These are the UK’s top 10 best-selling cars of 2026… so far
Proof that Britain still likes a hatchback! But crossovers reign supreme
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Volvo XC40 – 23,655
Volvo XC40 – 23,655
“The XC40 is an upright and solid SUV rather than pretending too hard to be a car-like crossover. Volvo has made something nicely distinctive here. That’s helped by the fact the values of an SUV correspond with many of the values of Volvo.”
Read the full Volvo XC40 review here
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Tesla Model 3 – 23,704
Tesla Model 3 – 23,704
“Posed against po-faced competitors, Teslas are invariably the quick ones, the efficient ones, the fun ones with Fart Mode and the lucky ones least dependent on a haphazard charging ecosystem. While the styling won’t be to all tastes and the driving dynamics aren’t all that memorable, it’s easy to see why the Model 3 has become a global standard setter for the EV experience. And at last the hardware seems to be catching up with the onboard tech.”
Read the full Tesla Model 3 review here
Mini Cooper – 23,724
Mini Cooper – 23,724
“We were sceptical that Mini could convincingly update a decade-old design to remain competitive with this new-gen car, but partly because of the Mini’s inherent quality and partly due to the lack of convincing new rivals in this sorely underpopulated class, it’s still an easy car to recommend.”
Read the full Mini Cooper review here
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MG HS – 26,653
MG HS – 26,653
“The new HS represents a useful step forward; a car whose looks, powertrain and perception of quality have all improved.”
Read the full MG HS review here
Volkswagen Golf – 26,702
Volkswagen Golf – 26,702
“There wasn’t a whole bunch wrong with the Mk7 Golf. And when the Mk8 arrived, we longed for the clarity of the old car’s infotainment. While the touchscreen still rules in the Mk8.5, the new system is undoubtedly an improvement. And the rest of the car is, sure enough, finely polished. Better steering, better refinement, better safety.”
Read the full VW Golf review here
Vauxhall Corsa – 27,390
Vauxhall Corsa – 27,390
“All previous Corsas have reeked of mediocrity, but this one drives with poise and precision: it’s more refined, efficient, comfortable and it looks smart too.”
Read the full Vauxhall Corsa review here
Nissan Qashqai – 33,082
Nissan Qashqai – 33,082
“Qashqais were always a very Goldilocks proposition for a lot of family transport in terms of exterior size vs usefulness – and it’s well-priced.”
Read the full Nissan Qashqai review here
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Kia Sportage – 37,085
Kia Sportage – 37,085
“It’s not quite as posh as an Audi Q3 or BMW X1, nor as engaging to drive as a Ford Kuga or Seat Ateca, but the balance it offers between both worlds is good.”
Read the full Kia Sportage review here
Jaecoo 7 – 39,474
Jaecoo 7 – 39,474
“There’s not much for a Top Gear reader to sink their teeth into here. Nothing mind-blowingly innovative, but since when did that matter to the likes of the big-selling Nissan Qashqai, Vauxhall Mokka or um, ooh, what’s it called, you know the one? The whaddjamacallit. They’re everywhere…”
Read the full Jaecoo 7 review here
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Ford Puma – 42,926
Ford Puma – 42,926
“It’s easily superior to its closest rivals and brings driver appeal to a woefully uninteresting class of cars…”
Read the full Ford Puma review here
