THE best-selling small cars of 2025 so far have been revealed – and a budget Ford has scooped the top spot once again.
We’re just over three months into the year, but Autocar has revealed a surprising change in car sales compared to 2024.
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The Ford Puma was crowned the best-seller last year – and it’s back at the top again.
Despite a slow start to sales at the beginning of the year, March has seen its sales skyrocket.
March has been a great month for car sales generally as it has been the best third-month for new car registrations since 2019.
However, despite this boom in car sales, there were no Tesla models in the top 10 most bought cars.
EV sales have risen by 43.2 per cent but Tesla has continued to battle with lackluster sales.
Here are the most bought cars in 2025 so far.
1. Ford Puma – 14,930 units
Since being first released in 2019, the Ford Puma has consistently been a favourite in UK and European car sales.
The small SUV boasts an attractive price, which has helped fuel its 12.4 per cent increase in sales year-on-year.
The Ford Puma has also undergone a transformation, with a new infotainment system and an updated dashboard and steering wheel.
It has already sold 14,930 units and is on track to sell even more.
Autocar have given the SUV a four-out-of-five star rating and described the car as “hugely rewarding to drive” as well as having “strong fuel efficiency”.
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Kia Sportage – 12,886
Despite finishing fourth in the 2024 sales charts, the Kia Sportage is set to have a great year in 2025.
Now in second place, in terms of sales, this SUV has been described by Autocar as “fresh, eye-catching and modern”.
Its Seoul-based owners have enjoyed sales of 12,886 units – sale numbers driven in part by the appeal of its mild-hybrid, full-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains.
Built in Europe, the car has a futuristic design which car expert Matt Saunders said caught his imagination.
Matt said: “Not sure if it was aircraft tail fins or T-bone steaks that those air vents reminded me of, but I certainly kept coming back to look at them.
“Sometimes characterful product design can be just that simple.”
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Nissan Qashqai – 11,792
The Nissan Qashqai is the third most sold car this year.
Although it was the UK’s best seller in 2022, it steadily fell in the rankings to second place in 2023.
This year it has retained its third-place crown, which it won in 2024, as it has continued to appeal to buyers with its excellent practicality.
The SUV is so popular that the average Brit is said to always be within 500m of one.
The Nissan Qashqai’s sales have been boosted by the addition of electrified powertrains in its third generation.
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Vauxhall Corsa – 11,476
The Vauxhall Corsa has had a bumpy journey through the annual car sales charts, peaking at number one in 2021 before falling out of the top 10 in 2024.
In response to the car’s lackluster sales, Vauxhall gave the model a complete overhaul.
The Corsa now has a streamlined, modern design and improved onboard technology, which gives it a luxury feel.
The overhaul was an apparent success, with the Corsa now taking the number four spot for the most bought car in the UK.
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Volkswagen Golf – 10,792
The UK’s fifth most purchased car in 2025 is the Volkswagen Golf.
The German-made car was criticised for frustrating interior tech and for its outdated design, prompting its manufacturers to give the model an overhaul.
Now a default choice for drivers once again, the Volkswagen Golf offers a refined and efficient powertrain.
It is an evergreen favourite for drivers thanks to its dependable driving manners and the offer of a comfortable ride.
Most popular new cars of 2025
The UK’s most popular cars for this year have been revealed.
The Ford Puma has taken the first place spot for the second year in a row.
However, there has been a major shakeup across the Top 10 as Tesla sales plummet in the UK and Europe.
Here’s the top 10 most bought cars in the UK:
1. Ford Puma – 14,930 units
2. Kia Sportage – 12,886 units
3. Nissan Qashqai – 11,792 units
4. Vauxhall Corsa – 11,476
5. Volkswagen Golf – 10,749 units
6. Nissan Juke – 10,414 units
7. MG HS – 9738 units
8. Volkswagen Tiguan – 9140 units
9. MG ZS – 9041 units
10. Hyundai Tucson – 8715 units
