[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/blog\/best-selling-cars-2016-2\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/blog\/best-selling-cars-2016-2\/","headline":"The best-selling cars of 2016","name":"The best-selling cars of 2016","description":"2016 was another record year for Britain\u2019s new car market with almost 2.7 million sold, according to annual registrations figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Some 2,692,786 new cars were registered throughout 2016, marking a 2.3 per cent uplift on the previous year and making 2016 the fifth consecutive year of growth. Don\u2019t use that a measure of consumer confidence though, this growth was spearheaded by the fleet market and company car sales, which were up […]","datePublished":"2017-01-10","dateModified":"2017-01-20","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/matthew-collett\/#Person","name":"Matthew Collett","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/matthew-collett\/","identifier":5,"description":"Max Wheeler is a leading motoring journalist and classic car specialist at Smart Motoring, renowned for his sharp insight and infectious passion for all things automotive. With years of experience covering motoring news, supercars, and the enduring legacy of classic cars, Max brings stories to life with style and authority. Whether it\u2019s the roar of a Lamborghini, the elegance of an Aston Martin DB5, or the cultural impact of vintage motoring icons, he delivers expert commentary that inspires enthusiasts and collectors alike. Dedicated to celebrating the heritage and future of driving, Max Wheeler is your trusted voice for classic car news and beyond.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/64eca1152247aa111ace79ff1c03782b175df9dc21d2092364ff21e1cf5e38fa?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/64eca1152247aa111ace79ff1c03782b175df9dc21d2092364ff21e1cf5e38fa?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Smart Motoring","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/feature-2.png","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/feature-2.png","height":520,"width":1200},"url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/blog\/best-selling-cars-2016-2\/","about":["BLOG"],"wordCount":899,"keywords":["audi a3","Best Selling Cars","ford fiesta","ford focus","Mercedes C-Class","Mini","Nissan Qashqai","vauxhall astra","Vauxhall Corsa","VW Golf","VW Polo"],"articleBody":"2016 was another record year for Britain\u2019s new car market with almost 2.7 million sold, according to annual registrations figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.Some 2,692,786 new cars were registered throughout 2016, marking a 2.3 per cent uplift on the previous year and making 2016 the fifth consecutive year of growth.Don\u2019t use that a measure of consumer confidence though, this growth was spearheaded by the fleet market and company car sales, which were up 4.8 per cent in 2016.Private registrations in the retail market actually slipped by 0.2 per cent last year, so spending was stagnant if anything.Britain has one of the most diverse new car markets in the world with 44 brands offering close to 400 different models, and that\u2019s only set to grow in 2017, with nearly 70 new models expected over the next 12 months.DisclaimerBefore we get into the top ten rundown though, a slight disclaimer.See, rather than actual sales, these figures refer to registrations – i.e. how many newly built cars were given a registration plate.In October, it was claimed that up to a fifth of all new cars registered in the UK were \u2018pre-reg\u2019.This meant that the physical car hadn\u2019t been sold and was likely gathering dust on a forecourt.Many are eventually sold with up to 20 per cent hacked from its OTR price but it\u2019s a widespread practice employed by dealerships so they get their monthly bonus from the manufacturer.We published a lengthy article about it in November, but for now, which cars were most in-demand in 2016?…10. Audi A3 – 43,808 unitsAudi\u2019s biggest-selling model is unsurprisingly the A3.It has one of the widest ranges of any car on sale and whatever you need from your new car, there\u2019s almost certainly an A3 to fit the bill.The premium hatchback is well-rounded and well-priced, mixing style and practicality with great performance and a hefty dose of refinement.9. Mercedes-Benz C-Class – 44,184 unitsThe C-Class has had to deal with some tough competition of late in the face of the revitalised Audi A4 and Jaguar\u2019s XE now in full flow.Those models outclass the Merc in certain areas, but they\u2019re nowhere to be seen in this list, which means that the C-Class remains Britain\u2019s favourite compact executive car.8. Mini Hatch – 48,328 unitsIt\u2019s the best Mini ever (in our humble opinion) and it\u2019s the go-to name for anyone after a cheeky but high-end supermini.Size-wise, it may not be so mini anywhere but this third-gen Mini Hatch is completely reimagined, with new engines, terrific handling and a seemingly limitless amount of custom options to make your Mini one of a kind.7. Volkswagen Polo – 54,448 unitsIf Dieselgate has damaged the public perception of VW, it certainly hasn\u2019t dented their sales,.Actually, they went up by 17 per cent in 2016 and the Polo is the first of two Volkswagens in the UK top ten.The Polo may not be as fun to drive as Ford\u2019s Fiesta, but it does offer a more upmarket alternative with a smart interior and loads of equipment.6. Vauxhall Astra – 60,719 unitsThe Astra has been around since 1979 so it really spoke volumes when the critics hailed the current generation as the best yet.It hasn\u2019t always been the most competitive in its class, with the Focus and Golf leading the way, but that didn\u2019t stop it from claiming the title of European Car of the Year in 2016.5. Nissan Qashqai – 62,682 unitsEven Nissan was caught off-guard when the first generation Qashqai sold by the boatload, and they\u2019ve been keen not to fix what isn\u2019t broke with its successor by simply fine-tuning what was so great about the hiked-up family hatch first time around.It\u2019s practical, well-built, great to live with and the only car of its kind in this list, which says it all really.4. Volkswagen Golf – 69,492 unitsThe Golf is the biggest selling car in Europe and even with a revised Golf on the way, the seventh-generation model is still doing the business here.That\u2019s because it combines quality, practicality and a premium feel at the right price.3. Ford Focus – 70,545 unitsMore than one in ten new cars registered in 2016 was a Ford, and 22 per cent of the blue oval\u2019s 316,318 registrations was a Focus.It was the UK\u2019s best-selling car for years before the Fiesta took over in 2007 and it\u2019s clear that many still love the Focus.2. Vauxhall Corsa – 77,110 unitsThe Corsa has been locked in a tussle with the Fiesta pretty much since both of them have been in the marketplace.The current model is a pleasant well-rounded supermini, but it needs to go some way to beat its famous rival and 2016\u2019s best selling car…1. Ford Fiesta – 120,525 unitsThe race wasn\u2019t even close; the Fiesta outsold 2016\u2019s runner-up by more than 43,000 units and it\u2019s no mystery why.The Fiesta is a sensational supermini with a vast and versatile range, excelling in pretty much every area.You want economy? Every diesel returns more than 75mpg.Performance? The ST200 does 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds.Style? Well, just look at it!July will see the arrival of an all-new model, suggesting that the party will just roll on for the Fiesta.Which car in the UK top ten would you like to see on your driveway? Tell us in the comments section below…"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"The best-selling cars of 2016","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/blog\/best-selling-cars-2016-2\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]