Figures for new car registrations released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show the UK’s new car market fell 6% in October, while demand for electric vehicles hit an all-time high. For the second month in a row, the Kia Sportage was crowned the bestselling car of the month, and it’s now hot on the heels to take the Ford Puma’s trophy as the overall bestselling car of 2024.
The SMMT reported 144,288 new car registrations, down from 153,529 registrations for the same period last year. All buyer types contributed to this reduction, with private purchases falling 11.8% and continuing a two-year long decline in market share, now representing a 38% market share. Fleet registrations fell for the second time this year, dropping 1.7% but still holding a huge 60.1% market share.
Like with September, electric vehicle registrations are the stand-out figure, growing to a record 18.1% overall market share which translates to 24.5% year-on-year growth for October. The SMMT puts this growth largely down to more EVs being on sale than ever before, and hefty discounts being levied by manufacturers. The group does however call these discounts ‘unsustainable.’
Despite EV registrations hitting an all-time high, the SMMT is still predicting that EVs won’t reach the 22% each manufacturer has to record by the end of 2024 as part of the zero emissions vehicles (ZEV) sales mandate. This means fines for manufacturers, and steep discounts if you’re looking to go electric.
The SMMT, along with 12 manufacturers, had previously called on Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer, to temporarily halve VAT on new EV purchases and scrap the VED ‘expensive car’ tax supplement, among other incentives, to reach ZEV sales mandates. The Autumn Budget brought in none of these measures, but did introduce harsher Fist Year Rates of Vehicle Excise Duty for non-EVs from April 2025.
What the industry says about UK car sales
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive said: ‘Massive manufacturer investment in model choice and market support is helping make the UK the second largest EV market in Europe. That transition, however, must not perversely slow down the reduction of carbon emissions from road transport. Fleet renewal across the market remains the quickest way to decarbonise, so diminishing overall uptake is not good news for the economy, for investment or for the environment. EVs already work for many people and businesses, but to shift the entire market at the pace demanded requires significant intervention on incentives, infrastructure and regulation.’
The top 10 bestselling cars of October 2024
- Kia Sportage – 4,533 sold
- Ford Puma – 3,521 sold
- MINI Cooper – 2,921 sold
- Volvo XC40 – 2,675 sold
- Volkswagen Tiguan – 2,477 sold
- Ford Kuga – 2,428 sold
- Toyota Yaris – 2,369 sold
- Nissan Qashqai – 2,348 sold
- MG HS – 2,299 sold
- Peugeot 208 – 2,267 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. A recent 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
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
It's like a Golf, only posher
The A3 is based on the same underpinnings as the Golf – and it's a fine car that looks great, drives neatly, comes packed with tech and offers a huge range of engines and trim levels. It’s surprisingly good value, too. Only less than generous passenger space and some cheap interior materials let it down.
To find out more, read our full Audi A3 review
Pros
- Highly efficient engine range
- Excellent technology
- Good to drive
Cons
- Average interior space
- Some iffy interior materials
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
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
