February is traditionally a quiet month for new car registrations with the new plate launching in March. However, data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) revealed that electric vehicles (EVs) recorded a growth of 41.6% year-on-year and held 22.8% of the overall market, finally meeting last year’s ZEV mandate target of 22%. The MINI Cooper took the bestselling car crown for February.
While this is good news for EV take up, the SMMT notes that February marks the fifth consecutive month of decline for new car registrations. February saw with 84,054 cars registered, down 1.0% from January but 1.5% up year-on-year. Fleet sales contributed to this decline, with a 4.0% reduction down to 53,541 cars. Private registrations grew in this time, up 4.6%.
Petrol and diesel continue their downward trend, down 17.3% and 15.7% respectively. Petrol still holds the most marketshare of all fuel types at 47.4%, diesel now holds a meagre 5.0%. Plug-in hybrids had a strong February despite new stricter emissions testing harming the tax breaks offered, up 19.3% year-on-year.
It’s EV registrations that are once again the stand out figure though with substantial 25.3% market share, thanks to 21,244 battery-powered cars registered in February 2025. This is also above the 23.7% marketshare the SMMT predicted for EVs in 2025 and bodes well for the 28% ZEV mandate set for 2025. It is equally worth noting that February is a volatile month so can’t be taken as gospel for predicting trends.
With the launch of the new 25 number plate in March, the SMMT is confident March will also see a surge in new EV registrations, highlighting the fact that the expensive car supplement will be applied to EVs that cost over £40,000 from 1 April 2025. This added tax comes to the total tune of an extra £2,125 for the first six years of the car’s life. March will be the last time you can pick up an EV worth over £40,000 without this tax being applied.
What the industry says about UK car sales
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive said: ‘Although February’s figures show a subdued overall market, the good news is that electric car uptake is increasing, albeit at huge cost to manufacturers in terms of market support. It is always dangerous, however, to draw conclusions from a single month, especially one as small and volatile as February. With the all-important March number plate change now upon us, and tax changes taking effect in April that will, perversely, dissuade EV purchases, we expect significant demand for these new products next month – but, long term, EV consumers need carrots, not ever more sticks.’
The top 10 bestselling cars of February 2025
- MINI Cooper – 2,074 sold
- Tesla Model 3 – 1,990 sold
- Tesla Model Y – 1,861 sold
- Volkswagen Golf – 1,861 sold
- Volkswagen Tiguan – 1,623 sold
- Nissan Juke – 1,623 sold
- Nissan Qashqai – 1,527 sold
- Kia Sportage – 1,516 sold
- Volvo XC40 – 1,485 sold
- Ford Puma – 1,466 sold
Top 10 bestselling cars of 2025 year-to-date
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
Popular supermini still makes for a solid pick
Vauxhall has worked wonders getting price parity between the petrol and electric version. Both are good value for money too, with strong leasing and financing deals in its corner. It's a sensible pick and will serve as a very competent car for most duties, but there are better cars out there.
To find out more, read our full Vauxhall Corsa review
Pros
- Impressive fuel economy
- Spacious in the front
- Lots of standard equipment
Cons
- Interior feels a little low-rent
- Lack of cabin storage space
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 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
A family SUV for the fashion conscious
It is affordable, perhaps explaining why it's on this list. Leasing rates, in particular, are exceptionally cheap for both the hybrid and fully electric examples. You'd easily be able to pick one up for less than £300 per month.
To find out more, read our full Peugeot 3008 review
Pros
- High-quality interior
- Very stylish
- Efficient mild-hybrid engine
Cons
- Disappointing lack of space from a family SUV
- Poor interior ergonomics
Small and comfortable SUV
Again, the space on board is nothing to write home about; it's distinctly average for a small family runabout. It is comfortable though, especially on longer trips. Again, it's also exceedingly affordable at the moment, in both petrol and electric variants.
To find out more, read our full Peugeot 2008 review
Pros
- Eye-catching design inside and out
- Decent range of engine options
- Cabin and boot are spacious
Cons
- 3D dials take getting used to
- Driving position won’t suit all
Stylish supermini is better than ever
Although it has a premium price tag compared to other superminis, these sales figures show it's working. It may have rear seats reserved for the smallest of children and a teeny boot size, but it's such a bundle of joy to drive that we don't care.
To find out more, read our full MINI Cooper review
Pros
- Great fun to drive
- Cool styling
- Upmarket interior packed with excellent tech
Cons
- No manual option
- Limited boot space
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
Solid, dependable family SUV
The hallmarks of a good Volkswagen are all there, too; the interior is comfortable and well put together. It's also lovely and spacious inside, with a boot size perfect for family duties. However, we do question the over-reliance on touchscreens.
To find out more read our full Volkswagen Tiguan review
Pros
- Offers buyers lots of choice
- Efficient, engaging engines
- Plenty of space inside
Cons
- Over-reliance on touchscreen
- Ride comfort can be firm
For all the latest advice, news and finance deals, sign up to the Parkers newsletter here.
Just so you know, we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website - read why you should trust us.
