Buying a new car: Puma, Volkswagen Tiguan, and Sportage among the UK's best-selling cars

What have been the best-selling new cars of 2025 – and exactly how many were sold? We reveal all.

The new car market has grown by 12.4% in March since the same time last year, the latest figures have revealed.

According to data from The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), there were 357,103 new sales during this period.

These are the healthiest numbers since 2019.

It's also interesting to note just how many SUVs made the list.

As most drivers know, March is typically the most important month of the year for the car industry because it's when new plates are released.

But which cars are proving most popular?

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10 ‒ Volkswagen Tiguan

The Volkswagen Tiguan is a stylish and practical mid-size SUV, popular for its solid build, comfort and versatility.

With a refined interior, advanced tech features, and a choice of petrol, diesel, or plug-in hybrid powertrains, it suits city driving and long journeys.

According to the experts, it offers great visibility, while the spacious boot and flexible rear seating make it ideal for families.

The latest model includes an entertainment system and driver assistance.

Some 5,464 were sold in March.

It sells from approximately £34,000.

9 ‒ MG ZS

The MG ZS is a real stand-out in the compact SUV market, providing exceptional value and generous features.

The 2025 hybrid model combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine with electric assistance, achieving 0-62mph in 8.7 seconds, alongside an official fuel economy of 55 miles per gallon.

It also offers ample rear-seat space and a sizable boot.

However, What Car? notes that it lacks adjustable back support, which may be uncomfortable for some drivers.

During the research period, there were 5,907 new sales.

You can bag one of these from around £18,000.

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8 – Ford Kuga

The Ford Kuga is a versatile mid-size SUV, which sold an impressive 5,949 units during March 2025.

According to What Car?, the model offers petrol, full hybrid and plug-in hybrid options.

AutoTrader praises its affordability, noting it undercuts many rivals in price, while offering attractive monthly finance options.

However, both reviews point out some minor drawbacks.

For instance, hybrid models can be noisy under acceleration.

Prices begin from approximately £32,000.

7 – MG HS

Here’s another SUV on the list.

The MG HS comes packed full of equipment as standard and benefits from a long warranty, according to What Car?

Some 6,337 were sold in March.

Prices for the MG HS begin from approximately £25,000.

6 – Volkswagen Golf

There’s been a VW Golf of some description available since the early 1970s and the latest incarnation is proving very popular.

According to the latest SMMT data, 6,447 sold during the registration period.

You need around £28,000 to get your hands on a Golf.

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5 ‒ Nissan Juke

In fifth place is the trailblazing Juke, which has been around in one form or another for 15 years.

It put an SUV in reach of potential buyers on a smaller budget and that ethos remains today.

Some 6,447 Jukes went to new homes during this period.

You can get yourself behind the wheel of one from around £23,500.

4 ‒ Nissan Qashqai

The first generation of Nissan’s Qashqai arrived back in early 2007, and it’s remained hugely popular.

It was also named SUV car of the year 2024 in the Company Car & Van awards, with the judges praising its practicality, safety and overall good looks.

The Qashqai range starts from a little over £30,000.

An impressive 6,844 were sold in March.

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3 – Vauxhall Corsa

The Vauxhall Corsa remains a top choice among UK superminis, combining affordability, practicality and modern features.

The electric models have a range of up to 248 miles.

The Corsa features a 10-inch touchscreen. It also includes adaptive cruise control, heated seats and a panoramic rear-view camera.

Some 6,851 were sold during the research period.

Prices begin at approximately £19,000.

2 ‒ Kia Sportage

The Kia Sportage took second spot on the list.

The 1.6T GDi3 version of this vehicle, which will set you back around £30,000, was named Family SUV of the Year in the 2024 What Car? awards. 

Overall, 7,874 were sold during the research period.

1 ‒ Ford Puma

The most popular car was this nifty SUV from Ford, which has seen 11,332 units sold.

The 1.0 EcoBoost 155 mHEV ST-Line also won the What Car? award in 2024 for the best small SUV to drive.

The Puma range sells for approximately £26,000.

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Bag a bargain on your next car

Whether you’re going for one of these best-selling models or something a little more niche, you’re going to want to get the best possible deal. 

Thankfully, there are plenty of simple ways to save money, from doing your research on what constitutes a fair price to giving haggling a go and seeing if you can get the dealer to knock a few quid off the listed price.

For more, check out our guide to buying a car for less.

Have your say

Do you own any of the cars on this list? Are you happy with your purchase?

We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.