A few years ago, the number of cars on UK roads broke through the 40 million mark for the first time. But while there might be thousands of different models available, the vast majority of these vehicles come courtesy of just a handful of manufacturers.
Certain models stand out as enormously popular. But which cars do British motorists favour in 2023?
Ford Fiesta
For much of its quarter-century tenure on British roads, the Ford Fiesta has been ubiquitous. But in recent times, it’s slipped down the pecking order. Despite this, the Fiesta remains the most common car in Britain, with around a million and a half vehicles.
In 2022, the manufacturer revealed that this little car would be winding down in 2023, with no new Fiestas being created and sold.
Ford Focus
Just behind the Fiesta is the Focus, from the same manufacturer. The Focus is the second most owned car in the country, with just over a million cars registered. Most of us think of this car as a slightly larger, sportier, more upmarket alternative to the Fiesta. The classic aesthetic remains in strong evidence: it’s a car that performs wonderfully, looks great, and ticks several boxes when it comes to practicality.
Vauxhall Corsa
The Corsa sits just alongside the Focus when it comes to popularity. With that said, it’s likely that the Corsa will have pulled ahead, since it remains at the top of the sales charts, where the Fords have fallen away. It’s easy to see why it’s so popular. Like the Focus, it presents an appealing gamut of features, and the price is extremely competitive.
Volkswagen Golf
With barely over a million cars on the road, the Golf is a common fixture. It’s slightly pricier than its competitors in the supermini category, but it does offer a build quality that’s difficult to argue with, and plenty of cutting-edge features.
Naturally, the extent to which these various features appeal to you will depend on your personal preference. If you’re looking at a purchase, then the best way forward might be to test-drive several of them. This is where temporary car insurance might prove a sound investment.
Most popular EV
One factor we haven’t touched on is the potential of the nascent EV industry. Electric vehicles haven’t yet taken off in the UK, but the chances are good that they will over the coming decade. For now, the most popular electric car is the Tesla Model Y, followed closely by the Kia e-Niro.
