The UK new car market saw a decline in August 2025, with registrations falling by -2.0% to 82,908 units, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The drop comes during what is traditionally the quietest month of the year, typically accounting for less than 5% of annual sales ahead of the September number plate change.
The Ford Puma claimed the bestseller crown, both for August and the year-to-date, while the Kia Sportage holds onto it’s place as the second bestselling car. Year-to-date, the Nissan Qashqai takes third, but the Tesla Model Y claims bronze for August.
Despite the overall dip, electric vehicles (EVs) continue to make notable gains. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) saw registrations climb by 14.9% compared to August 2024, capturing a record 26.5% of the market – the highest monthly share so far in 2025 and the fourth highest on record. The rise is attributed to growing model availability, ongoing manufacturer discounts, and early benefits from the newly introduced Electric Car Grant.
Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) posted even stronger growth, up 69.4% year-on-year to account for 11.8% of the market. Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) declined by -13.9%, now representing 11.4% of total registrations.
Petrol vehicles still hold the largest share at 45.1%, but that’s down from 51.5% in August 2024, with volumes falling by -14.2%. Diesel continues its downward trajectory, dropping -16.6% year-on-year and now accounting for just 5.2% of the market.
What the industry says about UK car sales
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive said: ‘August was the best month yet this year for EV market share and, while it is often volatile due to low overall volumes, the overall trend is positive. September will be critical, with the new number plate factor typically driving around one in seven new car registrations for the year.’
‘There is now a vast choice of electric models across all segments and many consumers will also, for the first time in three years, benefit from a grant to help them switch to electric. With more models being added to the Government’s Electric Car grant each week, there is now every reason for drivers to make the switch, helping deliver both economic growth and decarbonisation.’
The top 10 bestselling cars of August 2025
- Ford Puma – 2,457 sold
- Kia Sportage – 1,785 sold
- Tesla Model Y – 1,650 sold
- Tesla Model 3 – 1,593 sold
- Volkswagen Tiguan – 1,526 sold
- Jaecoo 7 – 1,367 sold
- Audi A3 – 1,290 sold
- Vauxhall Corsa– 1,290 sold
- MINI Cooper – 1,251 sold
- MG HS – 1,138 sold
Top 10 bestselling cars of 2025 year-to-date
It's the nation's favourite for a reason
It’s also the best-driving SUV in its class, running rings around the likes of the Renault Captur and Nissan Juke. It captures a lot of the same handling magic found in the old Fiesta, with which it shares its underpinnings – and, now that the Fiesta’s dead, this is the only way to experience that magic. This year's facelift hasn't been as promising as we'd hoped, but the fundamentals are still there.
To find out more, read our full Ford Puma review
Pros
- It’s the best-driving family SUV
- Fun and frugal petrol engines
- Huge boot thanks to Ford’s Megabox
Cons
- Rear legroom is a little tight
- Dashboard is rather bland
There’s a Sportage to suit almost everyone
But we reckon the Sportage is worth spending the cash on. It has a practical interior, plenty of standard equipment, a great infotainment package and it comes with Kia’s brilliant seven-year warranty. The only thing that lets it down is it’s driving experience. Its steering is a little too light for our liking and its handling isn’t anywhere near as fun as the Ford Kuga’s. We can’t fault it otherwise, though.
To find out more, read our full Kia Sportage review
Pros
- Intuitive infotainment screen
- Great standard equipment
- Spacious and practical cabin
Cons
- Overly light steering system
- Pricey – especially the PHEV model
The car that kicked off the SUV craze
Buyers have a choice of two petrol engines. There’s a 1.3-litre mild-hybrid available with two power outputs, and a 1.5-litre full hybrid. We recommend opting for the latter – with more power and greater efficiency it’s better to live with day-to-day. The facelifted model is here, too, so watch out for deals on the outgoing car.
To find out more, read our full Nissan Qashqai review
Pros
- High-quality interior
- Lots of tech that works well
- Incredibly refined E-Power hybrid
Cons
- No PHEV or performance version
- No load-through hatch on rear bench
Popular supermini still makes for a solid pick
Vauxhall has worked wonders getting price parity between the petrol and electric version. Both are good value for money too, with strong leasing and financing deals in its corner. It's a sensible pick and will serve as a very competent car for most duties, but there are better cars out there.
To find out more, read our full Vauxhall Corsa review
Pros
- Impressive fuel economy
- Spacious in the front
- Lots of standard equipment
Cons
- Interior feels a little low-rent
- Lack of cabin storage space
It isn't our favourite, but UK drivers love it
The Juke trails its larger sibling, the Qashqai, in the sales charts, but the numbers are surprisingly close. Perhaps that’s indicative of UK buyers downsizing their cars.
To find out more, read our full Nissan Juke review
Pros
- User-friendly interior
- Clear infotainment system
- Distinctive styling
Cons
- Fidgety ride
- Engines need more pep
The original family hatch just got better
Volkswagen has given the updated Golf a brand-new infotainment system, which is far nicer to look at and much easier to use. Build quality has improved, too – and the PHEV models now have twice as much electric range thanks to some new battery technology. It doesn’t drive any differently to the previous model, but that’s not such a bad thing because it always was comfortable on the motorway and engaging in the corners.
To find out more, read our full Volkswagen Golf review
Pros
- New infotainment is one of the best on sale
- Loads of engines, including new PHEV systems
- Build quality is noticeably better than before
Cons
- Not as engaging to drive as the Focus
- Revised Skoda Octavia offers better value
Solid, dependable family SUV
The essentials of a good Volkswagen are all there, too; the interior is comfortable and well put together. It's also lovely and spacious inside with a boot size perfect for family duties. However, we do question the over-reliance on touchscreens.
To find out more read our full Volkswagen Tiguan review
Pros
- Offers buyers lots of choice
- Efficient, engaging engines
- Plenty of space inside
Cons
- Over-reliance on touchscreen
- Ride comfort can be firm
A value-driven SUV
Refinement is far better than before. The HS's golden ticket is no longer its low price, it now features a pleasant interior, better road manners and strong equipment levels, too. The fact it's still a bargain only helps its case.
To find out more, read our full MG HS review
Pros
- Spacious and practical cabin
- Impressive plug-in hybrid
- Excellent value for money
Cons
- Petrol engine lacks refinement
- Annoying safety tech
A family SUV for the fashion conscious
It is affordable and good-value if you're careful with the options, perhaps explaining why it's on this list. Leasing rates, in particular, are exceptionally cheap for both the hybrid and fully electric examples. You'd easily be able to pick one up for roughly £200 per month.
To find out more, read our full Peugeot 2008 review
Pros
- Eye-catching design inside and out
- Decent range of engine options
- Cabin and boot are spacious
Cons
- 3D dials take getting used to
- Driving position won’t suit all
It gets all the fundamentals bang on
We’re particularly fond of the Tucson’s interior. It’s been nailed together incredibly well and has a great infotainment system that’s easy to use on the move. It’s also more than spacious enough for four passengers and it has a simply enormous 620-litre boot.
To find out more, read our full Hyundai Tucson review
Pros
- Comfortable, roomy interior
- User-friendly infotainment
- Range of hybrid option
Cons
- No diesel for long-distance drivers
- Not that fun to drive
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