Britain’s bestselling cars of 2021

The final figures are in and the Vauxhall Corsa was the the UK’s most popular car in 2021, deposing the Ford Fiesta after 12 consecutive years at the top of the charts.

Not only is the Corsa available with a choice of petrol and diesel engines, but there’s also an affordable pure electric version (badged Corsa-e) with a range of up to 209 miles.

Latest data from the SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) showed that 305,000 plug-in vehicles (electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids) were sold last year, accounting for 18.6% of overall market share.

Electric vehicles accounted for 11.6% of the market, or 190,727 cars, meaning that more EVs were registered last year than over the previous five years combined, with the Tesla Model 3 leading the charge.

The overall UK car market only improved fractionally, thanks to the global semiconductor shortage and COVID. In 2020, 1.63 million cars were sold, while in 2021 it was 1.65 million.

1. Vauxhall Corsa
   2021 registrations: 40,914
   2020 ranking: 2nd (up 1 place)
   
2. Tesla Model 3
   2021 registrations: 34,783
   2020 ranking: 14th (up 12 places)
   
3. MINI Hatch
   2021 registrations: 31,792
   2020 ranking: 7th (up 4 places)
   
4. Mercedes-Benz A-Class
   2021 registrations: 30,710
   2020 ranking: 5th (up 1 place)
   
5. Volkswagen Polo
   2021 registrations: 30,634
   2020 ranking: 8th (up 3 places)
   
6. Volkswagen Golf
   2021 registrations: 30,240
   2020 ranking: 3rd (down 3 places)
   
7. Nissan Qashqai
   2021 registrations: 29,992
   2020 ranking: 6th (down 1 place)
   
8. Ford Puma
   2021 registrations: 28,697
   2020 ranking: 9th (up 1 place)
   
9. Kia Sportage
   2021 registrations: 27,611
   2020 ranking: 16th (up 7 places)
   
10. Toyota Yaris
    2021 registrations: 27,415
    2020 ranking: 15th (up 5 places)