5 Best-selling cars in Britain!

Over the years in Britain cars have not only been involving in technology, the styling and complete outlook on the car has increased vastly. The likes of Ford, Volkswagen and Nissan have also kept their design at a high standard just like the high end market cars like Mercedes and BMW.

April had also seen a slight decline in alternatively fuelled vehicle registrations, but May saw this market bounce back with a record market share of 4.4%. Over 8,000 alternatively fuelled new cars were registered in May, 46.7% more than May 2016. This means nearly 50,000 hybrid, electric and hydrogen fuel-cell cars have been registered in the UK so far this year.

Diesel cars continue to look decidedly out of favour, with a 20% reduction in May registrations compared to 2016. This is undoubtedly linked to the May changes in Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), replacing the system that had favoured small diesel engines. Meanwhile, petrol-engined cars increased their market share by nearly half a percent.

1. Ford Fiesta Hatchback

The Ford Fiesta has been the UK's best selling car since going on sale in 2008, and once you've driven one, it's quite easy to see why. The Fiesta is quite simply one of the best all-round small hatchbacks available today. Despite being almost eight years old, there are still very few rival models that can match the Fiesta’s blend of versatility, comfort and driving enjoyment. And with a range of very frugal petrol and diesel engines, as well as decent residual values, it’s cost-effective to own, too.

All that makes the Fiesta one of the most satisfying new small cars you can buy. It’s not perfect – the cabin’s button-heavy styling is dating fast, and others offer better quality – but it remains near the top of its class.

2. VW Golf Hatchback

For many mainstream carmakers, the Volkswagen Golf has been the family hatchback yardstick for years. Seven generations on, and with a facelift introduced in February 2017, the latest model is one of the best offerings in its class.

The Golf's strong points include its air of solidity, classy and understated looks, peerless refinement and good performance. It also remains expensive to buy, but it does hold on to its value like no other mainstream family hatchback, so VW is often able to offer it with competitive monthly finance payments. The GTD, GTI and storming Golf R cater for the need for excitement.

The latest Golf is significantly better to drive than the Mk6, because it’s based on VW’s latest MQB platform, which offers safe handling and excellent ride comfort. It’s also decently practical and efficient, and you have a huge choice of engines - including petrol, diesel, hybrid and pure-electric options - and a wide range of trim levels.

3. Nissan Qashqai SUV

The Nissan Qashqai is the family hatchback that thinks it's an SUV. That could have been a recipe for disaster, but Nissan's engineers managed to blend the qualities of both vehicle types to produce a well rounded product.

The Qashqai serves up a good driving experience with low noise levels and ride comfort emerging as clear strengths. The handling isn’t the sharpest in the class but most owners won’t be too put out by that. Economy is good with the 74mpg 1.5-litre dCi rivalling the greenest family-sized cars around.

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Inside it’s spacious and the build quality is good but those who remember the old Qashqai+2 seven-seater will be disappointed with the new Qashqai as it is only available with five-seats. For two more seats, buyers should look towards the larger Nissan X-Trail instead.

4. Ford Focus Hatchback

The Ford Focus has been a best-seller in the UK for many years, and the latest generation is even better. Unveiled in 2011, it was heavily updated in 2014, bringing some new engines, a new front grille, and a higher-quality interior.

The Focus isn't perfect - while the latest car is more refined and better built than those that have gone before, it's lost some of the handling sparkle that defined the original as one of the best cars in its class. It still offers offers a great blend of ride and handling, though, and amongst most rivals it's great to drive.

Up front it's genuinely comfortable, but taller rear passengers might find things a little cramped. The boot's small, too, and is now beaten by many models in the class below.

The engines are great though, with a wide range of petrols and diesels on offer. There's also a slow-selling Focus Electric, though it can't compete with more modern rivals when it comes to range. The three-cylinder EcoBoost petrol units are especially strong, and remain our pick of the range.

5. Volkswagen Polo Hatchback

The Volkswagen Polo is getting on, but it's still our favourite super mini. It offers the best blend of performance, practicality, price and efficiency in the class, and has seen off newer arrivals in our most recent tests. The boot is smaller than expected, although there’s still enough space for most occasions. The big benefit is that it offers good value and should be cheaper to run than the competition, plus it has a higher-quality feel.

The styling is a bit plain when compared to the likes of the Renault Clio, while the Ford Fiesta has the Polo licked for driving dynamics. However, as an all-round package it's hard to beat, which is why we named it the 2016 Super mini of the Year at our annual New Car Awards.

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There's lots of engine choice in the Polo range, starting with a basic 1.0-litre three-cylinder, going right up to the rip-snorting 189bhp 1.8 TSI turbo petrol in the Polo GTI. Most engines are economical, especially the diesels. The 1.4 TDI is supposedly capable of 80mpg, while even the petrols can provide great economy - the BlueMotion petrol model will return nearly 70mpg.

The real cost savings come at resale time, as the Polo's classy image ensures it has strong residuals. Volkswagen's premium image helps - and the trademark build quality ensures it's a reputation deserved.