Best-selling cars in the UK of 2022

The MG HS tops the sales charts for the first month of the year with 3481 units sold

The MG HS tops the sales charts this month, ahead of the Nissan Qashqai and the Vauxhall Corsa

What's hot and what's not? The SMMT's new car registration data reveals all, so we've been studying the most recent figures to find out which are Britain's best-selling new cars. 

The latest numbers have shown which cars have drawn the biggest sales since the start of 2023, with some retaining a market stronghold against the odds while others fight their way onto the best-sellers list for the first time.  

The Nissan Qashqai finished 2022 as the UK's best-selling car after a year when the automotive industry was blighted by parts shortages and semiconductor production issues. One of four SUVs in the final top ten, the Qashqai, which is built in the UK at Nissan's Sunderland factory, secured top spot after a strong finish to the year, pulling far ahead of the reigning Vauxhall Corsa. 

Read on to see which cars finished in the UK's top ten for 2022, and how many units they sold.

*The UK's best-selling cars of 2022*

*1 MG HS, 3481 units sold so far this year*

MG’s bargain SUV tops the sales chart for January. Starting from a smidge over £23,000, the HS rivals the likes of the Mazda CX-5, Volkswagen Tiguan and Honda CR-V. Available with a selection of petrol powertrains and a newly-added plug-in hybrid, the model offers a surprisingly high level of comfort and practicality, along with respectable drivability, refinement and performance. A seven-year warranty isn’t half bad, either. 

*2 Volkswagen T-Roc, 3256 units*

The Volkswagen T-Roc has been around for six years, but it remains a seriously popular choice for UK buyers - more so, it seems, than the venerable Volkswagen Golf. A recent facelift boosted interior quality, addressing one of few criticisms of the well-rounded crossover.

*3 Nissan Qashqai, 3121 units*

The Qashqai, 2022’s top-selling car in the UK, enters 2023 in second place. The British-built crossover is now in its third generation and pipped the Vauxhall Corsa to the top spot last year. It continues to appeal to buyers on our shores because of its excellent practicality, and its appeal is no doubt bolstered by the addition of electrified powertrains for this generation. 

*4 Kia Niro, 2625 units*

One of Kia’s most important cars, the Niro has just entered its second generation with both EV and hybrid powertrains. A far more popular choice in the UK than the likes of the Honda HR0V, Renault Arkana and the Toyota C-HR, the Niro is good to drive and filled to the brim with technology. 

*5 Vauxhall Corsa, 2525 units*

Having topped the list the two previous, consecutive years, the Vauxhall Corsa finished second to the Qashqai in 2022, despite topping the leaderboard for ten out of twelve months. Its success is in part due to its PSA-developed underpinnings and mix of petrol, diesel and electric powertrains. It has tightly held on to first place so far this year, and its success looks likely to continue.

*6 Kia Sportage, 2409 units*

The new Sportage enters the new year in exactly the same position it ended the last - in sixth place. Consistency is key for the SUV, which entered its fifth generation at the tail end of last year. It looks like the model will once again prove a smash hit for the firm in 2023, thanks to its eye-catching design, on-trend powertrains and strong value for money.

*7 Ford Puma, 2316 units*

Say goodbye to the Ford Fiesta - the Ford Puma is now the company’s number one car. The small crossover will be the firm’s new entry-level offering, but all is not lost - it possesses impressive driving dynamics and attractive pricing, and the range is topped by a fun-filled ST version. It might not be the Fiesta we all know and love, but it’s a good alternative nonetheless. 

*8 MG ZS, 2260 units*

Tuned specifically for the UK, the MG ZS is the second MG model in January’s top ten. The ZS is, MG says, the segment’s most practical car, and offers two of the same petrol engines as the larger HS. An EV variant bolstered the range in 2019, and improved heavily in 2021 with modern styling and a boost in range. 

*9 Hyundai Tucson, 2259 units*

The Hyundai Tucson is one of the UK’s most popular SUVs, and regularly appeared in the top 10 last year. Arguably the most premium option in the top 10, it was renewed in 2021 with a fresh front end with a unique, eye-catching lighting set-up. Its plush interior and range of electrified powertrains are an attractive proposition for many buyers.

*10 Ford Fiesta 2042 units*

It’s sad to see the Fiesta’s continued popularity with the knowledge it’ll be leaving the Ford range later this year, bringing an end to 47 years of production. It's set to be replaced by an electric crossover, which will go head-to-head with the high-selling Puma and Kuga. Its popularity is down to its versatility and all-round excellent driving dynamics, with the performance ST variant still holding up as one of the best hot hatches on the market. We're sorry to see it go.