the SMMT are for the outgoing car, but maybe the new one will appear here soon once its sales get into full swing.
To find out more, read our full MG HS review
Pros
- Spacious and practical cabin
- PHEV model available
- Excellent value for money
Cons
- Uncomfortable driving position
- Dated infotainment system
Family-first SUV scores well for style and safety
It's a comfortable place to be too, the ride is nice and cushioned and its calming to drive. The mild hybrid systems aren't the most efficent (you can go fully electric with the EX40) and it's starting to get on a bit, but it's still a solid car.
To find out more, read our full Volvo XC40 review
Pros
- Good real-world range
- Plenty of space inside
- Tesla Supercharger network is great
Cons
- Inconsistent build quality
- Uncomfortable suspension
A sensible and dependable city car
We'd jazz things up with more exciting colours and specs, but no matter your pick, you'll be getting a bombproof car that sits comfortably in its class as the sensible yet dull option. Think of it as a practical, if slightly shapeless, jumper.
To find out more, read our full Volkswagen Polo review
Pros
- Impressive interior technology
- Efficient engine range
- Spacious for a supermini
Cons
- Dull driving experience
- Engines aren't exactly sparkling
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Ryan Gilmore is the Car-Buying Editor at Parkers. Having cut his teeth product testing and deal hunting as our Deputy Commercial Content Editor, he’s a savvy shopper dedicated to helping you when it comes to choosing your next car.
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