The UK’s most popular cars revealed

07 January 2009

by Adrian Hearn

The Ford Focus is the UK’s most popular car for the tenth consecutive year with more than 100,000 sold in 2008.

In total, 101,593 Focuses were sold in the UK with the Vauxhall Corsa the second biggest seller – shifting 99,574.

Third place in the list went to the Ford Fiesta with the Vauxhall Astra and VW Golf making up the top five.

However, on the whole 2008 wasn’t a good year for the new car market with overall sales down 11.3 per cent from 2.4million to 2.1million with this year’s sale predicted to fall to 1.78million.

Petrol cars took the biggest hit as cost-conscious motorists look to save money, falling 17.3 per cent while diesel sales fell 4 per cent.

This means petrol cars accounted for 55 per cent (down from 59) with diesels bridging the gap, making up 44 per cent (up from 40).

The UK’s most popular cars:

Ford Focus (101,593 cars sold in 2008)

2008 saw the launch of a face-lifted version of the second generation Focus and it has kept the popular Ford as the UK’s favourite car for the tenth year running.

We said: When you get the opportunity to tackle a fantastic road, in a beautiful location all you really NEED is a driving licence, a sense of fun and a car.

But what you WANT is a car which will enable you to exploit the opportunity, look the part and make you feel like saying “thank you very much” to it afterwards.

Auto Trader's Ford Focus car review
What Car? Ford Focus car review
Read what Ford Focus owners have to say on Drive the Debate

Vauxhall Corsa (99,574)

Now in its third generation, the Corsa continues to be a strong seller, thanks to its tidy looks, good selection of engines and trim levels and affordable price-tag.

We said: The fact it’s the car of choice for thousands of driving instructors is testament to its ability as an easy-to-drive supermini.

The Corsa is more fun to drive than its predecessors, with remarkably low running costs.

Auto Trader's Vauxhall Corsa car review
What Car? Vauxhall Corsa car review
Read what Vauxhall Corsa owners have to say on Drive the Debate

Ford Fiesta (94,989)

The sales of the Fiesta are staggering considering the new model didn’t go on sale until October, illustrating the all-round competence and desirability of the model it replaced.

We said (new model): Out on the open road the Fiesta feels as poised and precise as you could ever want, putting some more overtly sporting machinery to shame.

We said (old model): The handling is excellent, the suspension is firm but not harsh, while the steering has a sharp feel.

Auto Trader's Ford Fiesta (2002-2008) car review
Auto Trader's Ford Fiesta (2008-) car review
What Car? Ford Fiesta (2008-) car review
Read what Ford Fiesta owners have to say on Drive the Debate

Vauxhall Astra (90,641)

Even though it was launched in 2004, the latest Vauxhall Astra still has a cutting edge design, something that has helped keep it towards to top of the sales charts.

We say: You can’t get better than five stars from the EuroNCAP crash tests and that’s exactly what the Astra got.

Auto Trader's Vauxhall Astra car review
What Car? Vauxhall Astra car review
Read what Vauxhall Astra owners have to say on Drive the Debate

Volkswagen Golf (65,029)

Even though it’s about to be replaced, the fifth generation Golf is still a great car and VW knows this which is why the new model shares most of its parts with the five.

We say (old model): Volkswagen Golfs are cool cars - economic, solidly-built motors, which perform well while maintaining an element of class that few rivals can offer.

We say (new model): Finish standards, materials and comfort levels are excellent in the new VW Golf while new white backlit dials also promote the view that the new car now offers a smarter driving environment.

Auto Trader's Volkswagen Golf (2005-2008) car review
Auto Trader's Volkswagen Golf (2008-) car review
What Car? Volkswagen Golf (2005-2008) car review
Read what Ford Focus owners have to say on Drive the Debate

Peugeot 207 (53,462)

The Peugeot 207, with its good choice of engines and provocative design, is the only French car to make the top ten.

We say: Peugeot picked up five stars in the Euro NCAP tests for adults in the car and four for junior passengers. It was also awarded three stars for pedestrian protection.

Auto Trader's Peugeot 207 car review
What Car? Peugeot 207 car review
Read what Peugeot 207 owners have to say on Drive the Debate

BMW 3 Series (49,384)

For a premium car maker to appear in the top ten list shows just how popular the BMW 3 Series is.

We say: On the open road, the BMW 3 Series still displays impeccable driving manners and is a blast to drive thanks to its perfect 50:50 weight distribution.

Auto Trader's BMW 3 Series car review
What Car? BMW 3 Series car review
Read what BMW 3 Series owners have to say on Drive the Debate

Ford Mondeo (44,150)

As with the Focus and Fiesta, Ford has another great car in the Mondeo which handles brilliantly, is well built and has a large selection of engines boasting a good compromise between sporty performance and affordable running costs.

We say: Steers well, handles well, will deliver you to your destination in comfort. Drivers expect these qualities in a Ford Mondeo and the latest version delivers in spades.

Auto Trader's Ford Mondeo car review
What Car? Ford Mondeo car review
Read what Ford Mondeo owners have to say on Drive the Debate

Vauxhall Zafira (43,169)

The seven-seat Zafira is the only MPV to make the list. Launched in 2005, the second generation Zafira is practical, safe and handles well for a people carrier.

We say: In sharing many of its chassis components with the Astra, the Zafira can be thrown round corners with the kind of vigour that would have put the old model in a ditch.

Auto Trader's Vauxhall Zafira car review
What Car? Vauxhall Zafira car review
Read what Vauxhall Zafira owners have to say on Drive the Debate

Vauxhall Vectra (42,555)

While it wasn’t always looked upon as the most enticing choice in the family saloon segment, the Vectra proved to be a impressive sales success for Vauxhall thanks in a large part to the company car market.

The Vectra has been replaced by the excellent Insignia but you can still find a great deal – with some knocking around at less than half the list price.

We say: Vauxhall has done a great job of tailoring the Vectra’s ride and handling to its customers needs. It is easy to drive, making you feel at home, and immediately impressing with its hushed ride.

We say (Vauxhall Insignia): Even in the stiff Sport mode, the ride quality is excellent. For the bulk of our test route, we left the car in its normal setting, and found it a superb compromise, affording plenty of comfort, but very limited bodyroll through bends.