4. Volkswagen Golf – 23,482 units
The Volkswagen Golf isn’t quite as popular as it once was, but it’s still a top pick for drivers on the hunt for a good all-round family hatchback or estate.
In fact, it’s slowly creeping its way back up the charts, now sitting in fourth place. This could be a hugely important time for the Golf, which has just gone on sale in facelifted ‘Mk8.5’ form.
The German stalwart has been kept fresh with a wide-reaching technology update, a design revamp, a more powerful GTI and a longer-range plug-in hybrid, so it could climb higher still.
Read our Volkswagen Golf review
5. Nissan Juke – 22,702 units
The Nissan Juke remains a popular car among UK buyers, having finished 2023 in eighth place.
The small SUV went on sale with a brand-new design in 2020, then a facelifted version arrived in the middle of last year, along with hybrid power for the first time.
A big sales jump in July continues healthy sales growth: the Juke has moved up four places in two months.
Read our Nissan Juke review
6. Audi A3 – 21,680 units
The Audi A3 is one of only three cars on this list that isn’t an SUV, and it was even outselling its Volkswagen Golf sibling earlier this year, just as it did in 2023.
It’s certainly worthy of its spot in the top 10, offering a comfortable ride and good body control, plus a plush and roomy interior.
The fact that it’s also substantially cheaper than the rival Mercedes-Benz A-Class also helps its case.
Read our Audi A3 Sportback review
7. Hyundai Tucson – 20,297 units
